Top Returners: Backcourts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With school back in session, we can take a look around at what everyone returns. We've taken a look at top senior groups and top one-two punches. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at some of the top backcourt groups in the state:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Maize South – There's probably no better place to start than with the Maize South trio. This group was young last year but really showed its stuff. [player_tooltip player_id='1080192' first='Isaiah' last='Atwater'] exploded as a junior, averaging 15 points and nearly 6 assists per game. Highly-rated 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1172929' first='Michael' last='Kates'] came over from Collegiate and didn't disappoint, turning in 10 points and a couple of assists as a sophomore. [player_tooltip player_id='1173415' first='Jeron' last='Askren'] was really good as a sophomore too and will continue to develop this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Solomon – [player_tooltip player_id='1080195' first='Makaen' last='Hastings'] has been a top-flight guard since his freshman year. He can really score, but he does other things well too. Last year he dished out 4.5 assists to go with his 19 points per game. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1269981' first='Spencer' last='Coup'] was an effective running mate, scoring 12 points a game while also grabbing nearly 4 rebounds and 2.6 steals a game. That combo helped lead the Gorillas to state and they are gunning for more this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Valley Falls – The Dragons lose a ton from the state squad of a year ago. That means they will have to rely even more heavily upon returning star guards [player_tooltip player_id='1454192' first='Dylan' last='Cervantez'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1461342' first='Zac' last='Evans']. Cervantez is a rugged multi-sport type who gets in the lane and draws fouls or scores in traffic. He can also hit the three and run the offense. Evans is a quick guard who loves to run and can also hit from outside. The two guards each averaged better than 6 rebounds per game for a state-bound team a year ago.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McPherson – The Bullpups have to adjust to the loss of all-stater Seth Madron, but they have the numbers at the guard spot to do it. They finished third in 4A last year relying heavily on a rotation of sophomore guards who will be fun to watch the next two years. [player_tooltip player_id='1461339' first='Cory' last='Muehler'], [player_tooltip player_id='1436793' first='Kyden' last='Thompson'], <strong>Owen Pyle</strong> and <strong>Kreighton Kanitz</strong> each played an important role last season and should each be ready for more after impressing on the club circuit this summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Little River – [player_tooltip player_id='1080199' first='Braxton' last='Lafferty'] and <strong>Dalton Mantz</strong> return as experienced guards. Lafferty has been a solid scorer and leader the past couple of seasons. Mantz stepped up to quarterback the offense and dished out 5 assists per game last year. The Redskins return nearly everyone from a year ago when they went 16-7.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sabetha – The Blue Jays return most of their talent from a year ago, and their guard tandem of senior [player_tooltip player_id='1378396' first='Matthew' last='Garber'] (pictured) and junior [player_tooltip player_id='1378447' first='Marcus' last='Bauman'] will lead the attack. Both are fearless ball handlers who attack defenses to create options to kick the ball or score in the midrange. Both can hit the perimeter shot at a high clip and they play with the pace to create points on the break.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->