EVENT PREVIEW: Best of the Midwest Showcase
EVENT PREVIEW: Best of the Midwest Showcase
The second round of games as part of the Best of the Midwest Showcase series will continue in early January and feature several of the top teams and players in the Eastern Kansas League.
Among the premier matchups will be the 8:30 p.m. game between St. Thomas Aquinas and Topeka Hayden, a game that will feature several talented individual players.
Best of the Midwest Showcase
Date: Saturday, January 6, 2018
Location: St. Thomas Aquinas
St. James Academy vs. Hogan Prep, 1 p.m.
Basehor-Linwood vs. Liberty North, 2:30 p.m.
Blue Valley North vs. Liberty, 4 p.m.
Blue Valley Northwest vs. Park Hill South, 5:30 p.m.
St. Thomas Aquinas vs. Topeka Hayden, 8:30 p.m.
Kansas Players to Watch
Eric Batson, 6’5, SF, 2018, Blue Valley North
A skilled forward that can handle the ball, pass and set up an offense as a point forward. We look for him to have a breakout season for North after playing a role off the bench last season.
Christian Braun, 6’4, SG, 2018, Blue Valley Northwest
One of the top players in Kansas’ 2019 class, Braun is a standout perimeter shooter with an improving all-around skill set. He has good size and length for a 2 guard and currently holds offers from Loyola and Missouri State.
Parker Braun, 6’8, PF, 2018, Blue Valley Northwest
One of the state’s premier big men prospects, Braun is still coming into his own and is coming off a strong summer competing for MoKan Elite. He has some bounce in his game, is a good shot blocker and has a developing perimeter jumper.
Jett Canfield, 5’10, PG, 2018, Topeka Hayden
Canfield is one of the state’s premier point guards and is healing up from an offseason injury. He handles the ball well under pressure, can shoot from the outside and is a good leader and floor general.
Miles Emery, 6’5, PF, 2018, Blue Valley North
A strong, athletic forward, Emery is a Kansas football recruit who has a nice face-up game as well as the ability to play above the rim and throw down thunderous dunks.
Keenan Fitzmorris, 6’10, PF/C, 2018, St. Thomas Aquinas
Fitzmorris has committed to play at Stanford, choosing the Cardinals over a host of offers from other programs. A long rangy big man, Fitzmorris has showcased an improving outside shooting touch and has the ability to stretch the floor as well as score in the paint.
Kenny Gavin, 6’3, F, 2018, St. Thomas Aquinas
Gavin is a smooth player with a versatile, all-around game. He can play on the perimeter, handle the ball well and is terrific in transition as he runs the floor well.
Zach Harvey, 6’4, SG, 2019, Topeka Hayden
One of the Midwest’s premier talents, Harvey is a smooth, athletic player who can handle the ball, shoot from the outside and can create his own shot. He plays bigger than his listed height due to his length and athletic ability. Harvey holds numerous high major offers.
Joe Rost, 6’6, SF, 2019, St. Thomas Aquinas
One of the better perimeter shooters in the Kansas City area, Rost got valuable playing time a year ago off the Aquinas’ bench. He has good size and plays with poise.
Ben Schneider, 6’9, C, 2018, Basehor-Linwood
Schneider is a mobile big man that runs the floor well and has some offensive skill. He has largely flown under the radar but is poised for a breakout senior season.
Sam Ward, 6’2, PG, 2018, Blue Valley Northwest
Ward is a smotth point guard with some shake and bake in his game as well the ability to dial it up from distance. Ward has a smooth perimeter jumper and can get hot in a hurry.