Centennial League’s Top 2021s
There are some good seniors in the Centennial League, but it is a league driven by juniors. In fact, four of the top five players may arguably be from the 2021 class. And picking out the top six wasn’t easy.…
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Continue ReadingThere are some good seniors in the Centennial League, but it is a league driven by juniors. In fact, four of the top five players may arguably be from the 2021 class. And picking out the top six wasn’t easy.
Here are the league’s Top 2021s:
Joe Berry Joe Berry 6'4" | CG Washburn Rural | 2021 State KS , forward, Washburn Rural:
It’s easy to make the argument that Berry is the MVP of the league. He’s had a rebuilt roster around him, and he’s had to do it all, including guarding much taller players in the paint. But Berry goes to work every game, and his team wins. Berry was a third-team All-6A pick as a sophomore and has taken it to another level this year. He averages about 17 points a game, and has eight outings of 20 or more.
Charles Snyder Charles Snyder 6'5" | PF Emporia | 2021 State KS , forward, Emporia:
The 6-foot-4 Snyder has been huge against the best opponents. He scores about 22 points per game, and isn’t just feasting on the weak. He had 33 and 28 in meetings with Topeka High, 26 versus Washburn Rural, and 22 and 21 in meetings with Topeka West.
CJ Powell, forward, Highland Park:
The 6-foot-7 Powell is remarkably nimble and versatile for his size. He shoots and moves well on the perimeter. With the wealth of guards in the Scots’ lineup, Powell might benefit from spending even more time close to the basket. But you can’t argue with his success. Powell received All-5A honorable mention on a 3-18 team last year, and has helped turn the Scots into one of the top teams in the state. Powell has topped 20 points in five of the last seven contests.
Jalen Smith, guard, Topeka High:
On a team loaded with talent, the 6-foot-2 Smith picks and chooses when to step into the spotlight. Several times the Trojans’ leading scorer, Smith has six games of 18 points or more. With Ky Thomas Ky Thomas 6'0" | CG Topeka | 2020 KS bypassing his senior year to get a jumpstart on college football, Smith assumed a much bigger role. The Trojans don’t use just one point guard, but Smith is the closest thing they have to one.
Trevion Alexander, junior, Topeka West:
Alexander tends to get second billing to sophomore Elijah Brooks. But the junior does a pretty good Ben Simmons imitation. Alexander passes well, makes plays for teammates, and is just too big for other guards to keep from getting to the rim. He has six games of 17 or more points, but scoring isn’t where he makes the greatest difference.
Vicarrio Triplett, guard, Hayden:
The multitalented guard has been an essential complement to senior John Roeder John Roeder 6'2" | CG Hayden | 2020 State KS . His role grew throughout the season, and he is averaging about 15 points per game. He is slick in the open court and frees Roeder up by handling the point.