Top Teams, Unsung Heroes: 6A

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are always going to be some guys who get the headlines, while some other guys get less fanfare for their contributions. Let's take a look around the state and shine the light on some unsung heroes from the fall semester:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#1 Olathe West – <strong>Tyler Jones</strong>, 5-foot-10 guard, 2023:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Olathe West ascended to the top spot of the 6A rankings by putting together a 5-0 start. Jones helped jump start the season with 20 points in the first game against Manhattan. Jones was recognized for great work with a spot on the Hays Invitational All-Tournament Team. He's a lanky guard who gets in the face of shooters and frustrates ball handlers. He's capable of knocking down the three-ball, and he is prone to leaking out for outlets to trigger the break. He finished the semester with 11 in a big win over Mill Valley.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#2 Blue Valley North - <strong>Jaxon Goldberg</strong>, 6-foot guard, 2023:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Having lost a couple of studs from the guard rotation, the Mustangs are looking to some returners to really step up. Goldberg was a really good player as a junior, and he's carrying on this year, primarily by providing a threat from deep and hitting the glass from the guard spot. He averaged 9 points to go with 5 boards and 2 assists in the Mustangs' five wins to start the season. He's hitting nearly 60% from behind the arc this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#3 Wichita Heights - <strong>Chase Robinson</strong>, 6-foot-4 forward, 2025:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After getting his feet wet in a handful of games as a freshman, Robinson has made a significant step forward. He's providing the Falcons with physicality, defense and rebounding. His 4.5 points, 4 rebounds, energy and toughness have been important. The Falcons were surprised by Washburn Rural right before the break, but should be in the hunt once again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#5 Blue Valley Northwest – <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1561993' first='Landon' last='Braun']</strong>, 6-foot-6 forward, 2023:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's no way to really measure the Huskies at this point. They lost two tough tournament games in Missouri, and their three wins were all blowouts of Missouri schools. But history tells us two things: 1) [player_tooltip player_id='1378390' first='Grant' last='Stubblefield'] will lead, and 2) the rest of the roster is deep and talented. Braun is ready to take a big step forward after averaging 6 points and 3 rebounds as a junior. He's got the length and the brawn to play in the paint, and he can shoot it. He's a developing player who may make a big leap with added opportunities this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#9 Garden City - <strong>Jake Underwood</strong>, 6-foot-4 forward, 2023:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Garden City jumped out of the gate with a 7-0 record that opened eyes. We knew the Buffaloes had a couple of experienced seniors who would be good. They needed a supporting cast to come together. Underwood has always impressed with his toughness and effort. He's finally getting the chance to shine. He's averaging 9 points and 10 rebounds thus far. He's the third option Garden City needed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->