6A State Tournament X-Factors

<p>My main state tournament feature project 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.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>6A State Tournament X-Factors</b></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Matchup 1</strong></p> <p><em>#1 Seed Lawrence Free-State</em></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1212171" first="Jailen" last="Thompson"], 6’5 F, 2023: The athletic, bouncy, and energetic swingman elevates this talented squad of guards to a powerhouse. Thompson being able to fly down the court, rim run, block shots, rebound at a high clip, and defend all positions on the floor make him one of the most talented swiss army knives in the 6A state tournament. Great in the dunker spot, flies above the rim, and can make game changing plays.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em>#8 Seed Manhattan</em></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1300803" first="Dre" last="Delort"], 6’ PG, 2023 (Pictured): Has elevated his game down the stretch of the regular season and through their sub state Cinderella run. Manhattan needed some steady point guard play with some more playmaking and pace for some talented wings, shooters, and post play and Delort has brought that with his toughness on the court. His sub state run was highlighted with a 10 assist outing in the sub state championship. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Matchup 2</strong></p> <p><em>#4 Seed Blue Valley Northwest</em></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="952448" first="Joey" last="Robinson"], 6’1 G, 2022: Robinson’s toughness and ability much like previously mentioned Delort has been prime time in the late portion of the season. His sub state performances helped push BVNW across the line and into the state tournament. Robinson can create for himself, get into the painted area, and is a pace setter in transition. His elevated play mixed with Stubblefield could prove to be the difference in this bracket.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em>#5 Seed Shawnee Mission Northwest</em></p> <p>Dante Wheatcroft, 6’5 SG, 2022: The lengthy senior guard has X Factor written all over him if SMNW makes a big run in this state tournament. Gives them some catch and shooting ability with length which makes him tough to close out on, runs the lanes well which pairs well with their guards who love to kick it ahead, his rebounding from the guard spot could be big in late games, and he is a flexible defender on the perimeter with his long arms.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Matchup 3</strong></p> <p><em>#2 Seed Wichita Heights</em></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1075925" first="Chase" last="Harris"], 6’1 G, 2022: The senior guard’s leadership and steady hand has been a massive consistent piece for a team LOADED with young talent. Harris is a blur with the ball with great balance and toughness off the bounce, highlighted in his sub state championship performance and against Junction City where he was unstoppable in transition. Harris’s on ball defense blows up a lot of what teams want to do on offense and typically leads him and his athletic teammates to get out and running.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em>#7 Seed Olathe North</em></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1151802" first="MJ" last="Devoe"], 5’5 PG, 2022: His activity, on ball defense, and quickness in the transition game was an X-Factor throughout the sub state championship run, so look for this same thing as we enter the state tournament. Devoe is a solid team leader, floor general, and playmaker as well from the lead guard spot.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Matchup 4</strong></p> <p><em>#3 Seed Dodge City</em></p> <p>Dawson Taylor, 6’3 G, 2022: A 3 ball shooter who has been a consistent guard for them all year. Plays physical on both ends, and plays with a high basketball IQ as he takes really good shots and makes the right pass. A versatile defender on the ball and as a help side player.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em>#8 Seed Olathe West</em></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1080206" first="Harrison" last="Kisling"], 6’2 G, 2023: Was one of the unsung hero’s of the sub state championship run as he got hot and lit up the scoreboard especially from the behind the 3 point line. Is a knockdown shooter in a variety of ways, hit 5 in the sub state championship game en route to a 30+ point outing when all the chips were down. If the flamethrower is still going in the state championship tournament for Kisling, him and Luse as a pairing could make some noise.</p>