Championship Saturday – Big School Players to Watch
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Saturday will decide which teams advance to the big dances in 6A and 4A. There are some really exciting sub-state matches to check out. Here’s a peak at a few, with players to watch: 6A East #3 seed Shawnee Mission…
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Continue ReadingSaturday will decide which teams advance to the big dances in 6A and 4A. There are some really exciting sub-state matches to check out. Here’s a peak at a few, with players to watch:
6A East #3 seed Shawnee Mission Northwest vs #11 seed Blue Valley:
Blue Valley is the Cinderella of the East, to go with Manhattan in the West. This game will feature a few of the best seniors in 6A, including Aidan Shaw Aidan Shaw 6'7" | SF Blue Valley | 2022 State #40 Nation KS , Damare Smith Damare Smith 5'10" | PG Shawnee Mission Northwest | 2022 State KS and Landon Wagler Landon Wagler 6'8" | PF Shawne Mission Northwest | 2022 State KS . But here are a couple of guys you will want to pay attention to Saturday:
Zak Svendsen, 6-foot-1 guard, 2022, Blue Valley:
Double figures the last seven games. Averaging 12 points, 2.5 assists
Mike Collins, 6-foot-4 forward, 2023, Shawnee Mission Northwest:
A team with brilliant guards needs a hard-nosed rebounder. Collins supports Wagler on the glass, grabbing 5.5 boards while also averaging 7 points. Collins is big and tough in the lane, sets screens and bodies up opposing big men.
6A West #2 seed Wichita Heights vs #7 seed Junction City:
Wichita Heights has a great point man in Marcus Zeigler Jr Marcus Zeigler Jr 6'2" | PG Wichita Heights | 2023 State KS , but Junction City has a stable of athletic guards who can hang with the Heights guards. Here are a couple of players to watch when these two teams battle Saturday:
Chase Harris Chase Harris 6'2" | CG Wichita Heights | 2022 State KS , 6-foot-1 guard, 2022, Wichita Heights:
Harris is a guard who stood out in summer with his breakneck pace and fearless drives from end to end. He is a long and fast athlete who can also shoot it. He averaged 12 points and 4.5 rebounds as a senior. Harris will play football at Independence Community College next year.
Terrence Tedder Jr Terrence Tedder Jr 6'0" | SG Junction City | 2022 State KS , 6-foot guard, 2022, Junction City:
Speaking of guys who can hang with Zeigler and Harris, Tedder has the quickness, speed and athleticism, and might be one guy called upon. He is a long-armed guard who can handle the ball under pressure, push it aggressively, and shoot from the perimeter.
4A East #2 seed Bishop Miege vs #7 seed Atchison:
Bishop Miege might not be the all-star team that they were last year, but they’re still brilliant with Christian Bowen-Webb Christian Bowen-Webb 6'2" | CG Bishop Miege | 2022 State KS leading a veteran crew. But Atchison won’t back down Saturday. Here are a couple of players to pay attention to:
Xavier Hall Xavier Hall 5'11" | CG Bishop Miege | 2022 State KS , 6-foot guard, 2022, Miege (pictured):
Hall stood out in the fall sessions with great ability to penetrate. He’s solidly built and powerful enough to play through contact. He is a fine ball handler who is dishing out 4.5 assists. He’s a solid contributor in all areas, with 7 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals per game.
Trey Carter, 5-foot-8 guard, 2024, Atchison:
Carter displays poise beyond his years and directs traffic for the Phoenix. He is a slick ball handler who can handle intense pressure. He can penetrate for his own shot, and is solid from deep too.