Topeka guards ready to lead

<p>Several of the best players returning to Topeka high school teams are guards.</p> <p>When all-city and all-league teams are discussed for 2020-21, guards like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1070185" first="Tre" last="Alexander"], Elijah Brooks </strong>and <strong>Juan’Tario Roberts</strong> will certainly be the headliners along with wings <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="599759" first="Joe" last="Berry"] and CJ Powell</strong>.</p> <p>But there are several other returning guards ready to lead their teams. They are established performers who are ready to take the next step in their careers.</p> <p>Here are some of the guards who are ready to lead Topeka teams in 2020-21 (listed in alphabetical order):</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="889486" first="Jack" last="Hutchinson"], 2021, Washburn Rural:</strong></p> <p>Hutchinson has been a fixture on the Topeka hoops scene since his freshman year. His physical tools continue to gradually catch up to his considerable skills. Now 6-foot-1and more solid, he can do much more than light opponents up from the perimeter. He handles the ball excellently in the open court, keeping his head up to find teammates on the move. He now has the physique to be a factor on the glass. His best talent has always been his considerable basketball IQ and his unselfishness. Just what a powerhouse like Rural can build around.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="891929" first="Mateo" last="Hyman"], 2022, Seaman:</strong></p> <p>Hyman’s game grew considerably during his sophomore year. He has got some serious flash to his game, and he is a nice facilitator and team-first point guard. With so many good shooters around him, Hyman will be able to drive and kick to dangerous three-point threats. Hyman can score on the break or on the drive into the lane.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1072892" first="Isiah" last="Johnson"], 2021, Shawnee Heights:</strong></p> <p>Johnson is a one-man fast break just waiting to happen. He scores several buckets a game on breakaways. He can outrun a defense and can score in a variety of creative ways on the run. With <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="885561" first="Elijas" last="Watson"]</strong> gone, Johnson will be Shawnee Heights’ primary point guard. He will need to focus more on running the offense and involving his teammates. But he will always be a threat to take off and create buckets for himself.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1070194" first="Jahi" last="Peppers"], 2021, Highland Park:</strong></p> <p>Peppers will team with Roberts in the Scots’ backcourt for the third year. Somewhat similar to Johnson, Peppers is a jackrabbit who can get his own buckets. He was a terror on the club circuit because once others got tired or disorganized, he simply outran everyone to the basket. The Scots will be loaded with Roberts and Powell returning. Peppers will be counted on to provide leadership, defense, and of course, offensive explosiveness.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1073376" first="Jalen" last="Smith"], 2021, Topeka High:</strong></p> <p>Smith has some of Johnson and Peppers’ speed and quickness, but at 6-foot-2, he also has length and a very physical builid. He’s strong and athletic. At times, he looked like Topeka High’s best scorer last year, which is saying something considering the seniors he played with. He may have trouble finding as many opportunities now that all that talent around him is gone. But Smith will need to provide leadership to the rebuilding Trojans.</p> <p><strong>Vicarrio Triplett, 2021, Hayden:</strong></p> <p>Triplett emerged over the season as Hayden’s top ball handler and a scoring threat. He is a smooth ball handler with a head for leading an offense. He has long arms and smooth moves with the ball when defended closely. Triplett never appears frustrated or sped up, which will be important next season. He will carry a big load for the Wildcats as they turn to a lot of young players.</p> <p><strong>Josh Williams, 2021, Washburn Rural:</strong></p> <p>Williams doesn’t score a lot, preferring to facilitate for Berry, Hutchinson and friends. But his coaches believed he was capable of more last year, and they urged him to assert himself more offensively. Look for Williams to take a big step as a senior. The Junior Blues will still need his calm, steady quarterbacking, but if he can take a bigger scoring role, it will make the others around him even better.</p>