Wichita area: Underrated Performers (2021)

<p>Prep Hoops takes a look at several underrated prospects who are off to strong starts to the 2019-20 season in the Wichita area.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Emmanuel Gonzalez, 6’3, F, 2021, Wichita North</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Gonzalez is a competitive player for Wichita North who play strong inside. He's a little undersized for the forward position but is aggressive and understands how to score quickly and get a lot of touches. He's a hard-working two-way player who is a solid defensive rebounder. He’s averaging a team-high 12 points, five rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game. He’s shooting 49 percent from the field and an impressive 81 percent (21-26) from the free throw line. </span></p> <p><b>Grant Johnson, 6’1, G/F, 2021, Kapaun Mt. Carmel</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A Wichita Padres standout over the summer who has a lot of heart and hustle. Johnson works extremely hard on the floor and has the ability to handle the ball for himself and play off of it at a high rate of speed. He's an active player who looks to rebound, defend and score whenever he has an open look. He's extremely unselfish and has a high basketball IQ. He’s averaging nine points per game, five rebounds and one steal as well. </span></p> <p><b>Trayton Peterson, 6’0, G, 2021, Hutchinson</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Peterson is a smart guard who can handle the ball for himself and get open looks. He has a lot of pressure on his shoulders but he handles situations well and can be counted on game after game. He is good in transition and is a fine rebounder as well. He’s averaging 14.5 points per game and 4.8 rebounds. </span></p> <p><b>Gabe Phillips, 6’2, G/F, 2021, Valley Center</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A tough-minded player at Valley Center who has a lot of potential as a score and leader on the floor. Phillips has good size and can score in the mid-range area and around the basket. He uses his frame well for position and can get out in transition and operate as a stop-and-pop scorer. Phillips is averaging 11 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game. He’s shooting 46 percent from the field and has yet to miss a free throw four games into the season. </span></p> <p><b>Ethan Stewart, 6’0, SG, 2021, Eisenhower</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">another scoring option for Eisenhower who can connect from a distance and also move inside and score from the mid-range area and off the glass. He is a hard-nosed player who can handle himself on defense and looks to rebound whenever he's in position. Stewart is averaging 11.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game. He’s shooting 46 percent from the field and 42 percent from 3-point range. </span></p>