Stock Risers: Wichita area guards on the rise

Israel Potoczny

January 19, 2020 @ 06:00 PM

Prep Hoops takes a look at several players who are off to strong starts to the 2019-20 season in the 2020 class.   Adriel Smith, 5’8, G, 2022, Wichita East A young 3-point specialist for East who is showing growth as a shooter and off ball player. He is a great shot in the corner and wing area and is improving his accuracy and getting more attempts as he becomes more confident. He applies great pressure on defense and can pick off the ball and finish in transition. A nice young two-way player who has good speed and the ability to contribute positively in an up-and-down game. Braydon Verbeck, 6’0, G, 2021, Wichita Northwest Verbeck is a nice lead guard for Northwest who has the ability to play with and without the ball. He has good speed, quick movement and looks to be active and aggressive as a defender. Verbeck has a nice 3-point shot and can catch-and-shoot from several spots on the arc. Verbeck is averaging a team-high 13.2 points per game and is hitting 47 percent from the field and 39 percent from the 3-point line and 67 percent from the free throw line. He also adds 2.2 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game. Devin Araujo-McKendrick, 5’10, G, 2021, Derby An aggressive player for Derby who is a strong defender and can jump passing lanes and finish on the opposite end. He has a good basketball frame and a nice bounce and rhythm to his game. He can shake off defenders when he’s in one-on-one situations. A lot of upside with Arujo-McKendrick. He has a lot of potential as a scorer and athlete. Hunter Meyer, 6’1, G, 2021, South Haven Another productive player for South Havenwho looks to play physical both inside and out. He's a strong defensive player and can get up the floor and make plays on the ground and through the air. He has strong athleticism and is good at contesting shots and securing the ball in heavy contact situations. A scoring option who looks to rebound and play physical. He’s averaging 7.7 points per game along with 7.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.6 steals and two blocks. Eli Wiseman, 5’10, G, 2021, Belle Plaine A standout for Attack over the summer who continues to show strong leadership and good control during the season. He runs the floor well and understand his job and how to move the ball and get his teammates involved. He can score for himself and is good at taking the ball inside, connecting from distance but he has an unselfish nature to his game. A playmaker with the ball in his hands who makes moves and gets open looks for himself and his teammates.