Live SZN Kickoff: Kansas Glue Guys

<p>The Live SZN Kickoff featured a ton of talented teams across the board, with each having guys on their rosters who helped hold everything together with their effort, versatility, and ability to stay on the floor and be effective. Here is a list of some of those guys across the age groups.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1080917" first="Kamryn" last="Kaniper"], 6’5 Wing, Silver Lake, SSA 2023 Black: Kaniper was everywhere in all 4 games this past weekend, being a workhorse and full on energy guy. He was hard to take off the floor with all of the areas of the game he was effecting. Knocked down the long ball, hit a couple of tough floaters, was a monster on both rebounding glasses, and was constantly getting deflections in the passing lane. Kaniper’s play has garnered him some early college interest, and it was his overall ability to be an infectious energy guy that was on full display. His breakout performance was against the Illinois Hoopstars with 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1142735" first="Harrison" last="Hughes"], 5’7 Point Guard, Shawnee Mission South, PAC Basketball 2022: The South guard is biding his time to take the reigns at South with a loaded back court there, but he put on a solid weekend at the Live Kickoff for PAC basketball. He is a really steady guard who can do a little bit of everything and has some zest to his game. He had one of the passes of the weekend with a beautiful drop off dime for a layup. Hughes is steadily consistent as a player and will look to continue to be a big glue guy holding a steady PAC team together.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Burk Springer, 5'10 Point Guard, Wamego, SSA 2022 Blue: After missing Saturday's game, Springers impact and "glue guy" status was proven with the teams elevated play on Sunday when he returned. He is a stead fast point guard who can elevate everyone around him by getting them great looks, or into rhythm. Springer also has a late game intensity and clutchness to him, drilling a game winning three ball to close out the weekend for SSA Blue, and Springer is no stranger to making big time late game shots.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Aiden Werth, 6'6 Forward, St Thomas Aquinas, United Basketball Red: A long forward with step out catch and shoot ability, Werth had a really solid weekend overall for United Basketball Red, highlighted with a 17 point outing in a close loss to SSA 2022 White. Werth showed his versatility in that one and really kept United as a consistent threat throughout the ball game, knocking down face up jumpers, sealing hard inside an getting position, and passed the ball well through the defense. Werth has great size, low volatility with the ball in his hands, and can bring a versatile skill set to the forward position.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Deontae Baker, 5'10 Point Guard, Junction City, SSA 2023 White: Baker was one of the smoothest point guards in the 16U groups this weekend. Moves a lot quicker across the floor then what it looks like, almost gliding like, and his demeanor on the floor is always steady. Baker's shot from distance looked improved and more confident, but his ability to get out in transition, kick it ahead to guys, and get his teammates consistently involved was the standout. Baker is a nice point guard to have in close games and down the stretch as he keeps his poise and is reliable with the ball in his hands.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>