JULY STOCK RISERS: Two Guards (2018
Prep Hoops Kansas takes a look at who raised their stock during the July NCAA evaluation periods.
JULY STOCK RISERS: Shooting Guards (2018)
Cooper Kaifes, 6’3, G, 2018, Mill Valley (Kan.) MoKan Elite
Kaifes put together a big spring with MoKan Elite on the EYBL circuit, and followed that up with a strong July at Peach Jam and beyond. He picked up an offer from UNC-Greensboro on July 28 and from Northern Iowa on Aug. 1 after earning offers from Missouri State and Drake in the spring.
Devin Davis, 6’2, G, 2018, Wichita Heights (Kan.) Wichita Padres
Drew is a combo guard that can run the point some, or play off the ball. His calling card is his outside shooting ability, but he showed the ability to be solid with the ball and get to the basket.
Krys Johnson, 6’3, SG, 2018, Ottawa (Kan.) KC Spurs White
Johnson is a big, physical presence at a guard spot who does a lot of things well. He brings an inside-outside skill set to the court and is able to get in the post against smaller players. He is a good outside shooter and playmaker and is a terrific rebounding guard. Look for him to draw some small school interest this season.
Bryant Mocaby, 6’5, SG, 2018, Derby (Kan.) Kansas Pray N Play
Mocaby has moved from Goddard to Derby with younger brother Jared and is coming off a junior season that saw him average nearly 20 points per game. He is a strong, athletic shooting guard with a diverse skill set. He can shoot from the outside and get to the bucket as well. He holds a handful of offers from NCAA Division II programs and has heard from several D1 teams as well after a strong summer performance.
Sam Ward, Blue Valley Northwest (Kan.) Team KC
A smooth guard who can handle some point guard duties as well as play off the ball, Ward opened his junior season battling injury, then had to fight and claw for playing time on a loaded BVNW team. His calling card might be a smooth 3-point stroke that he shoots with range and confidence, but he can also handle the ball and create for himself and others as well.
Ezekiel Lopes, 6’2, SG, 2018, Bishop Miege (Kan.) Team Carroll
An athletic guard who continues to fly under the radar a little in Kansas hoops with recruiters, Lopes is coming off a season in which he was an All-Eastern Kansas League performer as part of a deep and talented Miege team. He is not only capable of playing above the rim, but shot better than 40 percent from behind the 3-point arc last season.