2A Twosomes to Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The small schools are not lacking for exciting tandems.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are some of the top twosomes in 2A (in no particular order):</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bishop Seabury – [player_tooltip player_id='1799266' first='Chase' last='Honarvar'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1962895' first='Jace' last='Smith'] (pictured):</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the top guard/big tandems in the small schools is this pair from Lawrence. Honarvar is a traditional big man – strong in the post, active on defense, determined to intimidate shooters and protect the rim. He makes himself available for passes in the post, runs the floor, and goes hard after every rebound. Smith is a guard with good size who can be physical with smaller guards. He's a slick ball handler who is equally good at setting up teammates and attacking to get his own shot.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Medicine Lodge – Derrek Randals and [player_tooltip player_id='1962888' first='Keveon' last='Ruiz']:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Indians aren't long on size, but they have heart and a lot of heart and talent, which they put on display in the state tournament. Ruiz is the leading playmaker, using his explosiveness and length at the forward position to get in the paint and make plays. Randals can distribute, score and play with toughness in traffic. This pair combined for 25 points and 10 rebounds during the regular season. The Indians graduated just one senior from their third-place finish and will be deep, experienced and determined this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lyndon – [player_tooltip player_id='1270271' first='Tanner' last='Heckel'] and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2387748' first='Jalen' last='Massey']</strong>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If we included 6-foot-8 Kaedin Massey in this pairing, we could make a really formidable trio. But we aren't sure what the K-State football commit's status will be for basketball season. So we'll focus on the duo of Heckel and [player_tooltip player_id='2387748' first='Jalen' last='Massey']. Heckel's transfer from Inman will have a big impact on the 2A class, as it already has on the 1A football season. He's a quick, physical guard who can make plays all over the court. [player_tooltip player_id='2387748' first='Jalen' last='Massey'] is smaller, but similar in his quickness, anticipation and toughness. He is disruptive on defense and fearless on the attack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Meade – <strong>Braden Bird</strong> and [player_tooltip player_id='1953947' first='Brock' last='Keith']:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Perhaps one of the more overlooked tandems in the state is Meade's Bird and Keith. Both guards can handle the ball, distribute and create on the attack, and shoot effectively. Keith was remarkably consistent as a junior, scoring in double figures every game and occasionally going for 20-plus. He also grabs a ton of rebounds for a guy under 6-foot. Bird is a versatile guard/forward who led the team in boards and often has to guard opposing big men. He's a smart, unselfish player who does what the team needs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bennington – [player_tooltip player_id='1270299' first='Eli' last='Lawson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1633228' first='Savailio' last='Smith']:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This pairing is one of the most difficult to match from a physical standpoint at the small school level. Lawson is a top post player, not just in 2A but in all classes. He is fundamental in the post, with great ball skills and footwork. But he's more than just a big body. He can pass, step away from the goal and use the bounce to get to a shot. Smith is an athletic big man who could be considered a guard, a power forward, or even a center. He has the physical talents to do it all. He likes to face the goal, put the ball on the floor and use his size and explosiveness to create mismatches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->