PREVIEW: Kansas’ underrated guards (2019)
With the basketball season set to begin in a few weeks, Prep Hoops Kansas is taking a look at some of the top players across the state in a wide range of categories.
Today, we take a look at several players who were nominated as the state’s most underrated guards
Drew Ellis, 5’9, G, 2019, Mulvane @ellisdrew12
Despite being the focal point of many team’s defensive game plan, Ellis put together a big season, averaging 21.6 points, five rebounds, four assists and 2.6 steals per game. He was a second-team all-state selection in Kansas 4A-1 last year for his efforts. Also a football standout at receiver and corner, Ellis brings good speed and quickness to the hardwood
Ty Hagan, 6’2, G, 2019, Tyro Christian
Hagan put up big numbers as a junior for Tyro Christian last season, helping the Eagles go 18-4 while averaging 26 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.1 steals per game. Hagan shot 50 percent from the field and was second on the Eagles with 24 3-pointers made. He put together a strong summer running with Gym Time Hoops and showed good size, some bounce in his step and has a nice looking jumper from the perimeter and in the mid-range.
Ethan Hartig, 6’0, G, 2019, Maize South @ethan_hartig
Hartig is a slender guard who is a crafty ball handler, works his way to the basket well, can move off the ball and find seams in a defense and is capable of knocking down open shots. He brings good quickness and playmaking skills to the floor. He was one of several players who put together a strong season for the South varsity last season, averaging 6.1 points, 2.5 assist and 1.5 steals per game last season.
Clayton Hood, 6’0, G, 2019, Derby @clayton_hood
Hood is known for his outside shooting, but he is also one of the state’s most underrated defensive players as well as he can surprise opponents with his shot blocking abilities and can pick the pocket of opposing guards. He averaged 1.5 blocks and 2.5 steals last season as a 6’0 guard … and he averaged 7.5 points while shooting nearly 50 percent from the field.
Trey Huslig, 5’11, PG, 2019, Veritas Christian @huslig_t
Huslig is an underrated lead point guard who is a crafty ball handler, is capable of leading a team at the PG position and can score the ball when necessary. He has the ability to get to the basket and make awkward looking floaters and scoop shots, but can also knock down perimeter jumpers as well.