Top Teams, Unsung Heroes: 3A

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The top 3A teams, as ranked by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association, have some deep and balanced lineups. Here are some of the unsung heroes helping make it happen:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#1 Sabetha – <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2147823' first='Christian' last='McAfee']</strong>, 6-foot-4 forward, 2024:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bluejays have it rolling. They went to the break 7-0 with wins over some good teams, including Marysville and Wamego. McAfee is a lot of the reason why they defend and rebound so well. He's a gritty workhorse who can finish with the best of them and does all the dirty work. He has great spring to go with his length and agility to knife through the lane. He doesn't have to score a lot to impact the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#2 Southeast of Saline –<strong> Luke Gebhardt</strong>, 6-foot guard, 2023:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Trojans have a talented group that can get you in numerous ways. Leading the team in floor burns is Gebhardt. He brings energy on defense and goes after loose balls with abandon. The senior star quarterback dishes out a couple of assists and makes a couple of steals every game to supplement his 8 points and four assists. The Trojans have stars. But leadership and grit from guys like Gebhardt will carry them a long ways.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#4 Osage City - <strong>Kaden Kirkpatrick</strong>, 6-foot-2 forward, 2023:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1146292' first='Landon' last='Boss'] is the entrenched leader of the Indians. But Kirkpatrick is turning in some great performances lately. He has been instrumental to the getting out of the gate 6-1. He tossed in 25 against Lebo and 27 against Central Heights. He led the team with 21 in the team's lone loss to Heritage Christian.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#5 Haven - <strong>DJ Miller</strong>, 6-foot-2 guard, 2023:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Don't sleep on Haven. The Wildcats are off to a 6-0 start, blowing out nearly every opponent. They have size on the front line. He the multi-sport star earned all-league as a junior with 11 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists. He tossed in 20 in a win over Sunrise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#8 Galena – <strong>Jack Perry</strong>, 6-foot-2 guard, 2025:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Galena climbed into the rankings by steamrolling their December schedule. The Bulldogs needed an offensive threat to help open things up for senior center [player_tooltip player_id='1080164' first='Tyler' last='Little']. Perry has taken off as a sophomore, developing his athleticism to match his talents from behind the arc. He is crafty off the dribble to get shots off in the paint and midrange. He's had some impressive scoring outings. He's a sophomore to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->