Players to watch: 5A state championships
TOPEKA, Kan. — PrepHoops takes a look at some of the top players to watch this weekend at the 5A state championships in Topeka.
All games played at Topeka Expo Center
First Round (Thursday)
(1) Goddard-Eisenhower (21-1) vs. (8) Wichita Bishop Carroll (12-10), 6:30 p.m.
(4) Shawnee Heights (19-3) vs. (5) St. Thomas Aquinas (18-4), 8:15 p.m.
(2) Salina-Central (20-2) vs. (7) Schlage (16-6), 3 p.m.
(3) Pittsburg (20-2) vs. (5) Wichita Heights (17-5), 4:45 p.m.
Players to Watch
Angelo Allegri, 6;7, 2017, St. Thomas Aquinas
Is among the players in the running for the Kansas Player of the Year honors after a big senior season. He has played some of his best basketball in the biggest games for Aquinas this season. He has terrific length, is a good athlete capable of playing above the rim and can handle the ball and get to the bucket.
Jack Boedeker, 6’9, 2017, St. Thomas Aquinas
Has a big frame and terrific size for a big man. Could be a potential steal for a Division II program. Has good hands and footwork and brings good mobility to the court.
Trey Brown, 6’0, 2017, Shawnee Heights (Missouri Western)
He’s signed to play next season at NCAA Division II Missouri Western in the MIAA and has earned a reputation as one of the state’s elite point guards.
Poncho Freeman, 6’3, 2017, Shawnee Heights
He’s an undersized interior player but makes up for it with his strong, physical play. He’s tough to contain around the basket, but can also step out and knock down perimeter jumpers as well.
Ben Hagenkord, 6’0, 2017, St. Thomas Aquinas
A top-notch competitor, Hagenkord is an elite shooter with a quick release and the ability to get his own shot from behind the arc.
Leiland Lewis, 5’7, 2017, St Thomas Aquinas
He’s one of the state’s premier uncommitted point guards with elite quickness and the ability to get to the bucket and find open teammates.
Brayden Neuschafer, 5’10, 2017, Salina-Central
He’s one of the state’s top 3-point shooters and is averaging nearly 20 points per game for a team that has put together a 20-2 season.
Matt Pile, 6’8, 2017, Eisenhower (Omaha)
Pile has to be putting up one of the best all-around stat lines you’ll see at this level. He’s a big, strong, physical player, but skilled enough to average almost four assists per game as well. Omaha might be getting the biggest steal in the state of Kansas and the Topeka Expo Center will be a golden opportunity for Pile to show off his game.
Dylan Vincent, 6’2, 2018, Eisenhower
He’s been a big riser in the 2018 class throughout the season for Eisenhower, averaging 23 points and 6 assists per game this season.
Others
Tyrell Andrews, 6’0, 2017, Wichita Heights
Clay Cundiff, 6’5, 2019, Bishop Carroll
Devin Davis, 6’1, 2018, Wichita Heights
Gavyn Elkamil, 6’3, 2020, Pittsburg