Topeka West putting it together
Getting games in the books hasn’t been easy for Topeka West. Mother Nature has played havoc on the schedule. But the Chargers picked up two wins this week and will be busy the next couple of weeks, weather permitting. They…
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Continue ReadingGetting games in the books hasn’t been easy for Topeka West. Mother Nature has played havoc on the schedule. But the Chargers picked up two wins this week and will be busy the next couple of weeks, weather permitting. They have some makeup games scheduled and will play in the Topeka Invitational Tournament Jan. 23-25.
Their 6-15 record last season was in part a result of the youth on the court. Coach Rick Bloomquist relied heavily on Elijah Brooks as a freshman, and played several sophomores as well. That experience is paying off now. The Chargers sit at 4-1, with several notable performers:
Elijah Brooks, 6-2 sophomore:
Brooks averaged 10.5 points a game, made 13 3-pointers and shot 76.3% from the free-throw line as a freshman. Despite the inconsistent schedule, he’s been on fire as a sophomore. He opened the season with 24 points against Highland Park. He had 20 against Emporia and Seaman.
Tre Alexander 6-foot-3 junior:
Brooks was slowed down slightly in wins against Hayden and Ottawa. But Alexander stepped in to fill the void. He exploded for 29 against Hayden, shooting 10-15 from the field and 7-9 from the line. He followed that up with 18 against Ottawa. Alexander’s production is no surprise. He averaged 10 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.4 blocked shots as a sophomore, earning third-team All-City honors and All-Centennial League honorable mention.
Dre Durall, 6-foot-3 senior:
Durall is currently the city’s leading rebounder. He isn’t relied upon to score a ton, but he tossed in 23 against Highland Park early in the season. Last season he shot 56.4% from the field on 2-point attempts, 80% from the line and grabbed 5.7 rebounds a game.
Khalen Harrison, 6-foot junior:
As a point guard on a team loaded with guards, Harrison plays the distributor. He averaged 5 points and 3 rebounds per game as a sophomore.
Marque Wilkerson, 6-foot-2 junior:
Wilkerson has emerged the last two outings as a scoring option for the Chargers. He tossed in 12 against Hayden and 15 versus Ottawa.
Bryson Bitler, 6-foot senior:
With so much firepower in the lineup, a sharpshooter is a nice addition. Bitler canned two three-pointers against Ottawa.