Topeka Junior Achievement

<p>Topeka was pretty-well dominated by the class of 2021 this year. [player_tooltip player_id="1070185" first="Tre" last="Alexander"], [player_tooltip player_id="599759" first="Joe" last="Berry"], [player_tooltip player_id="889474" first="Corey" last="Powell"] and the emergent [player_tooltip player_id="1134422" first="Marque" last="Wilkerson"] were the city’s top players.</p> <p>But a handful of juniors made big impacts on the city scene, some of them new to the varsity level, and a few established stars:</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1076260" first="Elijah" last="Brooks"], Topeka West (pictured):</p> <p>When he’s healthy, he might just be the best player in the city. He was healthy all too little this year, but he still turned in a year worthy of 1^st team all-city. The 6-foot-3 guard is an exceptional physical talent who can be a terror going to the hole, running the open floor, or creating havoc at the defensive end.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1076408" first="Noah" last="Hastert"], Cair Paravel:</p> <p>The 6-foot-6 Hastert was a standout at the 1A level, and for that was recognized as 2^nd team all-city. He’s well-rounded and team-focused. Diving into his stats shows that Hastert is a unique player, ranking among the state’s best in every major statistical category. His robust stat line reads: 15.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 3.1 steals and 2.3 blocks per game. Hastert is best when playing a supporting role, doing everything well, including a lot of dirty work.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="889508" first="Ty" last="Henry"], Seaman:</p> <p>Henry is long and versatile. At 6-foot-3, he can handle the point, the wing, or even post up or guard a big. He made 2^nd team all-city by leading a renaissance at Seaman. After a dreadful season last year, Henry and a talented group of underclassmen took those lumps and turned them into valuable experience. He led the Vikings to a 13-9 mark after winning just 2 games a year ago.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1076400" first="Juan’Tario" last="Roberts"], Highland Park:</p> <p>Good as he was, 2020-21 might have been a bit disappointing for Roberts. The Scots couldn’t repeat their run to state, and Roberts missed some action and struggled at times. He still averaged 15.8 points per game en route to 2^nd team all-city. He’s lightning in a bottle, able to get to the goal our produce a breakaway at any moment.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1139929" first="Zach" last="Clark"]</strong>, Cair Paravel:</p> <p>Clark was Hastert’s 6-foot-3 sidekick, giving the Lions a versatile big guard/wing with the athleticism to make plays at either end. He earned 3^rd team all-city by averaging 17.2 points and 7.3 rebounds.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="891929" first="Mateo" last="Hyman"], Seaman:</p> <p>Henry’s primary running mate the past two years, Hyman is so smooth and flashy with the ball, and is best penetrating and finding open teammates. He has the quickness and handle to be a solid point guard, but he also can attack from the wing and nail the outside shot. He was listed as 3^rd team all-city.</p> <p><strong>Zander Putthoff,</strong> Topeka West:</p> <p>Coming over from Shawnee Heights this year, Putthoff added another dimension to the already high-octane Charger attack. Putthoff is one of the best shooters in the Centennial League, and at 6-foot-4, he can get his shot off over a defender. He grew in his ability to do other things, such as rebound and defend, and at Topeka West you have to be able to run and fill the lane. But his shooting is what earned him 3^rd team all-city recognition.</p> <p>Honorable mention:</p> <p><strong>Aron Davis</strong>, Seaman</p> <p><strong>Nathan Pewe</strong>, Shawnee Heights</p>