Wichita-area Seniors Elevating Their Profiles

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are always some seniors who have been waiting for their chance to shine. Some are developing physically, others have improved their skills, while a large number have just been limited by older players in front of them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For whatever reason, here is a handful of seniors who are raising their profiles. We're trying to cover the state, highlighting these risers. Here's a look at some from the Wichita area (in alphabetical order):</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1576738' first='Chase' last='George']</strong>, 5-foot-11 guard, 2024, Eisenhower (pictured):</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>George has gradually grown into a bigger role over the years. Now as a senior, he's carrying a big load as one of the Tiger's primary scorers and distributors, getting the majority of his buckets around the glass and in the midrange. He's a physical, scrappy guard who went for 19 in his most recent game against Andover.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2314796' first='Adrian' last='Hernandez']</strong>, 6-foot-3 forward, 2024, Hesston:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After three straight 3A state championships, it was easy to assume the cupboard was bare at Hesston. But the Swathers are right back at it, with Hernandez leading the way to a 6-0 start. He was a key player on last year's team, so he was ready to step into the lead role. A big, long shooter, He's knocking down a high percentage from deep. At the break, he's averaging 17 points and 4 rebounds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2314754' first='Kaason' last='Thomas']</strong>, 5-foot-11 guard, 2024, Campus:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's been a rough couple of seasons for the Colts, but they are putting it together this season behind some good senior leadership. During the lean years, we could see Thomas' quality production. Now as a senior, he's taking it to an even higher level, going for 24 in two different games. He's a crafty scorer who gets into the midrange, scores at the rim and knocks down free throws.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lincoln Wichert</strong>, 5-foot-9 guard, 2024, Hillsboro:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The senior Wichert has stepped up big time as a senior guard filling the hole left by an all-state graduate. Wichert has a quick release and needs only a step to fire in threes. He went for 19 against Council Grove and 24 against Sterling.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sam Wilkey</strong>, 6-foot-3 forward, 2024, Wichita Classical:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When a state tournament team graduates the kind of senior class that the Saints did last year, you expect a dip the next season. But that's not been the case with Wichita Classical at least so far this year. They are off to a 7-0 start and Wilkey is playing a big part in that success. The big man is locking down the glass, grabbing 10 boards per game. He hits an impressive 66% of his shots to get 12 points per game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->