PREVIEW: A look at underrated athletes (2019)
As part of its 2018-19 preview series, Prep Hoops Kansas takes a look at some of the state’s top players in a variety of positions in the senior class.
Below are some of the state’s most underrated athletes in the 2019 class.
Luke Jennings, 6’4, F, 2019, Gardner Edgerton
Also a standout on the football field, Jennings is a left hander who can dominate in the paint of step out to the perimeter and shoot from the outside and handle the ball. He gets to the free throw line, has a soft free throw shooting touch and can play inside-out basketball. Jennings combines strength and athleticism and crashes the boards and can throw down an occasional dunk as well.
Daquan Johnson, 6’0, G, 2019, Parsons
An athletic 6’0 guard who can create off the bounce, Johnson can attack the rim and is a strong rebounder, capable of playing above the rim at both ends of the floor. He put together a strong junior season averaging 15 points, 10 rebounds and three assists while leading Parsons to the Class 4A Final Four where they fell to Holcomb in the semifinals.
Caleb Muia, 6’2, G, 2019, Girard, Victory
A long, rangy athlete who plays much bigger than his listed 6’2 height, Muia is capable of playing above the rim at both ends of the floor. On offense he can throw down dunks and excite the crowd in the open court, and at the defensive end he can block shots and rebound. He is coming off a strong offseason with Victory and has a lot of upside.
Brian Parker Jr., 5’11, G, 2019, Schlagle
A big time athlete who also plays football in the fall,, Parker has the ability to play high above the rim, rebound, throw down dunks and plays good defense. He’s still raw at the offensive end of the floor, but has plenty of athletic ability.
Davonte Yates, 6’2, F, 2019, Parsons, PK Hoops
Yates is a plus athlete for Parsons who is a tough match-up for most opponents as he likes to operate along the baseline and in the paint at the offensive end, but when matched up against a traditional post, he can take them to the perimeter and operate off the dribble. Yates, Johnson (above) and 2020 guard Dariq WIlliams give Parsons a tough 1-2-3 punch.