Most Outstanding Player Update: 2A

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We tried to pinpoint the top candidates to stand atop the 2A class as the Most Outstanding Player. Interestingly, in several cases, teams actually had two (or more) players who might wind up deserving of that honor. So in a couple of cases, we listed two players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Frontrunners:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1080178' first='Britton' last='Dutton'] (pictured) – No question this guy stands at the top of 2A when it comes to career production. He's closing in on 2,000 career points, for crying out loud! To be considered Most Outstanding Player, he needs to get the Eagles past the sub-state field and into the Big Dance. It won't be easy because Ellinwood is in a brutal sub-state. Regardless, Dutton is a bucket maker for the ages.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1212164' first='Dylan' last='Werth'] – The 6-foot-7 forward is a difference maker because his length gives him the chance to shoot, score on the bounce and in the post regardless of the focus defenses place on him. Werth excelled in the 3A ranks, leading the Monarchs to the state tournament. Now he has TMP rolling in 2A. He is an experienced leader and a guy who makes plays when the game is on the line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1270299' first='Eli' last='Lawson'] – The Bennington big man has to be considered a favorite because of 1) the impressive 20 points and 12 boards he is averaging, but 2) the fact that he'll stand out as the most dominant center in the 2A class. His size and fundamental skills will be tough for anyone to match in the playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Risers:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1748989' first='Joseph' last='Recalde-Phillips'] – A player has to be on this list to represent the Wichita Independent juugernaut. Recalde-Phillips is the most experienced and decorated player, having made the state tournament had received some all-state recognition as a junior. He's football-tough, physical guard who can score. But the Panthers also have [player_tooltip player_id='1749042' first='Conar' last='Harris'], an athletic wing who is also deserving of note.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1146283' first='Landon' last='Kaufman'] – Kaufman is a dynamic guard who will handle the ball and lead a talented and balanced Wildcat team. His stats don't necessarily stand out, but he is an experienced and talented guard who deserves mention, as does fellow senior teammate [player_tooltip player_id='1561988' first='Logan' last='Churchill'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1270271' first='Tanner' last='Heckel'] – Heckel deserves to be mentioned because he leads a top-five team. Teammate [player_tooltip player_id='1749051' first='Eli' last='Brunk'] might also belong in this spot. But we'll go with Heckel as a riser because he's the most consistent producer and potentially the highest scorer. These guys are tough and competitive multi-sport stars.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Sneakers:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1633228' first='Savailio' last='Smith'] – Ok, so we've already listed Lawson above representing Bennington. But Smith is a sneaker because he's an athlete capable of capturing the spotlight down the stretch. He is contributing 17 points and 7 rebounds, but that's only part of the story. His physicality and spring combined with his skills in the open court and on the perimeter make him a player few small schools can match. He might just blow up when the games matter most.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1080187' first='Brekyn' last='Ratzlaff'] – Ratzlaff's name has to be on the list, even if his team is sub .500. If you just made a list of best players in 2A, Ratzlaff might be the name at the top. He led the Trojans to back-to-back state titles as a dynamic facilitator and defender who can shoot and create his own shot. The team graduated a load from last year's team. In trying to lead his team to wins this year, Ratzlaff has gone over 30 and even 40 a handful of times.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->