Centennial League Top 2020s
The Centennial League is not really a senior-driven league this year. You could make the argument that King Sutton is the best player in the league, but after that, the best players are all juniors and a couple of sophomores.…
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Continue ReadingThe Centennial League is not really a senior-driven league this year. You could make the argument that King Sutton is the best player in the league, but after that, the best players are all juniors and a couple of sophomores.
But that’s not to say there aren’t some really good seniors in the league. As teams begin the playoff push, here are the league’s Top 2020s:
King Sutton, center, Topeka High:
The 6-foot-7 jumping jack dominates without always scoring a ton of points. His blocked shots and rim-rattling slams demoralize the opponent and energize his team. He is not an alpha-dog, so he coexists well with the stable of talent in coach Eric King’s program. But that’s not to say he’s not productive; Sutton averages about 15 points a game. He’s had seven games of 20-plus points scored, and he topped out with 38 against Wichita North.
Da’Vonshai Harden, guard, Topeka High:
Harden is an anomaly. He’s taller and stronger than just about any guard around. He can shoot from anywhere. Yet his production is somewhat tempered by his decision making. As a star quarterback as well as basketballer, he’s used to the intense spotlight of enormous contests. Yet he has been on the losing end of some huge upsets, and left some to be desired as a leader. Still, his teams have won a ton of games over the years, and he can be an unstoppable force. He averages about 13 points per game.
John Roeder, guard, Hayden:
It’s been a tough year for the Wildcats. But Roeder has been the rock for the team, never giving up or backing down. He handles the ball, defends top-flight guards from around the league, and plays with grit. He is quick and tough and a decent shooter from the perimeter. Roeder averages about 10 points per outing. The highlight of his senior season came when he scored 16 in an upset of Topeka High.
Noah Krueger, guard, Washburn Rural:
Krueger was a reserve as a junior for the state runner-up. While he was a role player, he gained great experience with a winner. Now as a senior leader of a younger team, Krueger’s influence goes beyond stats. His outside shooting takes pressure off Joe Berry and provides openings for Jack Hutchinson. Krueger has scored in double figures 11 times, with highs of 23 against St. Joseph Central, 17 against Topeka West, and 16 against Emporia.
Skyler Douglas, guard, Emporia:
Emporia has had a few big moments this season; they beat Topeka West twice, as well as Manhattan. Douglas has been the Robin to junior Charles Snyder’s Batman. The 5-foot-10 senior averages about 11 points per game, scoring from the perimeter and disrupting in the open court. He capped off his senior season with 26 points against Junction City.
Qua’Vez Humphreys, forward, Junction City:
Humphreys may be second only to King Sutton as the most athletic player in the Centennial League. He had to play out of position a bit this year as the Blue Jays’ top option in the post. Humphreys is able to slither through the lane, run the floor, and leap with the best of them. The Blue Jays give their perimeter players the green light to fire away, so Humphreys isn’t the focal point of their offense. But he averages 12 points per game while trying to give the team everything else it needs.