Big Shoes to Fill: 5A

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>All-state players aren't replaced. Teams move on after graduating star players by spreading the load around and making accommodations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>But in the following cases, there are talented players ready to take on bigger roles in the absence of a 5A all-state graduate (in alphabetical order):</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2211330' first='Rocco' last='Keller']</strong>, 6-foot-4 center, 2026, Kapaun Mt. Carmel:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>K-State football-bound <strong>Will Anciaux</strong> finished his basketball career with a very sold senior season. It seems a long time ago, but at one time he was Prep Hoops' top-rated basketball 2023 in Kansas. If any school can replace a skilled big man, it's Kapaun. They seem to have plenty of them. But most in the Anciaux mold might be Keller, who really impressed in club action this spring. He plays big in the paint and has a lot of skill. He's a good passer, finishes with both hands and plays with maturity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1378443' first='Wyatt' last='Lewis'], 6-foot-2 guard, 2024, Aquinas:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lewis has long been appreciated for his work in club ball. He plays a somewhat similar game to all-state 2023 <strong>Will Rost</strong>, so he hasn't fully blossomed for Aquinas. Watch for him to get an opportunity to grow his 8 points and 3 assists as a senior, although the team has quite a crop of young talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1588346' first='Jacorey' last='Robinson'], 6-foot-5 forward, 2025, Highland Park:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Robinson is no Johnny-come-lately. Everyone already recognizes his talents. But he will be called upon to play a much bigger role in the wake of the graduation of ultra-athletic <strong>Ketraleus Aldridge</strong>. They are not exactly the same type of player, but Robinson is capable of facing the goal and creating more than he has thus far. The Scots also need to replace 6-foot-4 forward <strong>Jahmir Kingcannon</strong>, so Robinson will have to rebound and defend at a high rate in addition to carrying a bigger offensive load.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2039558' first='Simon' last='Rowley']</strong>, 5-foot-9 guard, 2026, Topeka West:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Chargers will have to replace all-stater <strong>Xavier Alexander</strong>, a sharp-shooting, physical guard, as well as point man Sincere Austin. One player who might really help soften the blow is transfer Rowley, who played a big role as a freshman for 4A state-qualifier Atchison. The lefty is a fearless attacker of defenses and a slick ball handler who can create shots. The Chargers have some talented big men and will need some guards to step forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1300821' first='Blake' last='Rucker'], 6-foot-3 forward, 2024, Andover (pictured):</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Finding anyone capable of shooting like <strong>Eli Shetlar</strong> might be close to impossible. But Rucker certainly gives the Trojans a top threat from deep. He hit 34% from deep and averaged 11 points as an important option as a junior. He was big in the run to the 5A title with 37 points in the tourney.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->