KA-MO Shootout Recap: (Guards)
GUARDS
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.
Levi Braun, 6’2, G, 2019, Hayden (Kan.)
Braun can play either guard spot and has excelled as a lead guard for his AAU team in the spring and is playing alongside Hayden PG Jett Canfield this summer.. He has a good handle and changes pace well, and can also find open teammates and shoot from the outside.
CC Ghilardi, 6’1, G, 2018, Shawnee Mission Northwest
Ghilardi has a nice mid-range game off the bounce. He is a good outside shooter and plays with poise
Cooper Kaifes, 6’3, G, 2018, Mill Valley (Kan.)
He remains one of the better all-around guards in the rising 2018 class in Kansas. He is a strong, physical guard with a smooth repeatable 3-point stroke. Kaifes currently holds three Division I offers and has heard from a host of other programs.
Teven McKelvey, 6’0, G, 2020, Gardner-Edgerton (Kan.)
A tough, left handed point guard, McKelvey is at his best attacking the bucket where he is a terrific finisher in traffic. He had a good all-around tournament and showed why he is among the better under-the-radar prospects in the 2020 class in Kansas.
Quinn Nelson, 6’3, SG, 2018, Ozark (Mo.)
One of the better all-around players in the field, Nelson has been known throughout most of his high school career for his shooting ability, but has become much more than that. He is still a knock down shooter, but has added other elements to his game. Can handle the ball and set up his own shot off the bounce.
Jake Pothoff, 6’4, SG, 2019, Shawnee Mission South (Kan.)
One of the Kansas City area’s most improved all-around performers, Pothoff has good size for a shooting guard or wing player and has a good skill set, able to handle the ball, create off the bounce a little as well as shoot from distance.
Josh Pritchett, 6’4, SG, 2018, Rolla (Mo.)
Pritchett might be one of the state’s biggest risers, he has good size and athleticism, is a good ball handler and can shoot from distance. He has taken his game to another level in the offseason.
Xavier Rhodes, 6’2, PG, 2018, Rockhurst (Mo.)
One of the Kansas City area’s premier guards, Rhodes’ game continues to grow. He is long, extremely quick off the dribble and has terrific body control as he attacks the bucket and makes difficult chances look easy. He has really taken his game to another level in the past year and his game is similar to Wichita State guard Landry Shamet. Look for his recruiting to heat up in the summer.