Prospect spotlight: Tanner King (2018)
TOPEKA — Goddard Eisenhower 2018 Tanner King prides himself on being a defense-first type player, but on Saturday, it was his offense that helped spark the Tigers to a third-place finish in the 5A state championships in Topeka.
A 6’3 forward, King filled up the stat sheet, finishing with 20 points, five rebounds and four assists as Eisenhower posted a 64-57 win over Wichita Heights.
“I pride myself on defense, that’s want my game is. I score off layups and cutting and that’s all,” he said. “I’m gonna give 110 percent all the time and I’m not afraid to show my emotion on the court.”
Eisenhower won its first game at state on Thursday over Bishop Carroll, 55-50, then fell in overtime to Shawnee Heights, 57-55. But The Tigers rallied on Saturday to beat a talented Wichita Heights squad and finish third overall.
“The atmosphere was amazing and there is nothing like playing the best competition in the state,” King said.
Eisenhower featured two of the state’s premier players in 6’8 2017 Matt Pile who is headed to Omaha, and 6’3 2018 guard Dylan Vincent. King said playing with both made for a memorable season.
“Dylan and Matt are very good leaders on and off the court,” King said. “Matt is great at everything and is by far one of my favorite people to play with, I’m gonna miss him. Dylan is easily one of the best point guards in the state and I’m excited to see what his future holds.”
King is playing his summer with the Wichita Padres who are coached by Tyler Keim. The team featured with Nate Kelly, Cody McNerney, Riley Dick, and Grant Dieter from Collegiate. The team also features Mitchell Woodard and Devin Davis from the City League, Johnny Clausen from Augusta and Mitchell Morris from Eisenhower.
“I (plan to) focus on getting stronger and faster (this summer),” King said. “Also I hope to become a better shooter and become more of a shooting threat.”