PREVIEW: 5A Sub-State (Lansing)
5A Sub-State #1-2 1. Shawnee Heights (17-3) 2. Washington (14-4) 3. Schlagle (14-6) 4. Topeka Seaman (13-7) 5. Highland Park (11-9) 6. Sumner (7-13) 7. Lansing (5-15) 8. Leavenworth (5-15) Schedule (March 2) Leavenworth at Shawnee Heights, 7 p.m. Highland Park…
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Continue Reading5A Sub-State #1-2
1. Shawnee Heights (17-3) 2. Washington (14-4) 3. Schlagle (14-6) 4. Topeka Seaman (13-7) 5. Highland Park (11-9) 6. Sumner (7-13) 7. Lansing (5-15) 8. Leavenworth (5-15)
Schedule (March 2)
Leavenworth at Shawnee Heights, 7 p.m.
Highland Park at Seaman, 7 p.m.
Lansing at Washington, 7 p.m.
Sumner at Schlagle, 7 p.m.
The Favorite
Shawnee Heights Thunderbirds (17-3): The Thunderbirds have put together a terrific season and are currently ranked No. 3 in the latest 5A state rankings. They dropped their final game of the regular season to Manhattan, but otherwise had won 12 straight since dropping their first game to Manhattan on Jan. 10. They have depth and talent across the board with a dominant big man in Poncho Freeman and a solid point guard in Trey Brown.
The Challenger
Washington Wildcats (14-4): They have won 10 straight since losing back-to-back games to Topeka West and Schlage all the way back on Jan. 6 and Jan. 10. They have posted wins over Schlage and Sumner in recent weeks and have been playing good ball down the stretch. Washington is led by UMKC recruit DeMarco Smith, who is filling up the stat sheet this season, averaging 18.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 2.9 steals per game. He is joined by Randy Campbell, a 6’4, 215-pound 2018 forward who is averaging 16.5 points and 10.4 rebounds per game.
Darkhorse
Highland Park (11-9): They are seeded fifth after facing a tough schedule, but they are scrappy, play hard at the defensive end of the court and have all the tools to make a run in the postseason. They have several individually talented players, including Larry White, Will White, Dasani Giardina and others.
Others
KC Schlagle has put together a nice season at 14-6 and have some talent with several players capable of lighting up the scoreboard.
Topeka Seaman Vikings (13-7): A senior-laden team, Seaman is led by Tanyon Schafer, who is averaging 17.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.3 blocks per game. They pushed No. 1 seeded Shawnee Heights to the limit on Feb. 21, falling in a one-point game in Tecumseh, 60-59.
Players to Watch
Trey Brown, 6’1, 2017, Shawnee Heights
Randy Campbell, 6’4, 2018, Washington
Poncho Freeman, 6’3, 2017, Shawnee Heights
D’Monte Gaw, 6’2, 2019, Schlagle
Da’Vonshai Harden, 6’4, 2020, Highland Park
DiCarlo Jackson jr., 6’2, 2018, Sumner
Ronnell Mitchell, 6’2, 2018, Schlagle
Tanyon Schafer, 6’5, 2017, Seaman
DeMarco Smith, 6’4, 2017, Washington
Larry White, 6’4, 2018, Highland Park
Will White, 6’1, 2018, Highland Park
Reece Williams, 6’6, 2020, Leavenworth