Topekans Excelling in the Early Going

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The new season has some new players blowing up and some returners taking their games to new heights. Here are five Topeka-area players who are off to great starts (in alphabetical order):</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2314813' first='Tamir' last='Anderson']</strong>, 6-foot-2 forward, 2024, Highland Park:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are always a few players who make a big impression on the club scene but are still waiting for their opportunity to break out for their high school. Anderson was one of those guys. To his credit, he patiently played his role last year. But he's breaking out this year. He just popped for nine 3-pointers in a game, rolling to 31 points. He hit seven 3's in an earlier game. He's a long wing who is being called upon to defend multiple spots as one of the Scots bigger players. This guy looks like a big riser in the next update to the Prep Hoops rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2211343' first='KaeVon' last='Bonner'], 5-foot-10 guard, 2026, Seaman:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This guy gave us a peak at what he could do as a freshman, but he's really opening eyes this year. He gets to the line, knocks it down from deep, handles the ball and fuels the transition attack for the Vikings. He recently went for 27 to lead Seaman to a tough two-point win over Piper. Bonner is a slick ball handler and fearless attacker of defenses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jalen Foy</strong>, 6-foot-2 guard, 2025, Topeka West:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's probably shouldn't be a surprise the Rick Bloomquist has the Chargers right back in the mix after graduating several veteran standouts. We just didn't know who would fill the roles. Foy has become the most consistent and productive of the new crew. He's averaging 15 points and 5 assists and leading the team to a hot start.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1588383' first='Jaret' last='Sanchez'], 6-foot-5 forward, 2025, Shawnee Heights (pictured):</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sanchez is another guy who we looked to for big things based on last year's performance. He stepped into the spotlight as a sophomore and showed he was an elite shooter and a big body who could play multiple roles. Now as an established feature for the T-Birds, he's off to a big start as a junior. He popped for 22 points in win over Topeka West. Shawnee Heights has played a tough schedule, but looks to get on a roll behind Sanchez' offensive production.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cooper Colbach</strong>, 5-foot-10 guard, 2024, Hayden:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A bit like Anderson, Colbach has been waiting for his opportunity to break out for Hayden. He is a big-bodied guard who can shoot it from anywhere. He just needed a chance. He came out of the gate hot, going for 22 and 23 points in wins at the Paul Terry Classic tournament last week. The Wildcats needed someone to step up their production to replace departed leaders. Colbach has a rugged football mentality and can heat up to stretch a defense from deep.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->