2022s: Kansas 1st Team All Summer Top Performers

As we put the finishing touches on summer grassroots coverage for our kids in Kansas and begin the transition into the high school period, we are going to take a massive look back at the top performers from the summer circuit scene around the state. There will also be a another team list for our top stock risers as well. These coverage threads will span the classes of 2022, 2023, and 2024.   Criteria for Top Performer Teams <ul> <li>Individual Performance</li> <li>Team Performance</li> <li>Strength of Schedule (Level of Tournament)</li> <li>Consistency</li> <li>Positions: PG, G, G, W, F, F, "Sixth Man" (Total of 7 spots per team)</li> <li>If I did not get a chance to watch the team/player and could not find any player updates or statistics it was difficult to properly evaluate the player therefore most likely not on one of the teams.</li> <li>Best Attempt to Diversify Between Programs Where it Made Sense</li> <li>There will be a 1st Team, 2nd Team, and 3rd Team with a couple of Honorable Mentions with the 3rd Group.</li> </ul>   PG: [player_tooltip player_id="891899" first="Mozae" last="Downing-Rivers"], 6’4, Free State, Run GMC: Controlled games in the back court all summer long in both UAA and non UAA events. His size, court vision, ability, and competitive mindset really set him apart this summer. Great ability to get to the basket off the bounce and create for himself and others, has a great understanding of where his teammates are successful on the floor, and that jump shot continues to develop nicely. Great on ball screens from anywhere on the floor as well.   G: [player_tooltip player_id="891912" first="Nahcs" last="Wahwassuck"], 6’5, Link Academy, SSA Elite 2022 Black (Pictured): Wahwassuck took his game another level this summer and impacted game after game in all facets. A stat sheet stuffer who contributes with meaningful statistics in big spots and games, the versatile guard averaged 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists per game in the summer which included three live weekends. Finished his summer career off with two 20+ point performances and a near triple double in the final weekend. Shot the 3 ball at about 50% this summer which really expands his already versatile game.   G: [player_tooltip player_id="787613" first="Gradey" last="Dick"], 6’6, Sunrise, Run GMC: The future Jayhawk is simpy one of the best players around and put a massive stamp on that this summer. Went out gunning in the UA Circuit finals putting up 27 points in a tough loss to Team Rio and had massive clutch moments in the game before that. He is a high level shot maker from all over the floor and can do it off the catch and off the bounce. Has a great mind for the game as well and can get others involved and takes good to great shots consistently. He was top 15 in all major categories at the NBPA Top 100 camp and is en route for some USA Hoops in Hungary.   W: [player_tooltip player_id="891898" first="Aidan" last="Shaw"], 6’7, Link Academy, MoKan EYBL 2022: Shaw really showed off the expansion of his game this summer and what he can do on both ends of the floor with his skill set with the ball in his hands and his defensive versatility. Really had a strong EYBL run filling the stat sheet and making a ton of plays that go unnoticed on the box score but not on the court. Has killed it in the Pangos camp and this last weekend at The Circuit finals, being a double double threat consistently in that event and scoring over 15 points in multiple outings. He has expanded the range to be a threat from there especially in rhythm shooting situations and his premier athleticism continues to be his stand out attribute. He also saw the floor really well in games I watched and becamse quite the solid playmaker.   F: [player_tooltip player_id="787630" first="Taj" last="Manning"], 6’7, Run GMC: Manning was simply put, a monster this summer. Racked up a ton of big time offers including Xavier, Kansas State, and Wake Forest in the process. His expanded game to include a perimeter aspect has done wonders to pair with his energetic and athletic play style in the painted area and attacking in transition. If his squad needed a big rebound, he got it, needed a tough finish inside, he got it, and could step out and hit big floor spacing jumpers. His rim running and relentlessness on the boards caught my eye early in the spring, and the complete package exploded this summer. He was the pillar of efficiency this summer, leading the UAA in scoring efficiency at 1.12 points per possession.   F: [player_tooltip player_id="1075924" first="Jack" last="Ratigan"], 6’5, Blue Valley West, Team KC: The new Northwest Missouri State commit is heading to the DII powerhouse for a reason, and his summer play displayed what he could bring to the table. A great point forward or wing player with his elite shooting, passing along the perimeter, and simplistic effective attack off the bounce. Kept the game really simple all summer and was super effective. One of the best stretch forwards in the state and proved it this summer with big scoring outings while shooting it at a high level. Was a zone buster against some good competition in the summer runs, and helped his Team KC squad to big wins.   "Sixth Man": [player_tooltip player_id="891913" first="Jaron" last="Briggs"] Jr, 6’4 W/G, Piper, KC Spurs Black: The 2022 KC Spurs black team did a ton of wining, and Briggs was a pivotal part of that success. His ability to score the ball off the bounce, in transition, knocking down mid range shots, and being a more consistent deep ball shooter brought his game full circle during the summer runs. The defensive toughness and energy has always been there, but Briggs was big time on both ends of the floor in the summer, earning multiple Top Performers honors at Prep Hoops Events across the country during the live weekends.