Topeka Juniors Stepping Up

<p>The spring season gives juniors a jump start to preparation for their final season. Summer tournaments and showcases will give them a chance to show off their talents, and hone their skills for their their moment in the spotlight.</p> <p>Of course there are a handful of guys who return as established stars in Topeka. [player_tooltip player_id="1076260" first="Elijah" last="Brooks"] (pictured), [player_tooltip player_id="1076400" first="Juan’Tario" last="Roberts"] and [player_tooltip player_id="889508" first="Ty" last="Henry"] will be the top returners in the city. Add [player_tooltip player_id="891929" first="Mateo" last="Hyman"] and <strong>Zander Putthoff</strong> to that group as established veterans.</p> <p>But there are several other Topekans who are ready to leave their marks. Here are the top returners to the Topeka scene (in alphabetical order):</p> <p><strong>Dagen Brewer</strong>, 5-foot-11 guard, Seaman:</p> <p>Brewer has played a ton of basketball at Seaman over the past three seasons. He was a sub off the bench as a freshman, and has kept up that role for the guard-rich Vikings the past two years. Given the opportunity, he’s an accurate shooter from deep. He makes good decisions and is solid with the ball and on defense. Look for his role to grow as a senior.</p> <p><strong>Zack Clark</strong>, 6-foot-3 guard/forward, Cair Paravel:</p> <p>Clark was a big riser as a junior, gaining some attention as Cair Paravel got KSHSAA certified and played a lot more public school teams. Clark is a long, explosive wing player who can really jump and does some of everything for the Lions. He averaged 17.2 points and 7.3 rebounds last year.</p> <p><strong>Trent Duffey</strong>, 6-foot-2 guard, Hayden:</p> <p>Duffey has been a mainstay for the Wildcats for the past couple of years. This summer he’s getting great exposure as a member of the SSA Hoops Elite club. On the club level, he guards high-quality athletes and handles the ball under pressure. Duffey can shoot it and is fundamentally sound.</p> <p><strong>Brody Gormley</strong>, 6-foot-6 post, Seaman:</p> <p>Gormley is a key component of the Vikings improvement. He’s a long rim protector who can run the floor and make an impact in transition. Like a lot of Seaman’s returners, Gormley is developing his skills with the Kansas Hoggs.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1076408" first="Noah" last="Hastert"], 6-foot-7 forward, Cair Paravel:</p> <p>Hastert has the chance to develop into one of the top bigs in 1A next season. Hastert is highly fundamental in the post, has a variety of moves and can put the ball on the floor. He produced 15.5 points and 10.1 boards last season en route to third team 1A.</p> <p><strong>Brock Howard</strong>, 6-foot-6 post, Washburn Rural:</p> <p>Howard is a big, defensive-minded post who has played on some top-ranked teams for the past couple of years. He has a chance for his role to really grow next year as the Junior Blues graduate a ton of talent.</p> <p><strong>Kaden Ireland</strong>, 6-foot-1 guard/forward, Seaman:</p> <p>Ireland is still waiting for his chance at Seaman. He’s an athlete and hard worker who’s willing to do the dirty work. For the Kansas Hoggs, Ireland is a defensive stopper who demonstrates his ability to hang with high-level varsity players.</p> <p><strong>Quincey Kidd</strong>, 6-foot-2 guard/forward, Washburn Rural:</p> <p>Kidd has been getting quality minutes for two years now. Playing the same general position as [player_tooltip player_id="599759" first="Joe" last="Berry"] and [player_tooltip player_id="889486" first="Jack" last="Hutchinson"], Kidd has had to wait his turn for a bigger role. He’s an athletic wing player with a variety of talents. Kidd might just emerge as on the Topeka scene next year.</p> <p><strong>Casen Stallbaumer</strong>, 6-foot-3 forward, Seaman:</p> <p>Stallbaumer’s role grew as the season progressed. By the end of the season, he was an important player at both ends, protecting the rim and raising his offensive profile. He proved to be a 3-point threat late in the season. He finished the year, averaging 7.3 points and 3.0 rebounds.</p> <p><strong>Nate Pewe</strong>, 6-foot-4 forward, Shawnee Heights:</p> <p>Pewe took off in the second half of the season for the struggling T-Birds. He had six double-figure outings in the final weeks of the season, finishing with 19 (including four 3-pointers) against Basehor-Linwood. Pewe could be a big riser next year.</p>