Ten Best: Topeka (76), Lawrence (70), fifth-place, TIT
TOPEKA, Kan. — The Trojans got a big win in the fifth-place game on its home court in its own tournament on Saturday, defeating Lawrence, 76-60. Topeka trailed by eight at the half, but outscored Lawrence 21-8 in the third…
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Continue ReadingTOPEKA, Kan. — The Trojans got a big win in the fifth-place game on its home court in its own tournament on Saturday, defeating Lawrence, 76-60.
Topeka trailed by eight at the half, but outscored Lawrence 21-8 in the third quarter, then got some clutch free throw shooting in the fourth quarter to hold on for the win.
MVP: Nysir Scott (Topeka). A 5’10 2017 guard, Scott can really fill it up at the offensive end and scores in a variety of ways. He had 31, including 13 in the crucial third quarter that turned the momentum in the Trojans favor. He also got four rebounds and played a terrific all-around game.
Best offensive performance: Nysir Scott (Topeka). He isn’t very big, but he can really do it at the offensive end, is a creative guard that can get his own shot, get to the bucket and finish, can shoot the 3 and had a mid-range game. He connected on four 3-pointers.
Best defensive performance: Jackson Mallory (Lawrence). Probably didn’t have his best offensive performance, but we like Mallory’s all-around game. He plays hard at the defensive end and was largely tasked with guarding Topeka 2020 PG Ky Thomas throughout Saturday’s game.
Best rebounder: Kobe Buffalomeat (Lawrence). A big, 6’7 post, Buffalomeat had just one rebound through the first three quarters, but was a force in the fourth quarter, hauling in five offensive boards and scoring eight points and Topeka struggled to keep him off the offensive glass.
Best shooter: Damarcous Allen (Topeka). A 6’2 2017 forward, Allen came up big at the free throw line in the fourth quarter where he made 7 of 8 in the final frame, including several in the final moments that helped ice the win. He also connected on a crucial 3-pointer in the fourth as well.
Best passer: Ky Thomas (Topeka). Also a standout football player, Thomas is a strong 5’10 2020 point guard that is a creative ball handler and passer. He’s one of the better freshmen in the Topeka area.
Best underclassmen: Brett Chapple (Lawrence). Of course, the easy selection here would have been Thomas, above, but Lawrence has a standout sophomore class and we thought we should make mention of at least one of them. On Saturday, Chapple was the most productive of Lawrence’s 2019 class. The 6’3 wing got the start and put in 12 points and finished with six rebounds. Clarence King led both teams with seven rebounds, and sophomores Noah Butler and Trey Quartlebaum also got some run.
Name to remember: Kobe Buffalomeat (Lawrence). He’s a large 6’7 2017 post player that loves to play big. He has soft hands and a good feel for scoring in the post, but also reads the defense well and is a willing passer out of double teams. Has a smooth free throw stroke and there will definitely be a spot for him in the college game somewhere.
Best play: Anthony Selden’s first quarter dunk for Lawrence was impressive and came one day after he brought down the house with a dunk in traffic. He’s an impressive 6’4 2018 athlete.