Big Opportunities on the Horizon

<p>Guys honing their skills this spring could be building toward something big. Here are a handful of players to watch for big steps in development this offseason:</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1075930" first="Adrian" last="Dimond"], 2022, 6-foot-7 forward, Kansas Hoggs, Mill Valley HS (pictured):</p> <p>Dimond is a long-limbed leaper who is one of the most talented athletes in the state. He has yet to turn that athleticism into big stats, but he is excelling in track and field as well as on the court. He has the ability to score at all three levels, and is a selfless passer who likes to set up his teammates. Mill Valley struggled last season, but could take a step forward with Dimond and <strong>Dylan Blazer</strong> returning.</p> <p><strong>Kaden Ireland</strong>, 2022, 6-foot-1 guard/forward, Kansas Hoggs, Seaman HS:</p> <p>Ireland has been a stalwart for the Kansas Hoggs the past couple of summers, bringing high intensity and great athleticism to the club. He’s a solidly built 6-foot-1 and can overpower guards. He also has the leaping ability and power to defend bigger players in the lane. Ireland is still waiting to make his mark at Seaman, and a strong summer will really help his development.</p> <p><strong>Jack Ryan</strong>, 2022, 6-foot-1 guard, Showtime, Lawrence HS:</p> <p>Ryan is a really versatile guard/wing who will have a chance to take a big step forward next year at Lawrence High. [player_tooltip player_id="599752" first="Zeke" last="Mayo"] is gone, and lots of opportunities to fill his shoes will be available. Ryan can shoot from deep and in the midrange with a quick pull-up jumper. He’s got long arms and good ball skills to penetrate. Ryan is a lean, athletic guard who got a lot of experience on a state playoff team last year.</p> <p><strong>Aiden Sutter</strong>, 2022, 6-foot-3 forward, Kansas Players, Campus HS:</p> <p>It was tough to get minutes at Campus last year, what with [player_tooltip player_id="730616" first="Sterling" last="Chapman"], [player_tooltip player_id="824114" first="Stevie" last="Strong Jr"]., and Jayden Hall as senior leaders. But Sutter was a key component of the state champs. He has unique versatility. He has skills like a combo guard, but has length and toughness for the grind inside. Sutter plays with intensity and aggressiveness, but doesn’t tie up the offense by dominating the ball. He’s got a nice pull-up jumper and an athletic style in the midrange. Watch for him to get a bigger role next year.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1075929" first="Keaton" last="Williams"]</strong>, 2022, 6-foot-8 forward, Midwest Magic Elite, Wichita Southeast HS:</p> <p>Williams didn’t play much at Southeast last year, but he is fun to watch battle in the lane. He never gives up on a play, and challenges shots above the rim. He is a long guy with a lot of spring and he plays with heart. Williams spends most of his time in the post and on the back line of defense, but he’s coordinated and skilled enough to contribute beyond the lane. Williams might just be a rising star this year and could be one of the top rim protectors in Wichita.</p>