Players, Games and Brackets to Watch at 6A Substate

The playoffs are underway for most of the classes. Let's take a look at the 6A class, where games get rocking Wednesday.   Here are four categories to watch when the 6A substate playoffs tip off:   6A East:   Biggest Matchup – #4 Blue Valley West vs #5 Mill Valley:   The second round could hold a battle of the Jaguars. Blue Valley West has some really slick, talented guards. But the problem is, they lack much size. They will have a tough time matching the length and power of the front line of Mill Valley. Mill Valley will send out 6-foot-6 [player_tooltip player_id='1588338' first='Carter' last='Kaifes'] and 6-foot-7 [player_tooltip player_id='1480552' first='Mason' last='Kemp'] (pictured). Then there's 6-foot-4 [player_tooltip player_id='2327573' first='Reece' last='Reidel']. And if that's not bad enough, then they can run out [player_tooltip player_id='1378441' first='Gus' last='Hawkins'], a Top 100 offensive lineman. Blue Valley West is talented and, should this matchup take place, they can try to play to their strengths. But they will have their hands full.   Easiest Route – Blue Valley Northwest:   We really like the guys at Olathe South. [player_tooltip player_id='1482763' first='Matthew' last='Corrales'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1962884' first='Nic' last='Anderson'] are versatile warriors who often have to try to match bigger players. But they will be matched up with some of the biggest players if they have to face Blue Valley Northwest. The Huskies are led by 6-foot-8 [player_tooltip player_id='1461338' first='Joey' last='Matteoni'], arguably the best power forward in Kansas. But then there's veteran [player_tooltip player_id='1270297' first='Jaxon' last='Klein'] who stands 6-foot-5 and plays with a ton of intensity. Then when they want to play big, the Huskies can bring in Andrew Babalola, who might be the biggest player in the state.   Most Important Player – [player_tooltip player_id='1300838' first='Jacob' last='Fritz']:   He might not be the most important player in the substate round. But if the Huskies are to get back to the state tournament and make a deep run, Fritz will be need to shine. He's been in the supporting role the past two tournaments, but when the Huskies' height gets matched, Fritz can be a difference maker. He's got the length, the skills and the athleticism to stand apart from opposing guards, and he has the experience and IQ to lead when the lights are brightest.   Potential Playoff Stock Riser – [player_tooltip player_id='2387721' first='Teddy' last='Saylor']:   It's amazing how far off the radar this guy was until this winter. We knew he good, but wow did he blow up as a scorer. Look no further than the 40 he put up in a game recently. He is a sharpshooter who has good length and the ability to run the floor for buckets. He will definitely be a big riser in the next Prep Hoops rankings, but that won't happen for a few weeks. It's time for this senior to get some notoriety now. The playoffs could be his stage for a big senior sendoff.   6A West:   Biggest Matchup – #4 Derby vs #5 Campus:   Derby was so fun to watch last season. We've waited all year for this year's version to kick it into a higher gear. They enter the playoffs on a pretty good hot streak, but they are missing some key pieces and will have their hands full with athletic Dodge City. If they get through that one, they will face Campus, a team that beat them a little over a month ago.   Easiest Route – Wichita Northwest:   The easy answer would be to say Wichita Heights has the easiest path simply because they are the best team. But we really like how things lay out for Northwest. If they get by Free State, they would face Maize. We like the athletes Maize possesses, but the guards at Northwest should be able to crank up the tempo hit from a host of angles. [player_tooltip player_id='1270290' first='Tasean' last='Williams'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2169828' first='Eli' last='Benning'] are electric creators who can get the ball to teammates or blaze a trail to the basket.   Most Important Player – [player_tooltip player_id='1270090' first='TJ' last='Williams']:   We were tempted to feature someone else here. Williams has been the answer to too many questions over the past four years. But when you're the best player, you're probably also the most important. Every year Wichita Heights has to mold a lineup around Williams, and every year it works. A lot of the success is due to Williams' diverse talents, his unselfishness, and his willingness to put the team on his shoulders. This year will be no different.   Potential Playoff Stock Riser – [player_tooltip player_id='2169828' first='Eli' last='Benning']:   We are looking for the Grizzlies to emerge from their bracket and advance to state. For that to happen, Wichita Northwest will have to play fast and creative. That's Benning's game. He has risen into a real leader this season. He's currently ranked #57 in his class by Prep Hoops, but he could really make a statement if he leads his team to state.

The playoffs are underway for most of the classes. Let's take a look at the 6A class, where games get rocking Wednesday.