Sunflower: Playing lockdown D

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With the season nearing its mid-way point, Prep Hoops Kansas takes a look at several players raising their profile in the Sunflower Conference this season.</span></p> <p><b>SUNFLOWER</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Gardner-Edgerton, Lawrence, Lawrence Free State, Olathe Northwest, Olathe East, Olathe North, Olathe South, Olathe West, Shawnee Mission East, Shawnee Mission North, Shawnee Mission South, Shawnee Mission Northwest, Shawnee Mission West.</span></p> <p><b>Kamari Armstrong, 6’2, G, 2020, Olathe East</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Armstrong is a strong ball handler who can create looks for himself and his teammates. He can play off the ball as well and looks to stay on the move and keep an eye out for open areas around the perimeter and open lanes to the basket. Armstrong has a good jump shot and is a strong and physical transition player who can also force turnovers and operate as a defender inside and on the perimeter. </span></p> <p><b>Tony Friends, 5’7, PG, 2020, Shawnee Mission East</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Also a standout football prospect, Friends is a strong, physical player for his size who brings quickness and strength to the floor. Friends is aware of his surroundings and has the in-game speed and quickness to make plays both on offense and as a full-court defender. A scrappy player who can also hit open looks, contribute around the basket and force steals. </span></p> <p><b>Dee Goree, 5’11, G, 2020, Olathe Northwest</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A terrific defender and ball handler who has terrific in-game speed and excellent hands. He is aware of his surroundings and brings a unique shiftiness to the guard position that can lead to fast break opportunities and a collection of steals. Goree is talented and efficient, showing great leadership qualities and the ability to put on his shoulders and force a stop down the stretch. </span></p> <p><b>Ethan Lincoln, 6’2, G, 2020, Free State</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">An aggressive player for Free State who can connect from deep, contribute around the basket and force turnovers and get open looks in transition. Lincoln has good size at 6’2 and brings quickness and strength as he has a muscular frame that handle contact and physical play. Lincoln is a great scoring option for Free State who can hit jumpers, 3-pointers and get to the glass and connect. He had a productive summer with Grandstand Elite showcasing his leadership, scoring and all-around play as a defender and transition guy.</span></p> <p><b>Hezekiah Newman, 6’1, G/F, 2020, Olathe East</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A nice wing player who can slash to the basket and finish around the glass and at the rim. He has good hops for his size and makes plays both on the perimeter and around the basket. Newman is an unselfish player and he makes extra passes and looks to rebounds and use his frame to box out and secure loose balls. Newman understands his game and can put himself in a position to make a statement. </span></p>