Top Rated 2022s in the Wild West

<p>Some of the best players in the state are doing it in far west, where it’s tough to get a lot of notoriety. These players, and their teams, deserve credit and some attention.</p> <p>Here is a look at the Top 100 2022s from the far west at the midpoint of their senior seasons:</p> <p>#26 [player_tooltip player_id="1075931" first="Jace" last="Linenberger"], 6-foot 6 center, 2022, Hays:</p> <p>Not only is the Hays big man the best player in the far west, he’s also the best true center in the state. He demonstrates that against the best competition during the summer action with Midwest Magic Elite. He’s got the deep and talented Indians in the heart of the 5A race, posting 18.7 points and 7.8 rebounds.</p> <p>#44 [player_tooltip player_id="1139910" first="Cooper" last="Autry"], 6-foot-4 guard, 2022, Holcomb:</p> <p>The ringleader of the #9 team in 3A, Autry is a unique athlete – a long, powerful presence who shoots it extremely well and does just about everything. The Longhorns have been ultra-competitive this season and look to be a tough out at season’s end.</p> <p>#57 [player_tooltip player_id="1139918" first="Charlie" last="Russell"], 6-foot-4 forward, 2022, Trego:</p> <p>The eighth-ranked 2A club is guided by Russell, who sets the tone with his rough and tumble style. He does it all, scoring better than 17 points and grabbing nearly 9 rebounds per game, while passing and defending well from the lane.</p> <p>#61 [player_tooltip player_id="952447" first="Carson" last="Kieffer"], 6-foot-1 guard, 2022, Hays (pictured):</p> <p>Kieffer is the motor that makes the Indians go. Ranked #4 in the state, Hays lets Kieffer set things up and distribute the ball to their deep and veteran club. He dishes out 5.5 assists per game, while still averaging in double figures.</p> <p>#85 [player_tooltip player_id="1195606" first="Brady" last="Deges"], 5-foot-8 guard, 2022, South Gray:</p> <p>Deges might just be one of the best players the rest of the state doesn’t know much about. His stats aren’t often available, and you have to dig to learn much about him. What the state needs to know is that Deges is a leader of one of the winningest schools in the state, he produces in every sport, and he’s one of the toughest competitors you’ll find.</p> <p>#90 [player_tooltip player_id="946252" first="Taylor" last="Cable"], 6-foot-1 forward, 2022, Ness City:</p> <p>The Eagles have a lot of good players, and will be a team to watch come playoff team. Cable has been one of the most productive players in the state for a few years now, and he’s finishing strong as a senior. Despite a more balanced lineup, he’s averaging 18.2 points and 10.8 rebounds this year.</p> <p>#93 [player_tooltip player_id="1139927" first="Servando" last="Gonzalez"], 5-foot-10 guard, 2022, Lakin:</p> <p>Lakin lost some really good talent from it’s last great club, but Gonzalez has taken his game to another level. He’s a scoring machine, averaging better than 25 points a game, and he racks up rebounds and steals too. He came through with 36 points in an overtime win against Southwestern Heights in the Hi-Plains League tournament finale last weekend.</p>