5A State Tournament X-Factors

AJ Vinent

March 8, 2022 @ 08:32 AM

this week will focus on the X-Factors across the different classifications during the state tournament week. Tremendous players across the brackets with deep rosters of winners, talent, and guys getting hot from the floor at the right time. These guys could be the keys to their teams making magic in March!   5A State Tournament X-Factors   Matchup 1 #1Seed Kapaun Mt Carmel [player_tooltip player_id="1075927" first="Henry" last="Thengvall"], 6’5 W, 2022: The senior Thengvall continued to be the epitome of consistency this season and they will need his length, strength, and versatility on the floor for a state title run. His perimeter and post defense in their first matchup will be key with Seaman having some length from the forward and guards spots. Thengvall can get tough buckets, make hustle plays for extra possessions, and is efficient.   #8 Seed Topeka-Seaman Aron Davis, 6’4 F/W, 2023: Has been the X-Factor for Seaman on their remarkable run down the stretch. Has given them a much needed aggressive 4 man who can attack the paint, play from 15 ft in, and rebound it on both ends. Davis will have to be huge in these areas for Seaman to match with the length and versatility of the Kapaun wings and forwards.     Matchup 2 #4 Seed Maize Sam Schmidt, 6’2 G, 2022: The senior perimeter player always gives Maize a little something game in and game out on the floor. Whether its bursts of scoring with some attacks against close outs, shot making, or finishing off teammates passes. Is a solid defender, makes heady plays with the ball, and is an unselfish guy on the floor. His production will be needed for the title defense.   #5 Seed Highland Park Tre Richardson, 5’11 G, 2023: Richardson’s ball pressure, quickness, and transition play has been on another level heading down the stretch and has helped propel Highland Park into the state tournament. Has made some perimeter jumpers as well late in the season which is the real X-Factor with his games, as teams can’t help off the guard as much anymore, making him dangerous off the bounce and downhill.   Matchup 3 #2 Seed Topeka West Xavier Alexander, 6’2 W, 2023: With Brooks getting much deserved attention from opponents other guys are gonna need to bring some production in these big games. Alexander has the size, ability, and confidence to be a guy who takes and makes big shots late. Averaging over 10 points per game, Alexander is poised for a big state run and to raise his overall stock. Knocks down deep threes, hits shots off the catch, can be aggressive off the bounce, and is a physical and active defender.   #7 Seed St James Gabriel Sydzyik, 6’7 F, 2023: A long and rangy forward who can step out and play some on perimeter, especially stepping out to knock down some catch and shoot 3’s. The long forward is also a tremendous shot blocker from the weakside, and does have some ups and downs rebounding it consistently but if he can control the paint in that area too and not just shot blocking, St James can make a real run at it.   Matchup 4 #3 Seed Desoto [player_tooltip player_id="1290287" first="Trent" last="Johnson"], 5’11 G, 2023 (Pictured): Johnson is a key piece that will have a major role to play if De Soto makes a deep run. He is a lethal knock down 3 point shooter who helps spread the floor for playmakers like Cobin in the back court. Johnson can get hot fast, has the ability to move around the floor and find open opportunities for kick out 3’s, and can play off the shot fake. Also a smart defender who plays sound defense both on and off the ball.   #6 Seed BV Southwest Jackson Noland, 6'3 G, BV Southwest: Kim and Hamm are the steady and productive back court players but to make a deep run BVSW will need a third guy to produce from the back court and Noland can be that guy. When given the opportunity has shown to be a knockdown shooter hitting 25 on the year at nearly 40% a game. The lefty has some handle as well and can lead breaks, makes smart kick ahead passes, and can get to some pull up jumpers in transition. Has really long arms and gets them into gaps on defense as well and disrupts opposing guards.