Topeka’s Top Glue Guys

<p>“Glue guys” are the players who hold a team together. Whether it’s a word said in the huddle, a block-out at just the right time, or the extra pass to facilitate the offense, glue guys do things that don’t get a lot of notice. But the things they do hold the group together, make their teammates better, and help the team achieve its goals.</p> <p>Here are the best Glue Guys in Topeka from the past season:</p> <p><strong>Bryson Bitler, guard, Topeka West:</strong></p> <p>Topeka West has guards galore. In Trevion Alexander and Elijah Brooks, the Chargers have two of the most talented guards around. And there are other talented guards in the program. So why did coach Rick Bloomquist continuously run Bryson Bitler out there, game after game? Because the senior brought steadiness, maturity, ball-handling and grit to the mix. He is one of the main reasons the Chargers improved from 6-15 to 14-8. Fighting to the last, Bitler scored 11 versus Blue Valley Southwest in the sub-state final loss.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="885529" first="Carlos" last="Esquibel"], forward, Topeka High:</strong></p> <p>The 6-foot-5 Esquibel played in the shadow of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="726594" first="King" last="Sutton"]</strong> and <strong>Da’Vonshai Harden</strong>. But his contribution was huge. He blocked shots, scored from deep and midrange, and effectively moved without the ball to play off his better-known fellow seniors. He was always a threat to score, but didn’t demand to be his team’s top option. Still, he had several games in double digits, including 15 against Emporia, 14 against Hayden and 10 in two different meetings with Manhattan.</p> <p><strong>Isaiah Johnson, guard, Shawnee Heights:</strong></p> <p>Shawnee Heights had an abundance of big men this season. They needed someone to take care of the ball and get it to those potent post players. The 5-foot-9 junior gradually developed over the season into a potent compliment to the big guys. He is dynamic in the open court and scores a lot on run-outs. He developed into a significant scoring threat by the end of the season, including a three-game string that included 20 points versus Tonganoxie, 19 against Leavenworth, and 20 Topeka West.</p> <p><strong>Micah Kobuszewski, guard, Seaman:</strong></p> <p>The 6-foot guard provided a steady hand in a turbulent season for the Vikings. Like all the Seaman upperclassmen, he never stopped fighting, and never got down. With so many sophomores seeing playing time, the leadership of the older players is helping build a foundation for better days. His ability to hit from beyond the arc opened up the rest of his teammates, and he had several games with multiple 3-pointers. But he’s willing to mix it up in the lane, and brings versatility beyond just shooting.</p> <p><strong>Noah Krueger, guard, Washburn Rural:</strong></p> <p>Krueger knew his place, and waited his turn. He was a key reserve on the 2019 state runner-up. When his name was called, he stepped into the starting rotation, providing his reliable three-point shooting, solid ball handling, and mature approach to the game. The Junior Blues needed a good leader to show his younger teammates what it would take to stay an elite program. He was more than just a role player, averaging 10.1 points – second-highest on one of the best teams in the state.</p> <p><strong>Jahi Peppers, guard, Highland Park:</strong></p> <p>Peppers is sort of the third man of the Scots’ terrific trio. Teaming with big man <strong>CJ Powell</strong> and explosive guard <strong>Juan’Tario Roberts</strong>, Peppers keeps defenses honest and creates chaos with his quickness and playmaking ability. The junior guard steps up when defenses take the other two studs out of the game. He scored in double-figures 12 times. But the most important stat: the Scots improved from 3-18 to 15-8 and advanced to the state tournament, largely because of the contributions of Peppers.</p>