Northeast Kansas-area summer stars

<p>The Finale in KC brought an end to summer action for most club teams in Kansas. Prep Hoops highlighted a lot of the top performers at the end of the summer.</p> <p>But to make sure some of the top Kansas performers don’t go unnoticed, here is a look at some of the Northeast Kansas players who finished the summer strong (in alphabetical order and with club and high school listed):</p> <p><strong>Josh Broxterman Kansas Hoggs 17U, Jefferson West:</strong></p> <p>Broxterman is a versatile and powerful rising senior who should bring a lot to the Jeff West lineup. At 6-foot-2, he can play wing or in the post. He can jump and has nice touch around the goal and out to midrange. He is a hard worker and rugged defender who can affect the game in a lot of ways without commandeering the ball.</p> <p><strong>Isaiah Johnson, Kansas Hoggs 17U, Shawnee Heights:</strong></p> <p>The slick 5-foot-10 ball handler produces a lot of points in the open court and on run outs. He can outrun a defense and go end-to-end, or he can take in long passes like a wide receiver. He has the skills to play point guard, and is developing the skills to take over the reigns from graduate [player_tooltip player_id="885561" first="Elijas" last="Watson"], who was also on the Hoggs this summer. Johnson is primarily a scorer, but has the physical tools to be a good defender too.</p> <p><strong>CJ Powell, MoKan Select 17U, Highland Park:</strong></p> <p>Powell is a 6-foot-7 forward who likes to play on the perimeter and score. On the club scene loaded with athletes, Powell needed to apply his size more effectively in the lane. But his combination of size and skills make him a handful to guard. Guard-rich Highland Park will need Powell to be a presence in the post and a powerful rebounder. He has the talent to do it all.</p> <p><strong>Vacarrio Triplett, SSA Black, Hayden:</strong></p> <p>Triplett is a smooth ball handler who is a team-first facilitator. He can drive and find open teammates, shoot from the perimeter and draw a lot of fouls. His slight 6-foot-2 frame belies his athleticism. Triplett didn’t get a lot of recognition for the rebuilding Wildcats last year, but he quietly established a reputation as one of the best guards in Topeka.</p> <p><strong>Josh Williams, SSA White, Washburn Rural:</strong></p> <p>Williams is a team-first, unselfish guard who can handle the ball under pressure and facilitate an offense. He a solid built and long arms, he can be an aggravating defender. He probably will need to produce more offense next year for the Junior Blues. Williams is a good athlete and steady presence in the backcourt.</p>