Senior Night in Topeka

<p>With just a few games left in the regular season, seniors are winding up their careers. While some underclassmen have turned in terrific performances recently (see Zander Putthoff’s seven 3-point performance) it’s time to celebrate big nights by a handful of the top seniors in the Capital City.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1134422" first="Marque" last="Wilkerson"], Topeka West:</p> <p>Is he the player of the year in Topeka? It’s hard to argue against the 6-foot-1 versatile guard. He connected on 9-11 shots in a blowout of Highland Park, finishing with 21 points. He has totally found his place in Rick Bloomquist’s system of late. The guy who wasn’t even a starter to begin the year, and was a role player as a junior, is now the city’s leading scorer.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1070185" first="Tre" last="Alexander"], Topeka West (pictured):</p> <p>Alexander matched Wilkerson essentially highlight for highlight against the Scots Tuesday. The powerhouse guard hit 8-13 and wound up with 20 points. Though someone different seems to step up every night for the Chargers, Alexander has been the primary constant throughout the season. He is a leader willing Topeka West to the top of the 5A rankings.</p> <p><strong>Mu’Khajae Daniels</strong>, Highland Park:</p> <p>A couple of really good seniors – [player_tooltip player_id="1070194" first="Jahi" last="Peppers"] and [player_tooltip player_id="889474" first="Corey" last="Powell"] – had off nights against the Chargers. Daniels was the Scots’ best senior on Tuesday with 13 points. That has been a theme lately. While others struggle or play with inconsistency, Daniels has gotten better seemingly with every game.</p> <p><strong>Micah Kobuszewski</strong>, Seaman:</p> <p>The 6-foot senior puts the team first and is willing to play a variety of roles. Seaman won just two games last year and has now recorded 10 wins against 8 losses. The leadership of Kobuszewski to help the Vikings weather the worst and bounce back can’t be overstated. He makes big contributions in the absence of injured teammates, like the 7 points he scored against Manhattan.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="599759" first="Joe" last="Berry"], Washburn Rural:</p> <p>Berry may not repeat as player of the year. But if you asked around who is the most valuable player, or perhaps the most consistently good player, in the city, chances are Berry would be the answer. He is rock solid and tough as nails. He is a freight train going through the lane, spearheads the Washburn Rural defense, and is the example of a winner to the rest of the program. On Tuesday, Berry hit nine shots and 3-3 from the line for 21 against Junction City.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="889486" first="Jack" last="Hutchinson"], Washburn Rural:</p> <p>Hutchinson has sort of been Robin to Berry’s Batman the last couple of years, but his ability can’t be denied and his contribution to one of the state’s best programs shouldn’t be overlooked. Hutchinson can do everything you ask a shooting guard to do. He plays 100 miles and hour, but has his game and the Junior Blues’ offense under control. He can defend and makes all the right decisions with the ball. He hit four 3-pointers against Junction City and wound up with 16.</p> <p><strong>Trey Pivarnik</strong>, Hayden:</p> <p>Hayden seniors <strong>Vacario Triplett</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1134455" first="Geivonnii" last="Williams"]</strong> have really had their last seasons blown up by injuries. Their lack of availability has hampered the young Wildcats’ development. Pivarnik has been a constant, setting the example of the Hayden way and battling relentlessly. He’s an imposing 6-foot-4 post with the build of a mature adult. The future Washburn football player scored 11 points Tuesday, incluindg 5-6 from the line.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1072892" first="Isiah" last="Johnson"]</strong>, Shawnee Heights:</p> <p>It’s amazing how much better Heights is when Johnson is on the floor. Sadly, he’s been out way to often, and the T-Birds’ record reflects it. But when Johnson is healthy, he is a one-man fast break and poses a game-changing threat. Tuesday the T-Birds took the much bigger Desoto team to the wire, primarily because Johnson was available and pumping in 19 points, including five 3-pointers.</p> <p><strong>Harvey Davis</strong>, Shawnee Heights:</p> <p>If anyone played the role of a faithful warrior in Topeka the last few years, it’s Davis. He does the dirty work in the trenches and is always there to answer the bell. Though an undersized post, he defends, rebounds and battles bigger opponents night in and night out. He has had nothing but solid games, and a lot of really good games over the past four years. He had a really good one Tuesday with 17 points in a hard-fought loss to a Desoto team that brings a ton of size.</p>