5A Features Exciting Tandems

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Like Batman and Robin, Kansas has a bunch of dynamic duos to watch this basketball season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are some of the Top Duos in 5A (in no particular order):</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Great Bend – [player_tooltip player_id='1624962' first='Ben' last='Nicholson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2209777' first='Ian' last='Premer']:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These two give the Panthers some serious skill from the forward positions. They are long and athletic, with the ability to run and attack the goal. Nicholson is ready to step into an even bigger role as a deep-shooting, shot blocking forward as a junior. Premer proved as a freshman that the varsity game is his comfort zone, and he should take the next step to become one of the best forwards in the 5A class. He's got power, skill and a tenacity to his game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DeSoto – [player_tooltip player_id='1270268' first='David' last='Cobin'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1609657' first='Jayden' last='Lang'] (pictured):</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This tandem of guards can really generate offense. Cobin is simply one of the best playmakers in the state. He can destroy a defense on the attack and get the ball to a scorer in great position. Lang is a bit bigger than Cobin, and he plays big. With the power of a fine football player, Lang can slash to the goal on the bounce and make plays through contact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aquinas – [player_tooltip player_id='1588347' first='Will' last='Goode'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1588391' first='Julian' last='Marks']:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is a frontline tandem that really bears watching. First and foremost, we're assuming Marks – one of the top football recruits in the nation – will continue to pursue basketball. If he does, then the power and size of this tandem will be nearly unmatchable. Goode measured 6-foot-9 last season and continues to develop his body to match his fine skills and technique. Marks has light feel and quickness for a guy his size – listed by some recruiting services at 6-foot-8 and 270 pounds. These two are the brawn of a great group of 2025s at Aquinas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Piper – [player_tooltip player_id='2209781' first='DJ' last='Jackson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1624999' first='Phillip' last='Moore']:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Piper has some nice pieces looking forward to the season, and Jackson and Moore should provide some fine leadership from the backcourt. Jackson blew up as a freshman, and should be even more ready to make plays as a sophomore. Moore is an attacking guard who can overwhelm smaller guards on the drive. Both will need to shoot it better next season, but they won't have to do it all as Piper returns several other good players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Topeka West – [player_tooltip player_id='2209783' first='Keimani' last='Paul'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2039558' first='Simon' last='Rowley']:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Topeka West is undergoing a lot of changes after several really good seasons. The leadership of the team will fall to these two next year. Paul actually wound up one of the team's leaders by the end of his freshman season. Now Rowley transfers in from Atchison, where he gained experience on a 4A state tournament team. While Paul is a long, springy forward, Rowley is a highly skilled guard who can create shots and make clever passes on the attack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->