How Will These 5A Schools Respond to Graduation Losses?
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Graduation of top 2023s will shift the 5A landscape in a major way. 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,…
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Continue ReadingGraduation of top 2023s will shift the 5A landscape in a major way.
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.
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:
Andover:
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 Eli Shetlar, an Indiana State commit. They bid farewell to state tournament hero BJ Redic, ranked #24, and big forward Chris Harris, #34. That big three was supported by guard Brad Harris and the powerful Devon Neal-McFarthing. That’s not even mentioning #109 ranked Brady Strausz, who missed the season due to injury. Andover will look to point guard Josh Kim Josh Kim 6'3" | CG Andover | 2025 State KS and outside shooter Blake Rucker Blake Rucker 6'3" | SG Andover | 2024 State KS to fire up the offense.
Highland Park:
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. Ketraleus Aldridge, ranked #3, was the highlight maker, while Jahmir Kingcannon, #85, was a shooter, rebounder and defender. Tre Richardson, ranked #91, was the X-factor, able to change a game with his speed and quickness. Point guard Quentin Adams and off-guard Aydren Drew-Gregory were important contributors to the run that came up just short. The Scots will have Jacorey Robinson Jacorey Robinson 6'4" | SF Highland Park | 2025 State KS (pictured), one of the best forwards in the state, to turn to next season, as well as some fine guards including Tamir Anderson Tamir Anderson 6'3" | SF Highland Park | 2024 State KS , Jamon Wilson and Mikey Williams Mikey Williams 6'3" | PG Highland Park | 2025 State KS .
Topeka West:
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 Xavier Alexander, #55, and Sincere Austin, #61, and Malachi Berg #111. They can look to a couple of experienced and athletic bigs in Caleb NooNoo, Keimani Paul and Javian Chambers. Look for Simon Rowley Simon Rowley 6'2" | PG Washburn Rural | 2026 State KS , a transfer from Atchison, to make an impact as well.
Hutchinson:
The Salthawks made a great run after dropping down from 6A. Led by guard Garrett Robertson, the #14 player in the class, Hutchinson benefitted from adding transfer Wade Meyer from Buhler. He would wind up ranked #129 in the class. The Salthawks were senior-laden and experienced with Dauntay King at guard and Nic Lange in the center. 2025 Terrell King Terrell King 5'8" | PG Hutchinson | 2025 State KS was an exciting and effective point guard who will lead the team next season. He may get a boost from 2024 forward Julian Smith, a long wing who can shoot it.
Other 5A teams with significant losses:
Andover Central:
Kobe Smith #6, Brian Perry #35
St. James:
Brian Hawthorne #15, Gabe Sydzyik #69
Bonner Springs:
Tavian Cruse #51, Cameron Doss #83