NE KS 2021s Ready to Lead

Some of the biggest performers in the northeast part of the state were juniors. It’s almost impossible to rank them, so they’re listed here in alphabetical order. (Thus [player_tooltip player_id="889475" first="Dawson" last="Zenger"], the leading scorer in the area, is listed last!) It’s going to be awesome to see how they grow as seniors. Here are the Northeast Kansas 2021s Ready to Lead: Jordan Barnard, junior, Olpe: The 6-foot Barnard will team with a couple of stud sophomores to make the Wolves rich with guards next season. Barnard led Olpe with a 12.3 average after leading the team with 10 points as a sophomore. He’s got experience and is ready to build on the Wolves’ 15-6 season. Cameron Beardsley, junior, Valley Heights: A second-team all-state pick two years in a row, the 6-foot-1 Beardsley does it all on the court, just like he does as a three-year starting quarterback. He led Valley Heights to the 2A state tourney, where it ran into the Seabury buzz saw. He averaged 13.6 points per game, but he rebounds and distributes equally well. Gavin Cornelison, junior, Frankfort: Like lightning in a bottle, the 5-foot-6 guard runs circles around defenses and averaged 13.0 points per game, up from 8.0 as a sophomore. He had some big outings for the Wildcats, including 17 in the sub-state final win over Beloit-St. John’s. Like Beardsley, he’s a dynamo at quarterback too. The 20-7 Wildcats must replace senior Garret Dalinghaus, and Cornelison is the leader to fill the void. Cade Fischer, junior, West Franklin: A slender 6-foot-6 junior, Fischer averaged 14.8 points and 7.6 boards. It was a rough year for the Falcons, but Fischer was a bright spot. For the Falcons to improve in the Flint Hills League, he will have to lead the way. Chase Harrison, junior, Madison: The Bulldogs went 20-2 and were one of the most exciting teams in 1A. The 6-foot Harrison has had some huge games, including the game winner in the Lyon County League tournament, 25 against Northern Heights, and 29 against Wichita Home School. He averaged 12.0 per game after leading the team in scoring as a freshman. Harrison stepped up big in big games and in big moments. He’ll be ready to co-lead the Bulldogs with sophomore Drew Stutesman. [player_tooltip player_id="730642" first="Tanner" last="Hecht"], junior, Wamego: Hecht loses his sidekick, the ultra swift [player_tooltip player_id="885622" first="Taybor" last="Vetter"]. But the slender 6-foot-5 Hecht can assume the full responsibility for the Red Raiders next fall. He can shoot and scores in bunches. He tallied 26 three different times last season. He averaged 15.2 points and 7.1 boards as a junior. 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. So many of the best players in the Lyon County League return, so Kramer will have to keep pace. Dayton Logan, junior, Mission Valley: At 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds, Logan is a load. He averaged 14.9 points and 7.6 rebounds for the Vikings. He is just as likely to knock down 3-pointers as he is to pound it down in the low post. He will really have to lead now with the graduation of Jake Benortham. Devan McEwan, junior, Lebo: The leading scorer in the Lyon County League, The 6-foot-2 junior averaged 19.6 averaged after scoring 18 points per contest as a sophomore. He will lead a loaded Lebo squad next year. The Wolves return nearly everyone who made back-to-back trips to state, including second-team all-stater McEwan. [player_tooltip player_id="889505" first="Parker" last="Stone"], junior, Perry-Lecompton: A slashing scorer, the 6-foot-1 junior is athletic and wants the ball in his hands. He had several 20-point nights. He’s going to have to take on even more with the departure of senior [player_tooltip player_id="885512" first="Blake" last="Farmer"]. Stone averaged 15.1 points in the regular season for the 15-7 Kaws. [player_tooltip player_id="889475" first="Dawson" last="Zenger"], junior, Rock Creek: Rock Creek went 19-3 and was ranked #2 in the state at the end of the regular season. They were felled in sub-state by the 3A Cinderella that was St. Marys. But Zenger was electric in the post-season. He went for 30 against Santa Fe Trail and for 33 in the loss to St. Marys. He averaged 25.5 points per game and was named 1st team all 3A. He will miss his sidekick Nolan Churchman, who did everything the team needed to win.