PREVIEW: Kansas’ most underrated guards (2021)
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 rising sophomore class.
Below are some of the state’s most underrated guards in the 2021 class.
Michael Cahill, 5’10, G, 2021, St. James Academy (MoKan Select)
Cahill is a smooth guard who got significant varsity run last season at St. James Academy as part of a young team that was stepping into new varsity roles. He can handle it well, plays with good pace and has the ability to knock down open shots. He is coming off a strong summer running with MoKan Select’s 15U squad.
Matthew DeLeon, 5’10, G, 2021, St. James Acsdemy
DeLeon got significant time on the varsity as a freshman last season at St. James and is poised for a breakout season in 2018-19. He is a sharp shooting guard who loves the corners and can get hot and fill it up from distance. He is slender of build and will need to get a little stronger to take his game to the next level, but has a good feel for the game.
Ben Gutekunst, 6’0, G, 2021, Olathe Northwest
A rising sophomore, Gutekunst one of several young players who stood out at the Prep Hoops 250 Expo at Blue Valley West this fall. He plays the game with a lot of energy and can make the spectacular pass, or the fundamentally sound play. He is a creative passer off the dribbler, can score the ball at all three levels and a terrific competitor.
Quinten Mason, 5’11, G, 2021, Olathe North
Mason was one of several players who shot the ball well from behind the 3-point arc during the Prep Hoops 250 Expo this fall and showed he is a player to watch going forward. He is a spot up shooter who likes to get his feet set from behind the arc and is capable of getting hot and making several in a row.
Earnest Wash, 5’11, PG, 2021, Derby (NLHA 15U Perez)
Wash is a terrific athlete who brings quickness and a lot of physical attributes to the floor. He plays with a big motor and a lot of aggressiveness, especially at the defensive end of the floor where he likes to pressure the ball handler. He is good in the open floor and likes to play the game at a fast pace.