Top Ranked Players at 3A State

<p>It doesn’t take star players to make the state tournament. But it sure doesn’t hurt.</p> <p>Some of the best players in Kansas will gather in Hutchinson for the 3A state tournament, which tips off Wednesday.</p> <p>Here’s a look at Prep Hoops’ top-ranked players who will be in Hutch for 3A state:</p> <p>2023 #6 [player_tooltip player_id="1080163" first="Eli" last="Sawyers"], 6-foot-5 forward, Southeast of Saline:</p> <p>The 20-3 Trojans are led by two highly ranked juniors. Sawyers got on the Prep Hoops radar early by showing off a polished game and advanced maturity a couple of summers ago. He’s patient and poised, giving the Trojans 16.5 points, 6 boards and 3.5 assists per game. He’s paired with 2023 #50 [player_tooltip player_id="1378391" first="Nakari" last="Morrical-Palmer"], a talented guard/wing who has length, slashing ability and shooters touch.</p> <p>2023 #8 [player_tooltip player_id="1080164" first="Tyler" last="Little"], 6-foot-5 forward, Galena (pictured):</p> <p>Little jumped into the top ranks of the 2023 class by playing a huge role in the Bulldogs’ run through the state playoffs last year. He’s big and powerful, and has a nice touch on his jumper. He teams with 2022 #30 [player_tooltip player_id="1076403" first="Brett" last="Sarwinski"], a gamer at guard who can shoot the lights out and get his own opportunities.</p> <p>2022 #17 [player_tooltip player_id="891912" first="Nahcs" last="Wahwassuck"], 6-foot-5 guard, Royal Valley:</p> <p>The Panthers were already loaded without Wahwassuck, who sat out the first semester due to a transfer issue. But when he rejoined the team, it gave Royal Valley a ridiculous four ranked players in the 2022 class. The brilliant playmaking guard is joined by seniors #57 [player_tooltip player_id="1076412" first="Brady" last="Klotz"], #70 [player_tooltip player_id="891923" first="Mason" last="Thomas"] and #154 [player_tooltip player_id="891923" first="Mason" last="Thomas"].</p> <p>2022 #25 [player_tooltip player_id="891932" first="Cason" last="Richardson"], 6-foot-1 guard, Hesston:</p> <p>Richardson was the star of Hesston’s state title team, and he’s back for more, a skilled and versatile guard with power to make plays in the lane and in transition. He’s supported by 2022 #69 big man [player_tooltip player_id="1076404" first="Brayden" last="Schilling"].</p> <p>Some other ranked players coming to Hutchinson include:</p> <p>2024 #37 [player_tooltip player_id="1378448" first="Emmett" last="Gaskill"], 6-foot-3 guard, Hugoton</p> <p>2023 #52 [player_tooltip player_id="1146292" first="Landon" last="Boss"], 6-foot-1 forward, Osage City</p> <p>2023 #58 [player_tooltip player_id="1080203" first="Ryle" last="Riddlesperger"], 6-foot-1 guard, Hugoton</p> <p>2023 #66 [player_tooltip player_id="1212164" first="Dylan" last="Werth"], 6-foot-7 forward, TMP</p> <p>2023 #81 [player_tooltip player_id="1378394" first="Carson" last="Bennett"], 6-foot-2 forward, Hugoton</p> <p>2022 #111 [player_tooltip player_id="1268822" first="Brahm" last="Born"], 5-foot-10 guard, Girard</p>