Energy Bringers at the Midwest Kickoff
Every team needs that guy who sparks the fire, who they can count on to provide great effort. On a long weekend of multiple games, and grueling travel, that guy is even more important than ever at a club tournament.…
Access all of Prep Hoops Next and Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingEvery team needs that guy who sparks the fire, who they can count on to provide great effort. On a long weekend of multiple games, and grueling travel, that guy is even more important than ever at a club tournament.
Here are a few players who demonstrated great energy and effort at the Midwest Kickoff (in alphabetical order):
CJ Brown, 5-foot-7, CG, 2025, Kansas Gauchos:
Brown plays with a chip on his shoulder and an aggression, both with the ball and on defense. He never lets up on the defensive end, and he believes every loose ball belongs to him. He is strong and quick, and has very pesky hands.
Markeith Drane, 5-foot-10, SG, 2026, Team Teague:
Drane is a superb athlete who makes a couple of plays every game that gets his team fired up. He can leap and contests shots, and he also can outrun everyone up the floor to get into every play. His quick hands and anticipation produce a lot of turnovers. By making big effort plays, Drane creates a buzz among his teammates.
Hunter Jackson, 5-foot-5, SG, 2026, PBA Elite (featured image):
Jackson led the tournament in floor burns. He is the ultimate effort player, busting it up and down the court and making things happen. With the ball, he pushes aggressively to create plays, particularly fighting through traffic to get a shot off. He is disruptive on defense and wins every 50/50 ball.
Phoenix Johnson, PG, 2026, KC Prodigy:
Johnson is an energy bringer, but he’s never out of control with the ball, even when guarded by a bigger opponent. He knifes his way around the court, handling the ball and running the show for KC Prodigy. He plays with a great attitude and an enthusiasm for competition. His attitude under adversity keeps his team positive and in the fight.
Ryan Lash, 6-foot-2, SF, 2025, ATC:
Lash is a big man who really works to get in position for rebounds. He fights through traffic, has active hands, and gets to a lot of plays in tight confines. Lash runs the court hard, but is under control to demonstrate his great hands and feel around the goal.
River Peters, 6-foot-1, SF, 2025, Kansas Gauchos:
Peters was one of the hardest workers at the Midwest Kickoff. He crashes the glass and attacks defenses on the dibble without concern for his own health. He is a strong, physical athlete who can create space for himself. He dives on the floor in search of loose balls. And he draws fouls on tough-guy plays that inspire his teammates.