How Will These 5A Schools Respond to Graduation Losses?

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Graduation of top 2023s will shift the 5A landscape in a major way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's safe to say no school in the state suffered the kind of attrition that Andover is undergoing. They lost three players ranked in the top 34, including the second-ranked player in the class. No wonder they won the state title in the 5A class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are the 5A schools who face the biggest losses to their rosters, as well as some players who might be able to step into those leadership roles:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Andover:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's a good thing the Trojans pulled off the state title. They may never see a senior class quite like the one that just graduated. They lose the #2 player in the class in <strong>Eli Shetlar</strong>, an Indiana State commit. They bid farewell to state tournament hero <strong>BJ Redic</strong>, ranked #24, and big forward <strong>Chris Harris</strong>, #34. That big three was supported by guard <strong>Brad Harris</strong> and the powerful <strong>Devon Neal-McFarthing</strong>. That's not even mentioning #109 ranked <strong>Brady Strausz</strong>, who missed the season due to injury. Andover will look to point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1588392' first='Josh' last='Kim'] </strong>and outside shooter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1300821' first='Blake' last='Rucker']</strong> to fire up the offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Highland Park:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Andover squeaked by Highland Park in an epic sub-state battle. That loss was crushing to the Scots' senior class, which featured five excellent seniors, including three ranked players. <strong>Ketraleus Aldridge</strong>, ranked #3, was the highlight maker, while <strong>Jahmir Kingcannon</strong>, #85, was a shooter, rebounder and defender. <strong>Tre Richardson</strong>, ranked #91, was the X-factor, able to change a game with his speed and quickness. Point guard <strong>Quentin Adams</strong> and off-guard <strong>Aydren Drew-Gregory</strong> were important contributors to the run that came up just short. The Scots will have [player_tooltip player_id='1588346' first='Jacorey' last='Robinson'] (pictured), one of the best forwards in the state, to turn to next season, as well as some fine guards including <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2314813' first='Tamir' last='Anderson']</strong>, <strong>Jamon Wilson </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1512900' first='Mikey' last='Williams']</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Topeka West:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another team that lost three ranked players is Topeka West. The Chargers lose the remnants of their state-caliber teams from a few years ago. They will have to rebuild after losing guards <strong>Xavier Alexander</strong>, #55, and <strong>Sincere Austin</strong>, #61, and <strong>Malachi Berg</strong> #111. They can look to a couple of experienced and athletic bigs in <strong>Caleb NooNoo</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2209764' first='Keimani' last='Paul']</strong> and <strong>Javian Chambers</strong>. Look for <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2039558' first='Simon' last='Rowley']</strong>, a transfer from Atchison, to make an impact as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hutchinson:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Salthawks made a great run after dropping down from 6A. Led by guard <strong>Garrett Robertson</strong>, the #14 player in the class, Hutchinson benefitted from adding transfer <strong>Wade Meyer</strong> from Buhler. He would wind up ranked #129 in the class. The Salthawks were senior-laden and experienced with <strong>Dauntay King </strong>at guard and <strong>Nic Lange</strong> in the center. 2025 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1772982' first='Terrell' last='King']</strong> was an exciting and effective point guard who will lead the team next season. He may get a boost from 2024 forward <strong>Julian Smith</strong>, a long wing who can shoot it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other 5A teams with significant losses:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Andover Central:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kobe Smith</strong> #6, <strong>Brian Perry</strong> #35</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>St. James:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brian Hawthorne</strong> #15, <strong>Gabe Sydzyik </strong>#69</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bonner Springs:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tavian Cruse</strong> #51, <strong>Cameron Doss</strong> #83</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->