Lawrence Players in the Rankings

<p>[player_tooltip player_id="599752" first="Zeke" last="Mayo"], one of the very best players in the entire state of Kansas, is gone. He leaves a legacy at Lawrence High, and a hole that will be tough to fill. If you think Mayo went down to Blue Valley North in the state playoffs without a fight, just check out the 41 points he put up in his last game.</p> <p>But Mayo is gone, and it’s time for some new players to step into the spotlight. Here are the ranked players who return to Lawrence schools (in order of rank):</p> <p>4 (2022) [player_tooltip player_id="891899" first="Mozae" last="Downing-Rivers"] 6-foot-3 point guard, Free State:</p> <p>Downing-Rivers is a solidly build and long point guard. His size is really tough for most point men to match. He is a good passer and leader of an offense. He’s a pass-first point man who attacks defenses. He is one of the top returners at all positions, all grades, and all classifications.</p> <p>6 (2022) [player_tooltip player_id="952433" first="Jordan" last="Brown"] 6-foot-4 shooting guard, Free State (pictured):</p> <p>Uh oh. Look out. Brown will be a Firebird next year. The two-sport stud transferred from Basehor-Linwood, giving Free State one of the most impressive one-two punches next year. Brown can do it all, but playing off Downing-Rivers, his ability from behind the arc will be maximized. Brown has unlimited range and the ability to pour in points. He’s a top-flight athlete who isn’t just a shooter. He earned third-team 5A last year.</p> <p>60 (2022) [player_tooltip player_id="1139919" first="Pearse" last="Long"], 6-foot-5 small forward, Lawrence:</p> <p>Long can’t replace Mayo, but he will help fill the void left. Mayo is a streaky shooter who is really long when he sets up on the wing. He’s a powerful and willing rebounder and has the length and athleticism to be disruptive at the defensive end. His point production varied wildly as a junior, and he will have to be much more consistent next season.</p> <p>23 (2023) [player_tooltip player_id="1080182" first="Cole" last="Watson"], 6-foot-4 center, Lawrence:</p> <p>Watson earned a high ranking for some impressive work last summer with SSA Hoops Elite. He showed power in the post and nice touch on midrange shots. He has elected to focus on football. His good size and athleticism will play well and catch a lot of attention from college coaches the next couple of years. Watson will be removed from the rankings at the next update.</p> <p>65 (2023) [player_tooltip player_id="1212171" first="Jailen" last="Thompson"], 6-foot-5 power forward, Free State:</p> <p>Thompson was an important piece for the Firebirds last season. He can defend the rim and runs the floor really well. He is a tough rebounder who will play an important role teaming with the top-flight guards at Free State. He has the ball skills to play on the perimeter, face the goal, and take a defender off the bounce.</p>