Back to State: Returners From 5A Tourney Teams

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're taking a look at the state teams who return the most talent this year. We looked at 6A teams looking to get back to the tourney. Now let's look at the 5A teams that return the most players from last year's tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kapaun Mt. Carmel – finished second in 2023:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kapaun lost a few nice players from last seasons, but it's possible the best players are back from their runner-up finish. [player_tooltip player_id='1270287' first='Will' last='Thengvall'] is a versatile forward with guard skills who can put a team on his back. He's one of the best players in the state. [player_tooltip player_id='1408946' first='Corbin' last='Johnson'] (pictured) emerged as one of the best guards in the state – a point guard who can shoot an opponent out of the gym. [player_tooltip player_id='1270303' first='Teagan' last='Charles'] is a big, explosive athlete who may get more of an opportunity to star as a senior. And <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2387724' first='Brooks' last='Powers']</strong>, another long guard with point man skills, was an important role player a year ago.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Highland Park – finished third in 2023:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Highland Park lost a collection of seniors that will be missed. But there is more in the stable, including several athletic guards who can continue the frenetic pace of last season. Coach's son <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1512900' first='Mikey' last='Williams']</strong> is ready to take on a bigger role as a junior, as is point guard <strong>Jamon Wilson</strong>. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2314813' first='Tamir' last='Anderson']</strong> is a dynamite offensive threat. <strong>Amari Taylor</strong> and <strong>Prince McMillion</strong> got some minutes last year as well. But the best returner is big man [player_tooltip player_id='1588346' first='Jacorey' last='Robinson'], who may be ready to put the team on his shoulders after playing a supporting role to the dynamic class of 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Maize South – lost to Andover in the first round:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This team returns a strong trio – a point guard, a big man, and a versatile guard/forward. The point man, [player_tooltip player_id='1172929' first='Michael' last='Kates'], has been widely respected since his freshman season, and is ready to take over the leadership of this team. He's got a great handle and playmaking ability, is powerful and experienced. [player_tooltip player_id='1378442' first='Tory' last='Homan'] is a powerhouse center who goes to the goal with abandon and blocks shots, as well as bringing a lot of skill and IQ to the post. [player_tooltip player_id='1173415' first='Jeron' last='Askren'] is a football stud who plays tough defense, rebounds and can be an offensive threat.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Blue Valley Southwest – lost to Kapaun Mt. Carmel in the first round:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Timerwolves lose some significant seniors, but they return a strong group of contributors, particularly at the guard position in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2314770' first='Jackson' last='Bonczynski'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1580563' first='Tate' last='Everard']</strong>. Those two handle the ball, dish it to shooters and can get buckets in transition and the midrange. <strong>Dylan Dunn</strong> is a big man who can stretch a defense from the perimeter, handle the ball and pass effectively. <strong>Alex Parks</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2328082' first='Emmitt' last='Peters']</strong> also got valuable experience last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->