KA-MO Shootout Recap: (Forwards)
FORWARDS
The KA-MO Shootout was held this past weekend at four Shawnee Mission schools. A disclaimer here; we weren’t able to get around to see everyone, but here is a run down of some of the top players throughout the weekend.
Noah Butler, 6’5, F, 2019, Lawrence Free State (Kan.)
Strong, athletic forward that can play inside-outside basketball. Is a physical presence and will give Free State an immediate impact player in the paint after his transfer from Lawrence. He is at his best operating out of the high post where he can attack the bucket. Can shoot a little bit from the outside and can be a good rebounder.
Hayden Federico, 6’5, F, 2019, Topeka Hayden (Kan.)
There are a lot of guys on Hayden that get a lot more attention, but playing without Deshawn Hanika this weekend (who is emerging as an elite football prospect), the Wildcats looked to Federico for production in the paint. He is an athletic and physical big man who brings activity and athleticism to a forward position.
Brody Marshall, 6’7, F, 2019, Gardner Edgerton
Marshall is still a little raw at the offensive end, but is a long, rangy forward with a solid all-around skill set. Can handle the ball a little and start the break off a defensive rebound, can shoot from the mid-range and is effective out of the high post. His length and athleticism helps him defensively where he has a lot of versatility.
Jhaidyn Richardson, 6’4, G/F, 2018, Oak Park (Mo.)
A versatile, inside-outside player, Richardson impressed on Friday with his all-around play. He can handle the ball, shoot from the outside and does a good job attacking the bucket. He is big enough to defend around the paint, but athletic enough to guard on the perimeter as well. He threw down a nice one-handed slam against an overmatch Belton squad on Friday, and competed well against a bigger Olathe Northwest team later in the day.
Peyton Skipworth, 6’0, F, 2018, Ozark (Mo.)
One of the more unique players you’ll see, Skipworth is an undersized inside-outside forward who is crafty around the basket. He often drew the opposing team’s biggest player as Ozark ran with an all-guard line-up and he stuck a slew of 3-point shots as opponents struggled to close out on him. He’ll enter the upcoming season as one of the Ozark’s better outside shooters if he shoots the way he did this weekend.
Luke Waters, 6’6, F, 2018, Olathe Northwest (Kan.)
One of the better all-around forwards in the state, Waters is a skilled inside-outside player with a good feel for the game. Waters can shoot from the outside, handle the ball a little, but can also post up and take his game into the lane. Look for him to have a big senior season.