Friday Night Lights: Cleats to High Tops

<p>The high school football season is in the books.</p> <p>Across the state, some of the best athletes put away the pads and made the quick transition to basketball season. That transition affects every school differently, depending upon how far they go into the playoffs, and how many of their basketball players also play football. Some of the state’s best basketball players are still getting their high tops dusted off after playing in state championship games.</p> <p>KSHSAA recently announced its All-State Top 33. It’s always fun to see just how good some guys are at multiple sports. Here are some award-winning football stars who will be impact players on the court this winter:</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1080176" first="Avery" last="Johnson"], 6-foot-2 guard, 2023, Maize:</p> <p>Johnson was a Top 11 quarterback, having just led his football team to the 5A state finals. He came just short of winning his second state title, having led Maize to the basketball championship last year. He led the team with 13 points per game last year. The guy actually dropped a couple of spots in the Prep Hoops basketball player rankings because he focused on football over the summer. He’s a highly coveted quarterback.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="946266" first="Mikey" last="Pauley"], 6-foot-4 guard, 2022, Blue Valley Northwest:</p> <p>The guy is a top-50 basketball player…and it’s his THIRD best sport! He was named a Top 11 quarterback for leading the Huskies to the 6A title and was awarded the Simone Award as the best footballer in KC. But he’s going to Nebraska to play baseball first, with football as a second priority. He’s already made the transition to basketball and is having an impact.</p> <p><strong>Ted Skalsky</strong>, 6-foot-1, forward, 2022, Olpe:</p> <p>Olpe won state 1A football in 2020. It won 1A Div. I basketball in 2021. It won 1A football in 2021. There are so many athletes and winners at Olpe. Skalsky is perhaps the best football player at the school, having been named to the Top 11. He’s been a key contributor in hoops too. Don’t bet against Olpe in basketball this year.</p> <p><strong>Tyson Struber</strong>, 6-foot-2 forward, 2022, Canton-Galva:</p> <p>A Top 11 receiver/defensive back, Struber is headed to K-State on a football scholarship. But watch for him to have a big senior basketball season. He combines physical power and hoops skills to be a force in the lane, on the perimeter and in transition.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1075928" first="Harrison" last="Voth"], 6-foot-1 guard, 2022, Cheney:</p> <p>A second-team pick by KSHSAA at quarterback, Voth is as dangerous with a basketball in his hands as he is with a football. He’s an elite shooter and a versatile scorer. He didn’t have much rust to shake off when he switched to basketball. His point total in the first three games this fall: 24, 18 and 25.</p> <p>Isaac Detweiler, 5-foot-11 guard, 2023, Axtell:</p> <p>The junior QB was named to KSHSAA’s third team after winning 8-man Div. II state. He can hit from long range on the court and is an all-around competitor, which earned him all-Twin Valley last year in basketball, as well as honorable mention 1A Div. II.</p>