6As Top Trios

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the high school season about a month away, we're going to take a little time to look at the top duos and trios in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Certainly, there are some teams with a lot more than three good players on a team, and there are other good trios to consider, but here is a look at four trios that will get you psyched up for the coming season:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wichita Heights forwards – [player_tooltip player_id='1270090' first='TJ' last='Williams'], [player_tooltip player_id='1588339' first='Amalachi' last='Wilkins'], [player_tooltip player_id='1962885' first='Chase' last='Robinson']:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This could be arguable the best collection of big men in the state, because of the athleticism and versatility of the pieces. Williams is actually widely considered a guard, but at 6-foot-5 and with a mature, powerful frame, he can dominate at every level. Flank him with junior Wilkins, a 6-foot-7 defensive wiz and you've got a shot-blocking, high-flying pair. Then watch for the growth of junior Robinson, a guy who really impressed this summer with his ball-handling and play-making abilities. These guys are going to be a nightmare on the break and tough on the glass and around the rim.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Blue Valley Northwest bigs – [player_tooltip player_id='1461338' first='Joey' last='Matteoni'], <strong>Gavin Hoffman</strong>, [player_tooltip player_id='1270297' first='Jaxon' last='Klein']:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last year, the 6A champs had an incredible collection of big men to rotate. They lost a couple of those pieces, but like any dynasty, they have more at their disposal. The most important component – Matteoni – is back. It's easy to make the case for him as the best big in the state. The big question is whether Hoffman, an Iowa football recruit, will play football this season. He's a tough rebounder and banger who might be tempted to leave high school early. Wait and see on that. [player_tooltip player_id='1270297' first='Jaxon' last='Klein'] can assume some of the minutes of the graduates. He's a springy, high-energy team-first forward. If the Huskies need to replace Hoffman, they may have Andrew Babalola, another football phenom, and transfer [player_tooltip player_id='1530221' first='Ayden' last='McGibboney'] at their disposal.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Derby shooters – [player_tooltip player_id='1300833' first='Dallas' last='Metzger'], <strong>Mason Anderson</strong>, [player_tooltip player_id='2169844' first='Jack' last='Ulwelling']:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The other trios in this article are collections of big men. But we had to shine the light on the gunslingers at Derby. Metzger is instant offense. He stretches defenses and still can get shots off. This year defenses won't be able to contort themselves to stop Metzger because Anderson and Ulwelling are game-changing threats from deep as well. All three will drive and dish or get to midrange shots, but their primary threat is from behind the arc. Anderson and Ulwelling can handle the point and both bring a lot of energy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mill Valley bigs – [player_tooltip player_id='1378441' first='Gus' last='Hawkins'], [player_tooltip player_id='1480552' first='Mason' last='Kemp'] (pictured), [player_tooltip player_id='1588338' first='Carter' last='Kaifes']:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The big question from the outside looking in is Hawkins. A prize Kansas State football recruit, he may opt out of his senior basketball season. But even if he departs, Mill Valley will be loaded. Kaifes, of course, is more than just big. He's a brilliant shooter and stretcher of defenses. He has the total package is a top college recruit. Don't overlook Kemp, a physical forward who is skilled and determined. This trio is just the beginning of the talent at Mill Valley. It's going to be a fun team to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->