Topekans ready for a bigger role

<p>Hayden, Seaman and Washburn Rural sent several young players to Prep Hoops events this offseason. These players gained a lot of experience and challenged themselves to take their game to the next level.</p> <p>Here are some of the top Topeka players who participated in Prep Hoops events and should be ready to take their games to the next level in 2020-21:</p> <p><strong>Jack Bachelor, SSA Black 15U, Washburn Rural, 2023:</strong></p> <p>Washburn Rural will have many newcomers to try to fit into an already established nucleus. With <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="599759" first="Joe" last="Berry"], [player_tooltip player_id="889486" first="Jack" last="Hutchinson"]</strong> and <strong>Josh Williams</strong> all returning, Rural will have ball handling, shooting and scoring in place. Bachelor can provide them dynamic shooting, heady play and developing athleticism. He saw action as a freshman, which means the coaches trust him.</p> <p><strong>Kaeden Bonner, Kansas Hoggs 16U, Seaman, 2023:</strong></p> <p>Bonner was primarily a deep threat off the bench for the Vikings his freshman season. But he worked hard this summer to round out his game. He’s getting bigger and stronger and challenged himself by playing a year up against more mature athletes. He developed even more chemistry with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="889508" first="Ty" last="Henry"]</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="891929" first="Mateo" last="Hyman"]</strong> by teaming with them this summer. Seaman has a variety of guards to mix and match, and Bonner will be ready to take on a bigger role this season.</p> <p><strong>Quincey Kidd, KC United 16U, Washburn Rural:</strong></p> <p>Kidd can contribute to the Junior Blues this year by tapping into his versatility. With Berry moving inside and out, and Hutchinson holding down the off guard spot, Kidd will have to show he can be a complement to the seniors. He got some good playing time as a sophomore, but now if he can rebound and defend, he will earn a bigger role. He demonstrated this summer that he has plenty of offensive potential.</p> <p><strong>Jake Muller, SSA Black 15U, Hayden, 2023:</strong></p> <p>Hayden struggled to find the right combination last year, and it dipped into the freshman class for help. Muller got his feet wet on the varsity as a freshman and may get a chance to do a lot more this year. The Wildcats lose guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="885609" first="John" last="Roeder"]</strong> and wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="885580" first="Cade" last="Pavlik"]</strong>. Muller could step in and take a lot of their minutes this year. He is versatile, quick and long, and can contribute in the lane on the wing or with the ball in the open floor.</p> <p><strong>Joe Otting, SSA Black 15U, Hayden:</strong></p> <p>The 6-foot-4 Otting has been a beast on the football field this fall, and his physicality is developing. With continued work on his strength and conditioning, he will be a force. He is light on his feet, has great hands and great ball skills for such a big player. The Wildcats lose <strong>Noah Schneider</strong>, so there are a lot of minutes to be had in the lane.</p>