Big Shoes to Fill: 2A
Though several top 2A players return, there will be considerable turnover on the all-state teams. High schools across the state will deal with key departures. Here are some guys ready to take on bigger roles in the absence of a…
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Continue ReadingThough several top 2A players return, there will be considerable turnover on the all-state teams. High schools across the state will deal with key departures.
Here are some guys ready to take on bigger roles in the absence of a 2A all-state graduate:
Owen Day
Owen Day
Charlie Russell, a first-team 2A pick, was a big man who proved his talent to players from bigger schools during the summer circuit. He will be tough to replace, because his toughness and leadership went beyond his 17 points and 8 boards a game. Day is an experienced, multi-sport athlete who will lead the team in the absence of Russell and graduated point guard Cole Feldt. Day is a different kind of player – he shoots it from deep and crashes the boards from the guard spot.
Avery Gatzemeyer, a second-team 2A guard, played a ton of minutes for the Dragons over the years. His experience and leadership, as well as his scoring ability, will be missed. But Evans really stepped up huge last year and will pair with Dylan Cervantez to keep Valley Falls relevant in 2A. Evans is a fast guard who gets a lot of points in transition, and can get hot from deep. He blew up at the state tournament with a three-game run of 28, 18 and 13 points.
Tyson Plenert
Tyson Plenert
Matthew Potucek, a second-team 2A pick team from the repeat state champs, is just one of a few pieces Hillsboro will have to replace. He was tough and a winner. Plenert won’t be asked to replicate Potucek, but he will have a chance to take some of those important minutes. Plenert was a key reserve last year and has a chance to complement team leader Brekyn Ratzlaff in the backcourt.
Jalen Massey Jalen Massey 5'9" | PG Lyndon | 2024 State KS
Jalen Massey Jalen Massey 5'9" | PG Lyndon | 2024 State KS
Toby Miller, first-team all-stater was a versatile player, tough in the paint and able to light it up from the outside. Massey was a key reserve for the third-place Tigers a year ago, and he stands to step in for a lot more action this year. He won’t replace the 6-foot-3 Miller, but he can soften the blow by running the show and helping returner Jackson Biggs get shots.
Tucker Harrell
Tucker Harrell
Jalen VanBecelaere, third-teamer in 2A, did it all for Colgan for several years. Harrell was a key cog on last year’s state team, and he’ll be called upon to produce more to replace the talented senior VanBecelaere. He’s an athletic multi-sport star who scored 9 points in the loss at state.