Playmakers to Watch at Big School Substates

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Big schools feature some guys who fit the playmaker description – able to affect the game in a variety of ways at both ends and who can create their own scoring opportunities: [player_tooltip player_id='1454148' first='Kaeson' last='Fisher-Brown'] of Derby, [player_tooltip player_id='1080169' first='Aidan' last='Wing'] of Miege, [player_tooltip player_id='1080170' first='Kobe' last='Smith'] of Andover Central and [player_tooltip player_id='1080168' first='Jack' last='Bachelor'] of Washburn Rural immediately come to mind. Of course, topping that list might be Mill Valley super soph [player_tooltip player_id='1588338' first='Carter' last='Kaifes'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>But there are some other playmakers who really can impact the playoffs. Here are five playmakers to watch in the substate round:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1146272' first='Brian' last='Hawthorne'], 6-foot-2 forward, 2023, St. James:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Thunder have seven losses, and drew a very tough assignment, being slotted #9 in the 5A East with Topeka West and #1 Highland Park in the way. But St. James is one of the most dangerous teams in 5A because of its experience and diversity of options, led by Hawthorne. What a season the senior has had. He has emerged as one of the top playmakers by scoring at every level and creating his own opportunities off the bounce. His stat line of 5 rebounds and 5 assists to go with a 23-point average points to his versatility. His 57% from the field and 43% from deep are equally impressive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1486811' first='Wade' last='Meyer']</strong>, 6-foot-1 forward, 2023, Hutchinson (pictured):</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The #2 seed in the 5A West bracket, Hutchinson seemingly has every base covered. Ball handling and shooting from a couple of small guards, wings who can stretch a defense and a big man who bangs in the paint. Meyer is the wildcard who brings an essential element. He can handle the ball, and shoot it from the wing. But he stands out as a playmaker in the open court, pushing the ball and attacking the defense at high speed. He combines length, explosiveness, and ball skills. The senior has sort of flown under the radar because he has been surrounded by other highly-rated players at Buhler and now at Hutchinson.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cole Parker</strong>, 6-foot-3 forward, 2023, Eudora:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1461341' first='Logan' last='Sullivan'] tends to get more publicity as the Cardinals' leading scorer. But Parker is essential to the team's success as a forward whose game has many facets. He's long and slender, but not ineffective when he gets into the paint. He draws a lot of fouls when he slashes to the goal, and he can score in a variety of ways with a high release and a lot of spring. He averaged 11 points this season, but when teams deny Sullivan the ball, Parker steps as the number one playmaker. As the #2 seed in the 4A East, Eudora has a pretty clear path to state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1390595' first='Kalen' last='Streit'], 6-foot-1 guard, 2024, Bonner Springs:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bonner Springs was seeded #7 in the 5A East and will have a chance to keep #2 seed DeSoto from returning to state. With a dynamic guard in [player_tooltip player_id='1407806' first='Cameron' last='Doss'] and big play in the paint from forward [player_tooltip player_id='1748987' first='Tavian' last='Cruse'], Streit is sort of the third piece who fills the gap. He's a slashing wing with a snaking talent for getting to the goal and great hops.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nic Anderson</strong>, 6-foot-3 guard, 2025, Olathe South:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Anderson fits the description of a playmaker because he can play so many spots on the floor and impact the game at each of them. He is an adept point guard, but is just as likely to pop around in the lane to catch and attack the defense in a hybrid high-post role. He has a high release, quickness and explosiveness to get shots off against bigs, and he is way too dangerous on the dribble for most bigs to guard. He's been a leader for Olathe South, which, as the #7 seed in the 6A East will have a tough time against #2 Blue Valley Northwest if they win in the first round.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->