5A Game Feature: Topeka West Tops Andover

<p>The 5A sub-state championship round is in the books, and Topeka West is one of a few teams that will make a return trip to state, having defeated Andover 73-59.</p> <p>The Chargers lost to Maize in the 5A finals a year ago, but not many people probably expected this group to be able to get back to Emporia.</p> <p>As you would expect, it was [player_tooltip player_id="1076260" first="Elijah" last="Brooks"] (pictured) leading the way with 24 points for Topeka West. But it was a team effort at both ends of the floor.</p> <p>Here are a few storylines, and standout performers from Friday’s game at Topeka West:</p> <p>The Chargers’ defense disrupted Andover:</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1080189" first="Eli" last="Shetlar"] came in averaging 18 points a game, and shooting a blistering 45% from deep. But the junior sharpshooter was forced off the line by the Chargers. The few 3’s he attempted were from DEEP, well beyond the arc. He only hit two, finishing with 6 points. Meanwhile, [player_tooltip player_id="1080185" first="BJ" last="Redic"] was frustrated trying to work into the zone. He turned the ball over several times and picked up a charge. Several entry passes to Redic were also picked off. Redic sat about a quarter of the game with fouls and wound up with just 10 points.</p> <p><strong>Malachi Berg</strong> had a career night:</p> <p>The 6-foot-3 forward has established himself as a top rebounder and defender. But he only averages 9 points a game. But the junior found holes in the Andover defense for several easy buckets, and he also scored on offensive rebounds. Berg played through contact and out-jumped defenders to rack up 23 points.</p> <p><strong>Xavier Alexander</strong> showed creativity:</p> <p>The junior guard for Topeka West showed a great ability to penetrate and find open teammates with clever passes all night. It was a creativity that took Andover by surprise. Alexander has the physicality to bull his way into the teeth of the defense, and the vision to spot openings. His no-look dishes and pocket passes were on point. He only scored 6 points, but on many nights his long-range shooting is another weapon for the Chargers.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1254402" first="Chris" last="Harris"] turned it on in the second half:</p> <p>Andover really struggled to find a rhythm offensively, and fell behind by as much as 21 points. But Harris, who had just 2 points at halftime, turned it on in the seonc half. He put the team on his shoulders and started driving more aggressively. He pushed the ball on the dribble and finished in transition. He scored 14 points in the second half, leading a comeback that got the Trojans within 10 late.</p> <p><strong>Josh Kim</strong> contributes as a freshman:</p> <p>Andover employed the 6-foot-2 freshman guard as one of its top subs. He hit a 3-pointer and finished with 7 points. Kim handles the ball well, elevates for a nice runner, and is athletic enough to hang in there with the older players. He will be a nice piece for Andover to build on. Almost all the Trojans return, so this team will be real good next year.</p>