Kansas City Area: Mid Season Efficiency Leaders

Putting up a great statistical output and impacting the game go hand and hand in most situations. However, what can elevate a player to the next level is their ability to impact the game at a high level while being extremely efficient doing so. Efficiency is a great stat that helps boil down all of the statistical inputs that go into a basketball game into one pin point stat. Let’s take a look at some of the most efficient players in the Kansas City Area so far this season.

Mark Mitchell Mark Mitchell 6'7" | SF Sunrise | 2022 State #8 Nation KS , 6’7 Small Forward, 2022, Bishop Miege, Efficiency Rating 25.50: The highly touted prospect has been on a tear this season especially of late scoring 30 poitns in two straight games. The length, athletic ability, and strength lend well to being a very effective and efficient player. He has shown off both the ability to score facing up to the rim off the attack and with his back to the basketball in his last couple of games and the footwork has been tremendous. He is the real deal. Averages of 19.30 ppg, 7.50 rbpg, 1.6 aspg, 1.10 bpg, 1.40 spg

Cole Keller, 6’7 Forward, 2021, Grain Valley, Efficiency Rating 26.38: The Grain Valley forward has been an absolute force this year, averaging a 20 and 10 double double on the season. He has great hands and long active arms that allow him to really control the paint on defense with deflections, steals, and blocks. He plays really hard and no surprise a great teammate. He is versatile on the offensive end and can even push the break some with the ball in his hands. Averages of 20.38 ppg, 10.56 rbpg, 1.69 apg, 2.63 bpg, 1.56 spg.

Jared Gerdes Jared Gerdes 6'3" | SG Summit Christian | 2021 State MO , 6’3 Shooting Guard, 2021, Summit Christian (Pictured), Efficiency Rating 24.53: Gerdes is a tremendously skilled player that can attack off the bounce and finish with either hand and is crafty with his finishes. Shoots the ball at a high level from the mid range and 3 point line. The combination of talent and his basketball IQ make it no surprise that he is one of the most efficient players in the area. Averages of 19.13 ppg, 8 rbpg, 2 aspg, 2.33 bpg.

Jaden Monday Jaden Monday 6'0" | PG Van Horn | 2021 State MO , 6 ft Point Guard, 2021, Van Horn, Efficiency Rating 23.87: The future Washburn point guard is once again putting together the complete package this season for the Falcons. Growing as a leader every year he has played, he has helped guide a talented squad to an 11-7 start. The change of pace, explosion off the floor, and quick bursts allow him to do a lot of special things on the floor. The perimeter jump shot continues to improve as well as his balance on his pull up game. His last 5 games have been outstanding as well taking his overall play to the next level. His transition into the college game will be fun to watch. The rebounding, steals and assists, are staples to his game as well every night. Averages of 23.23 ppg, 5.60 rbpg, 5.33 apg, and 3.80 spg.

Aaron Franklin Aaron Franklin 6'4" | SG Raytown | 2021 State MO , 6’4 Shooting Guard, 2021, Raytown, Efficiency Rating 22.33: Franklin has been lighting up the scoreboard this season and highlighting his electric ability of finishing at the rim and off the bounce. He has put up 5 games of over 30 points this year. He has shot 92 free throws this season and shooting 80% from the line, as well as 50% from 2. He can really get going on offense and when he is going on defense, he is one special player. Averages of 22.28 ppg, 8.28 rbpg, 1.94 apg, 1.50 spg.

Bennett Stirtz, 6’4 Shooting Guard, 2022, Liberty, Efficiency Rating 21.79: Stirtz is a long athletic guard that is contributing at a high level for a Liberty squad with a ton of talent. He can get into passing lanes, get out into transition both off the dribble and running his lanes, and he finishes these transition opportunities at a high clip. He is currently shooting over 61% from the field which is a blistering number. The three ball has not been as consistent this year but he has had breakout games from beyond the arc. He is solid all around the floor and contributes in a ton of ways. Averages of 15.53 ppg, 6.16 rbpg, 3.95 apg, and 1.89 spg.

Ben Fritz Ben Fritz 6'5" | PF Blue Valley Northwest | 2021 State KS , 6’6 Forward, 2021, Blue Valley Northwest, Efficiency Rating 16.18: The man in the middle for an extremely talented BVNW squad, Fritz is putting together a great year anchoring down the defensive end of the floor and thriving off opportunities on the offensive end. His ability to bang inside on both ends, mixed with his footwork and soft touch make him a great player. He picks his spots nicely and is more than likely only going to attempt a high quality shot, and he is converting at a 63% clip from the field. He is a solid passer from the post, a great screener, and good outlet passer which make him a wonderful big to pair with the talented guards for BVNW. Averages of 11.55 ppg, 6.82 rbpg, 1.82 apg, and 1 spg.

Other Player Efficiency Rating Notables

Will Rost Will Rost 6'3" | SG Aquinas | 2023 State KS , 2023, St Thomas Aquinas: 19.20

Najee Williams Najee Williams 6'3" | SG Truman | 2021 State MO , 2021, Truman: 18.24

Eli Wingert Eli Wingert 6'8" | PF Blue Springs | 2021 State MO , 2021, Blue Springs:17.75

Will Townsend Will Townsend 6'8" | PF Bennington | 2028 State NE , 2021, Shawnee Mission East, 17.50

Sam Somerhalder Sam Somerhalder 6'7" | SF St. James Academy | 2022 State KS , 2022, St James: 16.00

Ikenna Ezeogu, 2022, Blue Springs: 15.47