Workout Wednesday: Sub-State Standouts

<p>Sub State is underway, with some of the action getting underway on the men’s side. Let’s look at some of the guys who worked out on Wednesday night in sub-state. A lot of upsets, big moments, and huge games taking place. The playoffs in Kansas are truly a special time.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Jackson Rippee, 6’1 G, 2022, Olathe North: Rippee was a major glue guy for North in their upset win over Harmon. Played the game with a ton of poise, defensive toughness, and always seemed to be around good plays happening on the floor. Drilled a couple of timely open shots, finished off a lob for a layup in transition, and helped spring some breaks to the quick North guards.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1300806" first="Kaeson" last="Fisher-Brown"], 6’2 G, 2023, Derby: We have previously mentioned that Fisher-Brown had takeover ability in games scoring the ball, well last night in a huge moment against rival Campus in the sub-state playoffs, he did just that. His big shot making ability came from all three levels, he does a great job of picking his spots, getting there off the bounce, finding open space, and scoring the ball. He made electric play after electric play down the stretch in the fourth quarter. A breakout game on a big stage.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1080174" first="Jack" last="Wilson"], 6’6 F, 2023, Manhattan High: One of the biggest upsets on the night came from Manhattan’s victory over powerhouse Wichita Northwest. Wilson strapped on his work boots and did some damage in ball game scoring 24 points and sent a message early throwing down a flush to kick the game off. The skilled forward had the whole repertoire going last night, paint scoring, the step out jump shot, dunking the basketball, and cleaning up misses. His talking ability on the defensive end also paid off playing on the road in a hostile environment, a skill that may go unnoticed at times.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Ismael Fadiga, 6’5 F, 2022, Junction City: Fadiga was the X-Factor in Junctions win to open up sub-state over Wichita South. His physical presence was massive to match some of the length of South, and his efficiency in the paint to help get Junction easy buckets to slow the tide of some South runs was vital. Fadiga’s staple moment of the game was a monster lob two handed dunk over an opponent off a baseline out of bounds play thrown to him by fellow 2022 guard [player_tooltip player_id="1076410" first="Terrence" last="Tedder Jr"]. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1080175" first="Garrett" last="Robertson"], 5’10 PG, 2023, Hutchinson (Pictured): One of the most impressive individual player and team performances on the night came from Robertson and Hutch. Robertson’s elite level point guard play was on full display, not only shooting and scoring efficiently himself, but was getting his guys tremendous looks from the field  leading to his team shooting over 81% from the field in the game. Robertson is one of the top tier shooters in Kansas and got hot early going 3 of 3 from behind the line and it didn’t end there. His quick release, burst off the floor, and balance make him tough to contest.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Tandem of [player_tooltip player_id="891925" first="Adriel" last="Smith"] the 2022 PG and [player_tooltip player_id="1080181" first="Kellan" last="Simoneau"] the 2023 6’1 G of Rose Hill: Smith’s ability to push the tempo with the ball in his hands and get downhill into the painted area cause trouble for Clay Center all night who couldn’t match his athleticism and pace and Simoneau was lethal from behind the three point line as well stretching out the defense to create driving lanes for Smith and others. Simoneau does a great job running in transition or finding space in the half court to be available for kick outs for knock down shot opportunities. Smith dominated with 32 points in the ball game and Simoneau laced the nets for 20 points. </p>