Centennial League Standouts – Feb 13
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There were some really good performances Friday (Seaman, Jack Hutchinson Jack Hutchinson 6'1" | CG Washburn Rural | 2021 State KS , Jalen Smith Jalen Smith 6'2" | SG Topeka High | 2021 State KS ) and one real clunker…
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Continue ReadingThere were some really good performances Friday (Seaman, Jack Hutchinson Jack Hutchinson 6'1" | CG Washburn Rural | 2021 State KS , Jalen Smith Jalen Smith 6'2" | SG Topeka High | 2021 State KS ) and one real clunker (Hayden):
Jack Hutchinson Jack Hutchinson 6'1" | CG Washburn Rural | 2021 State KS , senior, Washburn Rural (pictured):
You just can’t leave him open. In case anyone else was making a claim as Best Shooter in northeast Kansas, Hutchinson reminded everyone just how good he is Friday. He hit 7-8 from beyond the arc, and the one he missed rattled out. Seven 3’s was his season high, but he recently hit five against both Emporia and Topeka West. He finished with 23 in Friday’s win over Topeak High.
Joe Berry Joe Berry 6'4" | CG Washburn Rural | 2021 State KS , senior, Washburn Rural:
Berry followed up 25 in a loss Tuesday to Seaman with 24 against Topeka High. Berry was his usual efficient self, hitting 10-12 field goals and 3-4 from the line. Berry is always the focal point of the Junior Blues, both at the offensive end and at the point of the tough Rural jump-and-trap defense.
Jalen Smith Jalen Smith 6'2" | SG Topeka High | 2021 State KS , senior, Topeka High:
The Trojans’ cupboard was pretty bare after a great group departed following last season. Smith is the lone returner, and he’s doing his best to uphold the proud tradition at High. He had arguably his best game Friday night, hitting 8-16, including four 3-pointers. He also connected on 9-10 from the line to finish with a season-high 29. The 6-foot-2 versatile guard uses his combination of strength and quickness to make life difficult for defenders.
Casen Stallbaumer, junior, Seaman:
The 6-foot-3 junior is developing into quite a complement for the talented guards at Seaman. Stallbaumer is versatile, working in the lane and excelling as a catch-and-shoot wing. He ripped Hayden for four 3-pointers Friday, leading the Vikings with 15 points in a blowout.
Elijah Brooks Elijah Brooks 6'3" | CG Topeka West | 2022 State KS , junior, Topeka West:
Watch out 5A. Brooks might finally be healthy. If so, he might be the difference-maker for an already talented Topeka West club. He came back from injury for a couple of huge games in early January, then disappeared again. But he’s coming back to form, and was ridiculously good against Junction City Friday night. The 6-foot-2 combo guard hit 13-14 from the field and scored 28. Brooks is an explosive leaper who can overpower guards and blow past anyone who doesn’t possess great speed and quickness.
Chris Dixon, senior, Junction City:
The 6-foot-4 wing is putting forth a valiant effort for the Blue Jays. He has been really good from the perimeter recently, taking a more aggressive approach on the offensive end. Friday he hit three 3-pointers and was 8-17 from the field for 20 points in the loss to Topeka West. The lanky senior is averaging 16.6 points over his last seven games.
Owen Braxmeyer Owen Braxmeyer 6'1" | CG Manhattan | 2021 State KS , senior, Manhattan:
It’s been a tough rebuilding year for the Indians. But their senior leader led the way to a big win Friday, blowing out Emporia. Braxmeyer is an aggressive driver and dynamic rebounder from the combo guard spot. He put up 19 points for the second straight outing Friday night.