STATESTATE TOURNAMENT: Class 4A Day 1 stock risers

<p>SALINA, Kan. — The opening day of the Kansas Class 4A state championships saw several big performances from a host of players who have made a name for themselves this season.</p> <p>On the day, Wichita Trinity knocked off Chanute in a close contest, KC Piper defeated Parsons in a hard fought battle; Augusta knocked off Andale; and Chapman defeated Anderson County.</p> <p>Here, Prep Hoops takes a look at several players who raised their profile on Wednesday.</p> <p><b>Easton Hunter, 6’2, G, 2020, Andale</b></p> <p>Hunter hasn’t quite gotten the hype he likely deserves as a player and prospect. He has good size at 6’2, and a strong, physical build. He’s not an above-the-rim player per say, but is capable of scoring in a variety of ways. He moves well off the ball and can find an open seam in an opposing defense. His calling card as an offensive player might be a high floater that he uses to score in the lane. He went for nine points in the first half of Wednesday's quarterfinal loss to Augusta and finished with xx points.</p> <p><b>Jaren Jackson, 6’1, G, 2020, Augusta</b></p> <p>Jackson is an all-around guard who is a knock down shooter from distance, can put the ball on the floor and attack the basket and brings a high basketball IQ to the floor. On Wednesday, Jackson helped lead an Augusta rally in the third quarter against Andale, he knocked down three 3-pointers in the second half and went for 11 points — 13 total. he has good quickness, competes at the defensive end of the court and plays with poise and confidence.</p> <p><b>Michael Jones, 6’4, F, 2019, Wichita Trinity</b></p> <p>Jones is a long, rangy wing player who showed he can knock down 3-pointers, block shots and defend all over the floor. Jones went for 16 points in an opening round win over Chanute, including 14 in the second half. He knocked down several clutch baskets late in the contest, including a 3-pointer that gave the Knights a three-point lead with a little more than four minutes remaining. Although he hasn’t gotten a lot of hype this season, Jones put together a strong season with River City Hoops during the offseason and is a player small colleges should be tracking going forward.</p> <p><b>Dariq Williams, 5’11, PG, 2020, Parsons</b></p> <p>Williams has established himself as one of the state’s top point guard prospects in the 2020 class. He is an explosive athlete, can knock down deep 3-pointers and makes spectacular passes to find open teammates. He went for a game-high 17 points on Wednesday in a season-ending loss to KC Piper, adding eight rebounds as he showcased an all-around game.</p>