Five Takeaways: Hayden-Shawnee Heights
Five Takeaways: Hayden-Shawnee Heights
Topeka Hayden got a balanced offensive attack and knocked off Shawnee Heights on the road on Wednesday, defeating the Thunderbirds, 61-49.
Hayden had three players in double figures, led by Levi Braun’s 17 points, while Jett Canfield added 14 points and DeShawn Hanika scored 12.
Shawnee Heights got a game-high 19 points from Tyler White.
Here, Prep Hoops Kansas takes a look at several things that stood out in the contest.
MVP: Jett Canfield (5’11. PG, 2018, Hayden). With 2019 wing Zach Harvey sitting out the competition on Wednesday, Hayden senior point guard Jett Canfield stepped up and helped lead the Wildcats to the win, scoring 14 points, handling the ball and leading the team. Canfield also dropped off several assists throughout the game and attacked the basket off the bounce.
Best offensive performance: Levi Braun (6’2, G, 2019, Hayden). Braun is equally comfortable playing on the ball or off the ball and on Wednesday, he stepped up and knocked down several open 3-pointers, then went to the free throw line late in the contest and was nails, going 4 for 4. He finished with 17 points to lead Hayden.
Best defensive performance: DeShawn Hanika (6’6, F, 2018, Hayden). Hanika had four dunks in the first half, all coming on steals and breakaways as the 6’6 forward got in the passing lanes and disrupted the Thunderbirds’ offense. Late in the game, Hanika came up with a big block on Tyler White as the Shawnee Heights forward drove to the bucket. Hanika is a versatile forward that rebounds, defends and can post up or play a little on the perimeter as well. He finished with 12 points.
Best rebounder: Hayden Federico (6’5, F, 2018, Hayden). Federico led both teams with eight rebounds, scrapping out several tough boards at both ends of the floor. He added eight points and is largely willing to let the game come to him. He is good at setting screens, rolling to the basket and finishing tough chances in the lane.
Best shooter: Tyler White (6’5, F, 2018, Shawnee Heights). At 6’5, White has good size, rebounds well and can be a tough match-up at the offensive end of the court. His calling card at the offensive end is his shooting ability as he has a smooth, repeatable outside shooting stroke and has good size and length, allowing him to get away contested long distance shots without letting the defensive pressure bother him too much. But on Wednesday, he also showed an emerging offensive game off the bounce and did a good job setting up his defender with head fakes and getting to the basket. He finished with a game-high 19 points.
Name to remember: Marquis Barksdale (5’10, F, 2020, Shawnee Heights). Barksdale is one of the more unique players, a 5’10 post player who loves physical play, initiates contact and plays with strength and force. He isn’t afraid to post up bigger, taller players and scored nine points and led the Thunderbirds with seven rebounds.
Best youngster: Harvey Davis Jr (6’2, G/F, 2021, Shawnee Heights). He hasn’t really gotten a lot of hype yet this season, but Shawnee Heights 2021 forward Harvey Davis Jr. showed a solid skill set on Wednesday as he scored seven points and hauled in three rebounds. He mostly lets the game come to him and is willing to play a supporting role for the Thunderbirds, but also stepped up and made a late 3-pointers with 3:46 remaining that cut the Hayden lead to six (55-49). He started and played big minutes, showcasing lots of promise for the future at Shawnee Heights.