Takeaways from Washburn Rural’s win over Highland Park
In a matchup of teams with identical 5-1 records (3-1 in the Centennial League), Washburn Rural prevailed over Highland Park in overtime Monday night. Here are five things we learned from this matchup of two of the best teams in…
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Continue ReadingIn a matchup of teams with identical 5-1 records (3-1 in the Centennial League), Washburn Rural prevailed over Highland Park in overtime Monday night. Here are five things we learned from this matchup of two of the best teams in the league:
1) Kevin Muff molds winners:
The Washburn Rural coach guided what appeared to be a team of average talent to the state finals last year. Now, despite losing three top-shelf guards to graduation, he’s got the current version of the Junior Blues maxing out their abilities once again.
2) Joe Berry is as consistent as he is good:
The junior guard/forward entered the contest averaging 22.5 points per game, and he pumped in 21 Monday against the Scots. The model of consistency, he has scored no fewer than 19 and no more than 26 in the Junior Blues’ seven games.
3) Jack Hutchinson will hit open shots:
The junior’s stat line is up and down, depending upon the number of open looks he gets. But he drilled five three-pointers Monday night for the Junior Blues, demonstrating once again that given the opportunity, he’s probably the best shooter in Topeka.
4) Josh Williams shouldn’t be overlooked:
The biggest shot of the night probably came at the start of overtime, and it came from the hand of a guy who was scoreless at the time. But Williams drilled a three-pointer to start off the Washburn Rural roll through overtime, and he hit three of four free throws to finish the game off.
5) Highland Park could use consistent output:
Coach Michael Williams is building something at Highland Park. Remember the Scots went just 3-18 last year. They look like one of the better teams in the Centennial League. But the point production from individuals is up and down. Having a variety of options is a good thing, as is the ability to being able to play varying styles. But that said, the inconsistency of production is interesting. Big man CJ Powell has had games of 22 and 20, but had just 9 against the Junior Blues. Juan’Tario Roberts has had four games with at least 20 points, but just 7 against Hayden last week. And Jahi Peppers, who has had three games in double figures, accounted for just 4 against Washburn Rural.