Return of Hoops: January Breakout Candidates

<p>As we enter the year 2021, the high school hoops season has been unique for a variety of reasons, but one thing remains the same, the post winter break start up will be pivotal for teams and players around the state looking to make a statements on the season. Below we will look at some of the potential breakout candidates who are either starting up their seasons in January or looking to build off of their early season campaigns.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="891914" first="Tyrese" last="Cannon"], 6’3 Guard, 2022, Leavenworth: The athletic guard has been chomping at the bit to get his season started with the January 8th start date marked with a huge bullseye for him. Cannon has all of the tools from the guard spot to make an immediate and loud impact on the high school season. His ability to impact the game off the bounce on offense in both the half court and in transition will help him get into rhythm early on, and his ability to use his athleticism and guard on the defense will translate early and often. Cannon is a very intriguing and exciting hoops prospect in the class of 2022.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1080164" first="Tyler" last="Little"], 6’6 Forward, 2023, Galena: As colleges continue to see the intrigue in Little as a football prospect, the same should come for his basketball interest. The 6’6 forward has the motor, skill set, and basketball IQ that allows him to be a great multi-faceted forward. He has a solid face up game, pick and roll ability as a roll man, and a variety of finishes in the paint. Little also possesses a motor that makes him great at rim running in transition as well as making great rotations on defense. The stock is steadily rising.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Jace Scott, 6’1 Guard, 2021, Caney Valley: Scott has great length at the 2 guard spot and has athletic ability that allows him to do a lot of great things on both sides of the floor. He can get out on the wings in transition, score at the rim, and can knock down shots. Scott has received college interest from around the state of Kansas, so look for him to come out strong in this second half to continue to grow that. The Caney Valley guard has the tools and drive for the game, which should translate well to really setting himself up for success. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="946265" first="Owen" last="Mills"], 6’6 Forward, 2022, Newton: Mills possesses great size and is a presence on the floor. Look for the big fella to get a little more work with the ball in the second part of the year as Newton looks to get their season on the right track after the break.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1080167" first="Jason" last="Rodriguez"], 6’ Point Guard, 2023, JC Harmon (pictured): Rodriguez is an intriguing young guard prospect who has a chance to really get himself known through his game on the court. The Harmon guard can do a little bit of everything, but something that stands out with him is his decision making with the ball in his hands, getting into gaps, drawing defenses, and making the appropriate play based on the defensive rotations. He plays like a "court general", moves his teammates into spots for success, and can pass through defenses really well. Another card he can play is his great shooting ability, and relocates on the perimeter finding spots which allows him to get open 3’s off. Rodriguez has the tools to be a top flight point guard.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="891911" first="Kaleb" last="Becker"], 6’4 Forward, 2022, Abilene: Becker has started off strong this season, teetering on the double double stat line all season. He is a strong candidate to finish the season with averages in double figures in scoring and rebounding and over 5 assists per game. He has become a knock down shooter from all over the floor which makes him a deadly stretch forward and can compliment it well with his toughness to score the ball inside. Becker is currently averaging 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists per game.</p>