Back to State: 5A Tourney Returners

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Looking back to last year's 5A tournament might give a peak at who will be this year's frontrunners.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are last year's 5A tournament teams who return significant pieces for another run:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Seaman:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The surprise state champions lose a ton from last year. But they do return a couple of key contributors, including the two leading scorers from the title game. [player_tooltip player_id='1080196' first='Kaeden' last='Bonner'] is a big-bodied shooter. He will take over a lot of the ball-handling responsibility next season. Considering he's been a varsity player since his freshman year, he has the experience to lead the team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A wildcard will be the health of big man [player_tooltip player_id='1454196' first='Aron' last='Davis']. When healthy, he can be one of the best bigs in the state. He exploded for 17 points on 8-8 shooting in the state championship game. Whether or not Seaman has him on the floor will have a big impact on their season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>De Soto:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Wildcats return the most important piece from their runner-up club in point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1270268' first='David' last='Cobin'] (pictured). Cobin went crazy in the first two games of the state tournament, scoring 21 against Blue Valley Southwest and 32 against St. James. He averaged 17 points per game as a sophomore. Cobin will team with experienced guards in [player_tooltip player_id='1290287' first='Trent' last='Johnson'], <strong>Blake Hicks</strong> and <strong>Maddox Dow</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>De Soto will be looking for more from 6-foot-8 senior <strong>Greyson Chappel</strong> this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Highland Park:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Look out. This team is absolutely stacked and ready to explode. The Scots were bounced early in last year's tourney but will look to avenge that disappointment in a big way. They are led by one of the most athletic and explosive players in the state in [player_tooltip player_id='1300865' first='Ketraleus' last='Aldridge']. While Aldridge gets noticed for his dunks, blocked shots and other eye-popping plays, he's a well-rounded and skilled player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aldridge will be surrounded by experienced and talented returners. At guard, seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1300861' first='Quentin' last='Adams'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1454197' first='Tre' last='Richardson'] are super athletic and keep the tempo at an all-time high. The Scots return versatility and scoring ability with senior [player_tooltip player_id='1378392' first='Jahmir' last='Kingcannon'] and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1588346' first='Jacorey' last='Robinson'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kapaun:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What's new? The Crusaders are loaded. It seems like you could say that just about every year. But this year they will be out to avenge an early exit from the tournament. They will have to replace a couple of key pieces, but have tons of talent back, even if [player_tooltip player_id='1080159' first='Will' last='Anciaux'] departs early for college football, as is expected.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1270287' first='Will' last='Thengvall'] had a big sophomore season and will be the leader. He will team with <strong>Max Keller</strong> on the front line. Versatile returners [player_tooltip player_id='1270303' first='Teagan' last='Charles'], <strong>Dominic Shibley</strong> and [player_tooltip player_id='1408946' first='Corbin' last='Johnson'] will make the Crusaders deep and interchangeable.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->