CLASS 3A: Underrated Juniors

Israel Potoczny

March 22, 2020 @ 06:25 PM

The opening round of the Kansas 3A state championships opened on Wednesday with quarterfinal play at Kansas State University in Manhattan. Wichita Collegiate defeated Colby (56-48); Beloit defeated Nemaha Central (51-43). The Kansas High School Activities Association announced on Thursday the remaining state tournament games will not be played. Kanoa Ashley, 5’9, G, 2021, Wichita Collegiate A quick guard who runs the floor and looks to defend the ball. He attacks when he has the ball but is a good passer and looks to feed his teammates both inside and on the perimeter. A player with speed and the ability to make plays on both ends of the floor in transition. Isaiah Holz, 6’0, G, 2021, St. Mary’s A solid playmaker who can create for himself and score as an off the ball player. Holz can knock down shots from outside but looks to score high percentage buckets close to the basket. Holz attacks the basket and brings a toughness and control that stands out on both ends of the floor. He led his team in scoring with 13 points in their win over Haven. [player_tooltip player_id="946217" first="Zane" last="Jacques"], 6’2, G/F, 2021, Haven A solid defensive player who has good length and the ability to contest shots inside. He is aggressive and active on the floor and has good speed and the ability to play inside and out. A solid junior player who has good athleticism. Ryan Myers, 6’2, G, 2021, Colby Myers is another two-way player for Colby who looks to challenge offenses and score around the basket. He has good speed and good size and uses his athleticism and overall play to rebound, force turnovers and knock down open shots when he has a look. He ended the game with 11 points. Darby Roper, 5’11, G, 2021, Haven Roper is a two-way player who can score buckets and forced turnovers. He is an active guard who plays great defense and can collapse on the ball but is also confident in his shooting and scoring ability even if he isn’t getting the bounce. Roper struggled to connect and Haven’s loss against St Mary’s but set a tone defensively and had five rebounds. Jaren Rush, 6’1, G/F, 2021, Colby A nice overall player who helps Colby score close to the basket and rebound. He is good at making extra passes and is unselfish and also a strong defensive player who collapses on the ball. Skylar Shingleton, 5’10, G, 2021, Haven Shingleton was 3-3 from 3-point range against St. Mary’s showing a soft touch in good form. He moves off the ball well and is a good defender as well. He stays in front of the ball and looks to jump passing lanes and force traps if opportunities present themselves. Peyton Wahlmeier, 6’4, F, 2021, Colby A player who can drive, create with his dribble and move inside and score. He is a strong team leader who is active on the floor and looks to get back on defense, contest shots and come away with the ball. He has good instincts and a high IQ and the game that translates to strong low and high post plays. He ended the game against Collegiate with 12 points. Benaiah Yoder, 5’8, G, 2021, Haven A do everything junior guard who looks to make plays inside the perimeter. He can handle the ball some and connects from the mid-range area and off the glass. He’s good at getting shots off before defenses swarm him and shows good speed and a lot of hustle. Yoder Had 10 points in Haven’s loss to St Mary’s.