Class of 2023 Risers
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Thirteen new players were added to the 2023 list. But there wasn’t lot of movement among those already ranked. As more 2023s show what they can do on the summer circuit, and get playing time as high school juniors, expect…
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Continue ReadingThirteen new players were added to the 2023 list. But there wasn’t lot of movement among those already ranked. As more 2023s show what they can do on the summer circuit, and get playing time as high school juniors, expect more shuffling of the deck.
Here are a few players who made moves within the 2023 rankings:
Avery Johnson Avery Johnson 6'2" | CG Maize | 2023 KS , 6-foot-3 combo guard, Maize – 8 spots (#15 to #7):
The leading scorer of the 5A state champs, Johnson is developing quickly into one of the most recruited players in the state. The football star is getting looks from colleges all over the nation. But that shouldn’t overshadow the work Johnson did on the court last year. He put up 17 in the state championship game against Topeka West. He averaged 13.2 points per game, and like a quarterback, he distributed 3.2 assists a game. He jumps eight spots for leading one of the state’s top teams to the top prize.
Kobe Smith Kobe Smith 6'1" | CG Andover Central | 2023 State KS , 6-foot-1 combo guard, Wichita Southeast – 3 spots (#11 to #8):
Smith earned honorable mention 6A recognition, having played a key role in a deep, senior-laden Southeast squad. He averaged 9.2 points and was a solid distributor as well. His stat line was a little up-and-down, but he had a lot of standout performances, including a season-high 20 against Kapaun.
Cameron Carr, 6-foot-2 shooting guard, Manhattan – 2 spots (#14 to #12):
Carr is apparently leaving Manhattan for a prep program in Missouri. He’ll stay in the rankings to reflect his work this past year, and until everything becomes official. Carr turned in an impressive season as a sophomore, developing into the Indians’ go-to option by season’s end. He averaged 10.9 points and four rebounds. He also added about three inches to his listed height.
Wesley Fair Wesley Fair 6'2" | CG Wichita Collegiate | 2023 KS , 6-foot-2 combo guard, Collegiate – 2 spots (#23 to #21):
Fair was recognized as a second-team 3A performer by Sports in Kansas. He’s a tough, physical guard/wing who produces some of everything for the talented Collegiate squad. To his 12.1 points he added 5.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game. He has the power and size to make plays in the lane, and the skill to score at all three levels.
BJ Redic BJ Redic 6'2" | SF Andover | 2023 State KS , 6-foot-2 small forward, Andover – 2 spots (#24 to #22) (pictured):
Redic earned honorable mention for his work with the loaded Andover team. He was a rugged supporting player, scoring 8.4 points per game and reeling in 4.6 rebounds for one of the best 5A teams in the state. Redic is a rugged and intense defender who makes plays in the open court and really makes life rough on offensive opponents.
Kamryn Kaniper Kamryn Kaniper 6'4" | SF Silver Lake | 2023 State KS , 6-foot-4 small forward, Silver Lake – 2 spots (#49 to #47):
Silver Lake scuffled through a tough season. But Kaniper came on strong as the season closed, taking on an assertive, leadership role and producing stats to match. This spring, he continued to demonstrate his versatility and explosive physical gifts. He blocks shots and produces steals at the defensive end, and is a high-quality passer to go with his ability to score the basketball.