Kansas Statewide End of Summer Risers – Guards

<p>Players outside the spotlights of the big city have succeeded in making a name for themselves, headed by Pittsburg’s <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="889458" first="Javon" last="Grant"]</strong>. But there are plenty of good guards across the state, including <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="962478" first="Jayden" last="Garrison"], [player_tooltip player_id="885646" first="Chance" last="Sanger"], [player_tooltip player_id="1070214" first="Hunter" last="Davis"]</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1072883" first="Devan" last="McEwen"]</strong>.</p> <p>But some up-and-coming guards got a lot of experience on the club circuit this summer and are ready to rise into the upper echelon of guards this fall.</p> <p>Here is a look at some of the guards from across Kansas who were the top risers this summer (in alphabetical order and with club and high school and grad year listed):</p> <p><strong>Aiden Harper, Perry Ellis 34 17U, Winfield, 2021:</strong></p> <p>A senior who’s ready for more, Harper is a 5-foot-11 deadeye who can also take the ball to the hole and find open teammates. He moves without the ball and never stops hustling. He will provide senior leadership for Winfield, including tough defense and athleticism.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1076405" first="Howard" last="Johnson"], SSA Hoops Elite Black, Junction City, 2022:</strong></p> <p>Not an unknown at Junction City, Johnson has been a big contributor to the Blue Jays. But as a junior, he’ll be even more of a leader and will be counted on to score even more. He is not afraid to shoot from anywhere, nor is he timid about taking the ball to the hole. Though he’s just 5-foot-11, he gets to the bucket and gets fouled a lot. The guard emphasis at Junction City suits his game well.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="602156" first="Devon" last="Junghans"], SSA Hoops Elite Black 17U, Salina South, 2021:</strong></p> <p>Though not a big guard, Junghans can do a lot. He has pure point guard skills, but on guard-rich SSA Black, he showed he can do other things as well. He can go to the hole, get fouled and knock down free throws. He can defend too, with quick hands and quick feet.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1080187" first="Breckyn" last="Ratzlaff"], Oz Elite 2023 – Red, Hillsboro, 2023:</strong></p> <p>A rising star, Ratzlaff played with the ultra-talented Oz Elite – Red that featured some national recruits. Ratzlaff is athletic and has great open-court skills. He was honorable mention 2A as a freshman, and he’ll grow into an even bigger role soon. He is 6-foot and ready to emerge from the shadows of his star-laden club team.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1080175" first="Garrett" last="Robertson"], Oz Elite 2023 - Red, Hutchinson, 2023:</strong></p> <p>Here’s a guard to watch. Ratzlaff’s teammate on Oz Elite, Robertson had the reigns. He wasn’t the least bit intimidated leading an offense that featured top national prospects. He can do it all at the point guard spot, but he’s best when he’s running the offense, creating opportunities for others and controlling the game. Though he’s just 5-foot-10, Robertson looks like a special guard prospect.</p> <p><strong>Jaylen West, Showtime, Abilene:</strong></p> <p>Though just 5-foot-9, West makes things happen. He can drive and score or kick out, and he’s lightning quick in the open court. His 3-point range forces defenses to guard him, and he is strong enough to bully his way past a defender on the perimeter. His combination of strength and quickness makes him equally tough on the defensive end.</p>