Ten Shawnee Co. Boys Players to Watch in Sub-State

With the postseason fastly approaching, it's a good time to reflect on some impact players in the 2023 campaign. A handful of Shawnee County teams could make a deep run for a state title due to some key players.

Here are some boys' players that have dropped some jaws this season and will continue to do so in the postseason:

*This has been published before sub-state matchups and placements have been announced*

TEN MEN'S PLAYERS TO WATCH THIS POSTSEASON

BO ALDRIDGE, Sr. – HIGHLAND PARK

The least surprising pick on this list is the 4-star, 6-foot-4 combo guard who can do anything and everything on a basketball court. Aldridge is the catalyst for the undefeated No.1-ranked (5A) Highland Park Scots. On any night, Aldridge is usually the most lethal player on the floor. Aldridge is a top-5 player in the state due to what he brings to the table offensively and defensively. Opponents have needed help guarding Aldridge, whether beyond the perimeter or in the paint.

JOE OTTING, Sr. – HAYDEN

You could make a case that the Notre Dame football signee is as dominant on the hardwood as he is on the gridiron. The 6-foot-5, 275-pound post player is a bruiser in the paint. Otting is an impact player and makes the Wildcats better when he is on the floor. It's hard to box out, contain and outrebound Otting. The senior's intelligent shot selection and natural passing abilities make this Hayden team a threat down the stretch.

JACK BACHELOR, Sr. – WASHBURN RURAL

The 6-foot-2, 170-pound guard lights it up for the scorching hot Junior Blues. Bachelor has been one of the most outstanding players in the 2023 campaign. Bachelor's movement beyond the 3-point line makes the senior dangerous. In addition, bachelor's space creation, passing ability and superb shot selection could help Washburn Rural take down some promising (6A) teams in the postseason.

ISAIAH LYONS, Jr. – TOPEKA HIGH

It wasn't surprising to most that Lyons would light it up beyond the 3-point line this year. Lyons has emerged as one of the top scorers in Shawnee County this year. Lyons can get you multiple buckets in seconds. Lyons' pesky defense and shot creation can give the Trojans life at any moment.

KAEDEN BONNER, Sr. – SEAMAN

When healthy, Bonner presents an enormous threat offensively and defensively. With Bonner being 6-foot-3, the senior is a matchup problem for most. However, Bonner can score, block and steal with the best in Class 5A. With Bonner being a key catalyst for the defending 5A state champions, Bonner will be ready for the pressure-filled moments that come with the postseason.

MALACHI BERG, Sr. – TOPEKA WEST

The Hutchinson football commit is as dominant on the hardwood as he is on the gridiron. With Topeka West's first year without Mr. Kansas Basketball (Elijah Brooks), Berg, amongst others, has stepped up for the Chargers. Berg is Topeka West's anchor down low. The senior is aggressive in going after rebounds and is always in the right spot for some superb shot selection. When Berg is hot, he is a problem to stop.

ARON DAVIS, Sr. – SEAMAN

Davis has had an explosive 2022-2023 campaign from a torn ACL and ankle injury. The truth is, Davis has never looked healthier. The 6-foot-5 post player played a significant role in Seaman's state-title run a season ago. Davis can do just about anything on the court. He has no problem creating for others around him. As a result, defenses need help to contain him in the front court. His ability beyond the 3-point line and in the paint could lead to Seaman making another cinderella run in Class 5A.

TRE RICHARDSON, Sr. – HIGHLAND PARK

Richardson is the epitome of an all-around talent. The Hutchinson football commit has proven to be unbothered by the most significant moments over time. Richardson on the basketball court is usually the facilitator for the undefeated Runnin' Scots, but when needed, Richardson can light it up and score. Richardson's lightning-quick jump shot has caught the defense off-guard in the 2022-2023 campaign. The verticality and passing ability of the guard will be vital to a starving Highland Park squad.

JAKE MULLER, Sr. – HAYDEN

Muller plays with an intensity that you can't coach or teach. As aggressive as Muller is defensively on the court, the 6-foot-1 guard has a pretty smooth jump shot. Muller's ability to get open is one factor that makes this guard superb. He plays like a big man facing contact in the paint; he is a lockdown defender and improves his teammates around him. Muller played a big part in Hayden's cinderella story last year, don't be surprised if he can pave the way for a magical run.

JARET SANCHEZ, So. – SHAWNEE HEIGHTS

In his sophomore campaign, he didn't disappoint. The 6-foot-3 young gun lit up the scoreboard all season long. Sanchez has proven to be one of the top underclassmen in Class 5A. Sanchez isn't afraid of the dirty work in the paint and isn't phased by the attention that he gets. Sanchez is a good shooter beyond the arc, along with teammate Brennon Dodge. The future is bright for Sanchez, but the Thunderbirds have unfinished business heading to the postseason. Sanchez could provide a spark for a solid Shawnee Heights squad.

Topeka West coach Rick Bloomquist speaking to his team.

OTHER PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Cair Paravel - Evan Will, Simon Everhart, Jase Pavlik. 

Hayden - Jacob Padilla, Ayden McGibboney, Daxton Ham.

Highland Park - Jacorey Robinson, Tamir Anderson, Jahmir Kingcannon.

Rossville - Jack Donovan, Saint Mildren, Tayson Horak.

Seaman - Kaevon Bonner, Briar Finley, Jalen Freeman.

Shawnee Heights - Brennan Dodge, Deacon Pomeroy, Q Stovall.

Silver Lake - Troy Heiman, Elijah Lopez, Dayne Johnson.

Topeka High - Mason Gomez, Da’Mykel Hales, Jayden Norman.

Topeka West - Sincere Austin, Xavier Alexander, Keimani Paul.

Washburn Rural - Sam Bettis, Max Bettis, JC Heim.