Sub-state Difference Makers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Going to state requires team effort, clutch playmaking, and a little bit of magic. When its crunch time, there are some difference makers who propel their teams to the Big Dance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When it comes to picking difference makers, there are the stars who lead their teams, and there are role players who impact the game in specific ways. Here's a look at some difference makers who helped propel their teams to state:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1490020' first='Collins' last='Elumogo'], 6-foot-4 forward, 2023, Manhattan:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Perhaps the player of the 6A final round, this guy deserves a ton of credit for getting the Indians back to the state tournament. When Manhattan drew Lawrence, it installed a box-and-one defense to slow the Lions' high-scoring guard [player_tooltip player_id='1378439' first='Zaxton' last='King']. Elumogo was the ‘one' in the box-and-one. He harassed King into just 7 points while getting 12 of his own. Elumogo is a powerful, explosive big man who demonstrated the quickness and coordination to defend an electric guard without fouling.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kaden Franklin</strong>, 6-foot-6 forward, 2024, Derby:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Derby has been a guard-rich program the past few years, but that formula hasn't led to a lot of playoff success. This year, they added a big forward who can run with the guards, make plays at high speed, and impact the game at both ends with his length and athleticism. Franklin was big in the substate final, getting 10 points and battling Washburn Rural's deep and bruising frontline. He led Derby in rebounding and blocked 2 shots per game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1300865' first='Ketraleus' last='Aldridge'], 6-foot-2 guard, 2023, Highland Park:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Scots rolled to the sub-state semis without Aldridge, who was out for several weeks serving a suspension. But in order to go to state at full strength, they are blessed by the reinstatement of the high-flying Aldridge. He showed no rust in the sub-state final, getting 28 points on 10-19 shooting. Just as important, he helped shut down St. James' top scoring threat, [player_tooltip player_id='1146272' first='Brian' last='Hawthorne'], who was limited to 11.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1080207' first='Tyson' last='Ruud'], 6-foot-5 forward, 2023, Basehor-Linwood (pictured):</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>No way a #14 seed made it to 5A state, right? Wrong. Basehor-Linwood got some favorable draws and took advantage. They got by Piper, then edged Sumner Academy to advance. That's a team that was just 7-13 in the regular season! Ruud is a high-flying forward who led a young team and helped them keep it together through the tough times. He netted 23 points in the sub-state final, hitting clutch free throws and locking down the defensive end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Isaac Martin</strong>, 6-foot-3 forward, 2024, Hugoton:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hugoton returned a couple of star players from their 3A state team of a year ago. But they bumped up to 4A and would need more than just two good players to go far. Martin has been a solid role player all season, but he's taking his game to the next level in the playoffs. He turned in a double-double with 15 points and 11 boards in the sub-state final over Rock Creek. He's a big, physical football player who brings toughness and athleticism to the front line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->