Best of the Topeka Invitational

<p>The 61^st Topeka Invitational Tournament brought together some great players and featured some dynamite performances.</p> <p>Here are some superlatives from the event:</p> <p>MVP: [player_tooltip player_id="1076260" first="Elijah" last="Brooks"], 6-foot-4 guard, 2022, Topeka West</p> <p>Without question, Brooks was hands-down the MVP of the three days at Highland Park. The guy scored exactly 30 points in each of the three games, and made all the plays when needed. He is an elite rebounder for a guard, has great ability around the goal in traffic, and has a knack for coming through. He put the Chargers on his back all weekend.</p> <p>Best Ballhandler: <strong>James Shepherd</strong>, 6-foot guard, 2022, Shawnee Mission North</p> <p>Shepherd’s team struggled to get wins, but they were competitive throughout. Shepherd is a lot of fun to watch. He has the ball on a string and is super quick and crafty.</p> <p>Best Passer: [player_tooltip player_id="891921" first="Geremiah" last="Moore"], 5-foot-10 guard, 2022, Wichita Northwest</p> <p>Moore comes across as a winner. He is always in control of the action, directing traffic and getting the ball where it needs to be. He sees open receivers and delivers the ball like an elite quarterback. Which he is.</p> <p>Best Scorer: <strong>Zaxton King</strong>, 6-foot-2 guard, 2024, Lawrence</p> <p>Brooks was the best scorer at Topeka, hands down. But since he already won MVP, let’s go with King, who scored an impressive 62 points in three games. He has great range and a sweet release, and he can also run the floor, get in the lane, and find a lot of ways to put the ball in the hole.</p> <p>Best Shooter: <strong>Jamir Kingcannon</strong>, 6-foot-3 forward, 2023, Highland Park</p> <p>It’s time this guy starts getting more credit for what he does for the Scots. (Keep your eye out for him in the updated rankings, coming soon!) Kingcannon has such a smooth stroke and is so effective on the spot up jumper. His effectiveness is off the charts because he never hoists a bad shot. He dropped four 3s in the first half against St. Marys to break the Bears’ spirit.</p> <p>Best Rebounder: [player_tooltip player_id="1076411" first="Fred" last="Criqui"], 6-foot-7 center, 2022, St. Marys (pictured)</p> <p>Criqui was a workhorse on the boards against the athletic foes at Highland Park. Without a ton of help from the Bears’ small lineup, he single-handedly cleared the boards and limited opponents’ second chances. His combination of length, positioning and ability to track down the ball made him the top rebounder all weekend.</p> <p>Best Defender: <strong>Tre Richardson</strong>, 6-foot guard, 2023, Highland Park</p> <p>There were a lot of good defenders at the event, but Richardson gets the nod for his combination of size, strength and blazing quickness. He’s not small – 6-foot and solid – but he races around the court like a jackrabbit, getting his hands on everything and cutting off drivers as they make their way up court.</p> <p>Best Athlete: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1300865" first="Ketraleus" last="Aldridge"]</strong>, 6-foot-4 forward, 2023, Highland Park</p> <p>Man is this guy fun to watch. His acrobatics in air are freakish. Several times throughout the weekend, he received passes with one hand near the rim and threw them down with ferocity. He uses that explosiveness to intercept passes and to rip down rebounds. He works hard to pick the pockets of dribblers, using his long arms and quick hands.</p> <p>Top Competitor: Tie - <strong>Kevin Brown</strong>, 6-foot-1 center, 2022, Wichita Northwest, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1300793" first="Trent" last="Duffey"]</strong>, 6-foot-2 guard, 2022, Hayden</p> <p>No way both these guys don’t merit mention. Brown is a warrior, bodying up much bigger posts, going all-out for rebounds and fighting through traffic to score in the lane. Duffey gives his all to make the Wildcats competitive against the bigger schools, risking life and limb. He crashes into the lane to get shots off or to vie for rebounds. He’s first on the floor for loose balls, and plays with great passion.</p> <p>Top Energy Bringer: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1300863" first="Jacob" last="Padilla"]</strong>, 5-foot-6 guard, 2024, Hayden</p> <p>Padilla is an intense guard who fires up his team with his all-out effort. He came off the bench to lead a great comeback against Topeka High, scoring 8 second-half points, including the game-winning free throws.</p> <p>Top Freshman: Tie – <strong>Jacorey Robinson,</strong> 6-foot-4 forward, 2025 Highland Park, and <strong>CJ Brown</strong>, 5-foot-10 guard, 2025, Topeka High</p> <p>These guys both deserve mention for what they showed at Highland Park. Robinson is a valuable reserve for Mike Williams’ Scots, providing length and energy in the lane. He has great fundamentals for a young guy and doesn’t back down from veteran opponents. Brown demonstrated a ferocious intensity, ball-handling ability, and in-your-face defense that will make a big impact for the rebuilding Trojans.</p>