These are the top Topeka-area high school basketball players from the week of Jan. 1-6
TOPEKA — This winter, the Capital-Journal will showcase the top basketball performances from around the Topeka area. From securing double-doubles to scoring the winning basket, this list will showcase it all throughout the season.
If there is an athlete from the area who has made an impact, send nominees, with stats, to Liam Keating at lkeating@gannett.com or on X (Twitter), @liamkeating7
Boys
Tuesday, Jan. 1
Kade Mitchell, Hayden: The sophomore was the only Hayden (4-2) player in double-digits against Emporia. He scored 10 points in the 58-42 loss to the Trojans (5-2). The Wildcats were within four points of the lead late in the third quarter, but field goals went dry for Hayden late in the game.
Kaden Ballard, Washburn Rural: The junior led the team in scoring with 15 points against Junction City (7-0). Washburn Rural (0-6) came to their first win of the season, but the Blue Jays came out on top by a score of 51-48.
Friday, Jan. 5
Amare Jones, Washburn Rural: The junior was all over the floor for the Junior Blues on Friday night. He finished with a game-high 20 points in Washburn Rural’s 62-29 win over Hayden. Jones’ explosiveness around the rim was on full display as he was able to finish through contact all evening.
Kaden Ballard, Washburn Rural: Besides Jones, Ballard was the only other player to reach double-figures against Hayden. He secured 11 points as Washburn Rural (1-6) secured their first win of the season.
Mason Becker, Hayden: It was a tough night for Hayden as they lost by 33 points to Washburn Rural. But, the freshman was impressive during the rivalry night. Becker scored a team-high 16 points going 10-for-10 from the free-throw line.
Elijah Lopez, Silver Lake: The athletic forward for the Eagles led the team in scoring with 12 points. Lopez’s output wasn’t enough for Silver Lake as they lost 51-38 to Rock Creek.
Simon Everhart, Cair Paravel: The senior was huge in the Lions road win over Maranatha. Everhart recorded 28 points and nine rebounds in the 68-52 win.
High School Boys Basketball: Head coach Shannon Kruger on Silver Lake boys basketball victory against Rossville
High School Girls Basketball: Stallbaumer sisters' on-court connection lifts Seaman girls basketball to perfect start
Girls
Tuesday, Jan. 1
Brylee Meier, Hayden: The junior led the Wildcats with 14 points against Emporia (5-1) at home. Hayden (5-1) struggled to find a flow in the game, but Meier provided a lifeline to keep the game close. Emporia came out on top 54-40.
Friday, Jan. 5
Lauren Sandstrom, Hayden: The senior was the difference maker in Hayden's 46-38 win over Washburn Rural. Sandstrom ended with a game-high 22 points which helped the Wildcats snap a 12 game losing streak to the Junior Blues.
Zoe Canfield, Washburn Rural: The Kansas signee led the Junior Blues with 15 points in the defeat to Hayden. Canfield nailed three 3-pointers to keep Washburn Rural alive in the game.
Reianna Vega, Shawnee Heights: The sophomore led the Thunderbirds in scoring with 11 points. She helped Shawnee Heights secure a big 54-26 victory over Lansing.
Rylee Dick, Rossville: It was another night of scoring from Rossville's Dick as she helped the Bulldogs defeat Riley County 40-33. Dick led the team with a game-high 11 points.
Makenzie McDaniel, Silver Lake: It was another big night for the Emporia State signee. McDaniel tied with her teammate for a game-high 19 points over Rock Creek.
McKinley Kruger, Silver Lake: Krueger lit up the stat sheet with 19 points against Rock Creek. The Eagles came out on top 62-28 in their first game after winter break. Krueger is 19 points away from scoring 1,000 career points.
Liam Keating covers high school sports for The Topeka Capital-Journal. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Top Topeka-area HS basketball players from the week of Jan. 1-6
