By ISAAC DEER
TopSports.news
Seaman’s offense was too much for Topeka West’s defense on Tuesday night as the Vikings posted a 69-59 home Centennial League win.
“Our guys showed a lot of heart. They had pride in their defense. We weren’t happy after the loss last Friday. We responded very well. Our defensive effort led to some great opportunities, which benefitted us,” said Seaman coach Craig Cox.
The leading scorer for the Vikings, Mateo Hyman, had an incredible night from inside the arc. Hyman didn’t miss a single bucket from inside the 3-point line going, 10-10. The consistency against the tough Chargers interior defenders had a major impact on the victory.
Seaman guard Kaeden Bonner also lit up the scoreboard his way. Bonner was responsible for every 3-point shot made on Tuesday. Bonner hit six 3-point shots, most of them coming from the corner.
“Bonner got hot in the second half for us. He can do that. He can get rolling when we need him the most,” said Cox.
Bonner and Hyman were responsible for 47 out of the team’s 69 total points on the night.
Seaman controlled the ball very well against a pesty Topeka West pressing defense, turning the ball over a minuscule nine times on the night.
The contest was close for most of Tuesday’s contest. The Chargers would not trail by double digits until the red-hot shooting Vikings took over in the fourth.
West’s Elijah Brooks had another stellar night. Brooks had 22 points and was able to hit five shots from the free throw line.
Topeka West’s Xavier Alexander had 16 points. Alexander shot 71 percent from the field and 83 percentfrom the free throw line.
Although the shooting percentage was solid for the Chargers, Seaman took more shots and prevailed as victors.
Topeka West (1-1) will host Topeka High (0-2) on Friday. The Seaman Vikings (1-1) will travel to Emporia (0-2) and take on the Spartans.
Topeka West Boys 59, Seaman 69
Topeka West (1-1, 1-1) 9 15 13 22 -- 59
Seaman (1-1) 15 16 15 23 -- 69
Seaman (1-1) -- Hyman 10-11, 5-9, 25, Bonner 8-11, 0-1, 22, Henry 5-7, 0-0, 10, Barta 3-4, 0-0, 6, Griess 2-6, 0-0, 4, Wilhelm 0-0, 2-2, 2, Selbach 0-1, 0-0, 0.
Topeka West (1-1) -- Brooks 8-14, 5-11, 22, Alexander 5-7- 5-6, 16, Berg 5-8, 2-4, 12, Austin 3-4, 1-2, 7, Robinson 1-3, 0-2, 2.
3-point goals -- Seaman 6 (Bonner), Topeka West 2 (Alexander, Brooks) Total fouls -- Seaman 18, Topeka West 11. Fouled out -- Seaman, Griess, Henry.
