NE KS Top Returners: Northeast Kansas League
Some of the best players in the area graduated the Northeast Kansas League, including flashy guard Tayshawn Barfield and 6-foot-8 Jaxson Pope from McLouth. But some good underclassmen were leaders of some of the best teams. McLouth and Jefferson County…
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Continue ReadingSome of the best players in the area graduated the Northeast Kansas League, including flashy guard Tayshawn Barfield and 6-foot-8 Jaxson Pope from McLouth. But some good underclassmen were leaders of some of the best teams.
McLouth and Jefferson County North were highly regarded 2A teams, and Valley Falls proved to be one of the best 1A teams in the area.
Here are the top returners in the Northeast Kansas League:
Avery Gatzemeyer, sophomore, Valley Falls:
The 6-1 sophomore helped Valley Falls to a 16-6 record. The Dragons were knocked off by Centralia in the regional finals. Gatzemeyer had multiple 20-plus point games and finished with a 14.3 average. He had several games with three or more 3-pointers.
Ryan Feldkamp, sophomore, Jefferson North:
The 6-4 sophomore nearly averaged a double-double as a freshman. His leadership helped the Chargers improve to 14-7. He’s a load for his age, causing havoc in the paint, and is also a standout football player.
Nathan Hawk, junior, Valley Falls:
The 6-foot-5 Hawk teamed with 6-foot-3 senior Tyler Lockhart to give the Dragons good size for a 1A team. He provided the inside threat to allow Gatzemeyer open looks, but he’s not just limited to the paint. He can shoot from deep and run the floor. He finished with some huge games, getting 21 against Oskaloosa and 24 against Troy.
Connor Gibson, junior, Pleasant Ridge:
The 6-foot junior was a big part of the youth movement that included sophomore Justin Johnson, both already two-year starters. Gibson averaged 11.9 points per game and is a quality distributor of the ball as well.
James Kramer, junior, Jefferson North:
Kramer was a 6-foot-2 returning starter who greatly expanded his role as a junior. He averaged 14.6 points per game and was one of the main reasons the Chargers improved from 7-14 to 14-7.
Others:
Justin Johnson, sophomore, Pleasant Ridge
Matt Kuglin, junior, McLouth
Jerred Willits, sophomore, McLouth
Trey Lockwood, sophomore, Horton