Top Teams, Top Players: 2A
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Sitting atop 2A at the break is a newcomer, Wichita Independent. Can they continue to play at that level? We’ll see. At number two is TMP, another newcomer to 2A after dropping down from 3A a year ago. Those two,…
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Continue ReadingSitting atop 2A at the break is a newcomer, Wichita Independent. Can they continue to play at that level? We’ll see. At number two is TMP, another newcomer to 2A after dropping down from 3A a year ago. Those two, combined by graduation losses at Hillsboro will create some intriguing stories in the new year.
Here are top players from top 2A teams from the recent rankings:
#1 Wichita Independent – Joseph Recalde-Phillips, 6-foot guard, 2023:
It was tough to gauge just how good Independent is based on their December schedule. That is, until they beat Moundridge 53-47 just before the break to improve to 6-0. Recalde-Phillips is the multi-sport star who leads the balanced and talented team from the guard spot. He was the most decorated player from the team that qualified for the state tournament a year ago. This will be a team to watch as most of Independent’s players are somewhat unknown.
#2 TMP – Dylan Werth Dylan Werth 6'7" | PF Hays-Tmp | 2023 State KS , 6-foot-7 forward, 2023:
The KBCA rankers are putting a lot of faith in TMP based on their track record. There’s not much to judge the team on yet this season. They were outmatched in a December tournament with Lawrence and Manhattan. But they got a win over Newton and completely annihilated Stockton. Regardless what’s happened so far, Werth is a guy you can count on. He’s a long, lanky athlete who can work on the perimeter or use his physique in the paint. He’ll expand on the 14 points and 7 rebounds he contributed a year ago.
#3 Inman – Tanner Heckel Tanner Heckel 6'0" | CG Lyndon | 2024 State KS , 5-foot-11 guard, 2024:
The Teutons came up short in an early-season test at Moundridge. Other than that, they’ve been too much for their opponents, running to a 5-1 start. Heckel is just one of several quality returners for Inman. He’s an experienced mult-sport veteran plays basketball like the quality quarterback he is on the football field. He gets everyone in position and gets the ball to teammates. He averaged 16 points as a sophomore. He opened the season with 21 against Minneapolis and went for 25 against Kingman.
#4 Ellinwood – Britton Dutton Britton Dutton 6'0" | SG Argo Comm | 2023 State KS , 6-foot-1 guard, 2023 (pictured):
Ellinwood has yet to be tested. No one they’ve faced can muster the offense to keep up with the high-scoring Eagles, who went to break at 6-0. Dutton’s 30 points per game is more than Ellinwood surrendered to three of their six opponents. Dutton has done it all for four years. All, that is, except play in a state tournament. It’s state or bust this year.
#6 Moundridge – Landon Kaufman Landon Kaufman 5'11" | PG Moundridge Highschool | 2023 State KS , 5-foot-10 guard, 2023:
Hillsboro’s Breckyn Ratzlaff is the best point guard in 2A. But Kaufman is probably a close second when it comes to pure point guard play. He is a brilliant ball handler and distributor. He averaged 16 points and 7 assists as a junior. He’s also a pesky defender. His leadership has guided the Wildcats to a 4-2 record against a very tough schedule. He recorded 19 points and 10 assists in an impressive win over Inman.