Stock Risers: A look at several underrated guards

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stock Risers: A look at several underrated guards</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As summer ball is now in full swing, Prep Hoops Kansas takes a look at some of the state’s top players on the rise in a variety of positions in the junior class.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Below are some of the state’s players to keep your eyes on in the 2020 class.</span></p> <p><strong>Jacob Merkle, 6’2, G, 2020, Eudora</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Merkle has a lot of confidence as a catch-and-shoot guard. He moves in and out of the lane well and can shoot near the basket and beyond the arc. Also a strong defensive player who is observant and feisty when his opponent has the ball. He pays attention to the ball at all times and jumps out when he needs to.</span></p> <p><strong>Kyler Reece, 6’3, G/F, 2020, Baxter Springs</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Reece has good size at 6'3 and handles the ball like a guard while playing some on the wing and in inside during games without defined positions. He has excellent bounce and can slash well and play above the rim and around it to great success. Reece also can connect from distance and shows good form. </span></p> <p><strong>Koi Jackson, 5’9, G, 2020, Olathe North </strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jackson is a smart guard who can find his way to the basket by using speed and screams. He makes plays that few can, someone who is looking to distribute and shoot whenever he sees an open spot or an open man. Not the tallest guard, but an extremely determined player.</span></p> <p><strong>Jacob Karsak, 6’2, G, 2020, Derby</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">He's well-built and brings strength, speed and agility to both sides of the floor. A rebounder who has a good eye for floor spacing and knows when he needs to pull the ball out and reset a play. He has a true jumpshot and looks for mid-range points as much as the deep ball. </span></p> <p><strong>Ethan Lincoln, 6’2, G, 2020, Free State  </strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A good sized guard with experience and playmaking ability. He can be the catch-and-shoot guy or the guy who isolates and pulls up for game winner. he's strong enough to work inside, push his way around and get shots off and clean up plays. He has some handles and is a good passer. </span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>