2020-2021 Season Preview: United Kansas Conference

The United Kansas Conference is filled with teams who can flat out score the basketball and play with some of the most fire and passion in the area. Basehor-Linwood has been the leader of the pack with two extremely successful seasons in a row cut short right at the end so expect this group to be coming out with as much of a vengeance as anyone in the state. Do not sleep on the rest of these teams though, as they each possess some fire power that will make every game in the league this year an absolute grind.   Teams Basehor-Linwood De Soto Shawnee Heights Lansing Leavenworth Turner   Players to Watch For [player_tooltip player_id="952433" first="Jordan" last="Brown"], 6’4 Guard/Wing, Basehor-Linwood, 2022: Brown’s stock on the basketball scene has taken a meteoric rise from the summer until now. Colleges from all levels have been taking notice and expressing interest in Brown so look for him to put in a lot of work this season to continue to build on that momentum. His ability to score at all three levels, especially from the 3 point line, is next level ready and his competitiveness and savvy help him be a matchup nightmare. He is a tough ask to guard for anyone in the league. With a great backcourt running mate in McBride who knows how to get his guys great shots, expect for a huge year from Brown.   [player_tooltip player_id="891910" first="Trevor" last="McBride"], 6’2 Guard, Basehor-Lindwood, 2022: As previously mentioned, McBride will be the spearhead of both the Basehor offense and defense. Offensively not only can he get his own shot off at an efficient clip, but he has already set assist records at the school and played for a very unselfish SSA squad this summer which helped him thrive as well. Defensively, it will be hard to find anyone around the state with the combination of tenacity, instinct, agility, and toughness McBride brings to the table both on and off the ball. The Basehor guard has also seen his interest from colleges grow as well from his outputs both in the summer and fall.   [player_tooltip player_id="889460" first="Nate" last="Barnhart"], 7 ft Center , De Soto, 2021: The Wyoming Basketball commit will be an absolute force this season and his game seems to continue to improve and elevate each time he steps on to the court. His size, length, and physical presence are the obvious standouts for him, but his skill set is eye popping as well. Barnhart has a great instinct for blocking shots with both hands while keeping the ball in bounds, rebounds or recovers blocks well, is a great outlet passer, and can even show the ability to lead the break. He has a real steady handle that allows him to attack some from the perimeter and in transition, and his touch in and around the painted area is getting better and better.   [player_tooltip player_id="889502" first="Harvey" last="Davis Jr"], 6’2 Swing Forward, Shawnee Heights, 2021: The Shawnee Heights Wing could be one of the most versatile players in the league. He has a unique build, agile, strong, and has a multi-faceted skill on the offensive side of the court set that allows him to impact the game in a variety of ways. Davis Jr has been starting and playing a very meaningful role for the squad since his freshman year, so look for him to leave him imprint on the league for one more go around. He is a double double threat every time he steps on to the floor and can get it through any combination of points, assists, and rebounds.   [player_tooltip player_id="891914" first="Tyrese" last="Cannon"], 6’4 Guard/Wing, Leavenworth, 2022: Cannon is a tremendous guard with a lot of upside as he continues to develop his game. His athleticism allows him to make highlights game in and game out and continuously plays above the rim. He has a knack for finding the ball on the defensive end of the floor, poking the ball out for steals, jumping passing lanes, and getting deflections, which helps him get out and do what he does best which is finishing in transition. His athletic ability and slashing attacking mentality will help Cannon to make a statement for Leavenworth this season.   Other League Key Contributors [player_tooltip player_id="1070199" first="Wyatt" last="Noll"], 6’4 Forward , De Soto, 2021: A hard nosed player who is a great compliment in the frontcourt to Barnhart. Noll is a player that is someone any coach would love to have on his roster. He gets after loose balls, brings a competitive edge to the floor, and has tools to his game to back it up. He has a nice flow to his offensive game especially on right handed baby hooks and a solid enough jump shot to keep the defense honest.   Jake Jackson, 5’11 Guard , Lansing, 2021: The senior guard will be the lead guard for an offense that can really get going from deep. Jackson himself is a terrific shooter off both the catch and off the bounce which makes him a total perimeter threat. An All League player and one of the top shooters in the conference, Jackson will be in line to continue his high level play. Much like his running mate Peyton Basler, Jackson plays hard, tough, and has a competitive spirit that will make the Lions a tough out night every time they step on the floor.   Peyton Basler, 5’10 Guard , Lansing, 2021: Another elite shooter in the UKC, Basler is a spot up shooter specialist. He makes zoning up Lansing very difficult with his ability to be down and ready to knock down shots off skips, zone rotations, and drive and kicks. Basler’s elite shooting is complimented with his solid handle, extra pass playmaking ability, and overall toughness on the court.   [player_tooltip player_id="1072892" first="Isiah" last="Johnson"], 5’10 Guard, Shawnee Heights, 2021: A very solid perimeter scorer who can and has showed this past summer, put up points in bunches, especially from behind the 3 point line. The two man game of him and Davis Jr. will be really tough to guard, and Johnson should be able to get his shot off and have consistent quality looks throughout the year. Johnson is also really quick with the ball in his hands or running the floor and has the capability of finishing in transition situations.   <div class="prof-ident-name"> <h2 class="uni-headline--1">League Sleepers</h2> </div> Corey Chatmon, 5'10 Guard, Leavenworth, 2022: Chatmon is a terrific defender who is really quick, stays in front of guys well, and is a sneaky off ball defender and gets himself and his teammates out in transition in a blur. Chatmon has the capability to knock down shots both off the bounce and off the catch. He is poised for a big role in one of the lead guard spots this season for Leavenworth.   Cedric Bates Jr, 6’4 Forward, Turner, 2022: Bates is a 6’5 forward with a nice build who plays much bigger than his size. He is a lefty which makes him a unique type of talent to guard when paired with his size. He has a knack for blocking shots and can make up getting beat off the bounce with recovery blocks. Bates has a solid outside shot and can knock down the 3 if left open and his handle is solid enough to be a nice compliment to his game.   Ty Hofer, 6’4 Wing, Basehor-Lindwood, 2022: Another solid player from a tremendous 2022 class for Lindwood, Hofer has the opportunity to be a great third option for a team that will be a problem to guard for every team on their schedule. The 6’4 Wing has a really smooth 3 point shot and can knock down open 3’s consistently and plays well off shot fakes to get into the lane for crafty floaters and finishes. Accepting an increased role and having an aggressive mindset will be key to Hofer’s season.