Stars to Watch: 5A Final 4

<p>We are down to a loaded Final 4 in the 5A state tournament with a ton of talent across the board between Maize, KC Washington, Topeka West, and De Soto. Let’s highlight this really good group of players in the state of Kansas. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1070199" first="Wyatt" last="Noll"], 6’4 Forward, De Soto, 2021: Noll has been on an absolute tear during the second half of the season and has been dominant in the painted area. This has been a huge reason why De Soto has made this big time run in the post season. In the quarterfinal romp of Pittsburgh, Noll had 24 points, doing a ton of damage inside. His ability to play in the high low game with Barnhart is really impressive and Noll has great hands, footwork, and touch with each hands scoring the ball. If Noll gets himself an angle in the post, he is scoring the ball.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="889460" first="Nate" last="Barnhart"], 7’ Forward, De Soto, 2021: The do it all future Wyoming basketball player lived up to his billing last night with probably the performance of the entire state tournament across all levels, unloading a triple double with 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 blocks. He has game altering rim protection and scoring inside, and his ability to play on the perimeter makes him an absolute matchup nightmare.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Nathan Johnson, 6’3 Guard, KC Washington, 2021: One of the top combo guards left in the 5A tournament, Johnson has a versatile skill set to go along with his athletic ability and smooth play style. He has great size, change of speed with the ball in his hands, and an array of finishes at the rim. Has the ability to knock down threes especially off the dribble. He is a player that you would feel comfortable with controlling the game late in big moments. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1072886" first="Trayon" last="Grant"], 6’4 Guard, KC Washington, 2021: A great slasher with the basketball and someone when in attack mode, is hard to keep contained off the dribble. He has great length to mix in with his handle that allows him to attack gaps and finish over and through contact. Trayon is a really fun player to watch when getting out in transition with the plays he can make for himself and others. The KC Washington back court has been pivotal in their success.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1070185" first="Tre" last="Alexander"], 6’3 Wing, Topeka West, 2021: Alexander continues his historic career at West with a huge post season run in his senior campaign. In the quarterfinal win for West, Alexander tied for a game high 16 points. He has the skill set to get it done in a variety of ways, attacking off the bounce, offensive put backs, knocking down open shots, and getting out in transition. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1134422" first="Marque" last="Wilkerson"], 6’1 Guard, Topeka West, 2021:An electric guard who puts a ton of pressure on teams when on the attack. He has really improved over his time at West so it is fun to see his success in big games. Jumping in on the scoring action in the quarterfinal, he scored 16 as well to help lead T West in the win. He does a great job of getting down hill and making plays at the rim.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1080176" first="Avery" last="Johnson"], 6’3 Guard, Maize, 2023: Johnson is becoming one of the best sophomores in the state of Kansas and a human highlight reel with his leaping ability. He has put a couple of guys on posters in the last couple of games and his ability to make gym shaking plays gives Maize someone who can really change the momentum in games. Johnson has averaged 13 points, 3 assists, 4 rebounds, and nearly 2 steals per game.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="946254" first="Kyle" last="Grill"], 6’5 Point Guard, Maize, 2022: Grill is another human highlight reel on Maize with his length, ball handling, and athleticism make him a matchup nightmare for teams. He is terrific in transition leading the break and does a great job of kicking the ball ahead to allow the talented Maize guards to get out and in attack mode. Grill is currently averaging 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists per game.  </p>