Mr. Reliable: Plug and Play Guys

<p>The willingness and ability to mix it up, be versatile, and produce on a wide variety of fronts is a special trait that can go unnoticed. Often referred to as the "glue guys" we are going to take a look at some of the players across the state that can fill in a variety of gaps, roles, positions, and opportunities for their high schools. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Wesley Oakley, 6’3 G, 2022, Hays High: A guard who can play really the 2-4 spot with ease and has the ability to handle the ball in certain spots against pressure or out of necessity. Is strong, tough, and poised on the defensive end o the floor and can guard the 1 through 4 spots. Has been a solid shooter in his career both on the grassroots and high school scenes, but that has taken a back seat to his ability to block dudes out, defend, make the right pass, and be a willing screener on the offensive end.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Noah Jacobson, 6’2 G, 2022, St Mary’s: Talk about a kid who has been tasked with guarding some great players, Jacobson has been the Bears go to perimeter defender and body to put on athletic wings. He also is tasked with being another reliable shooter on the perimeter for them and is a terrific offensive rebounder which leads to a bunch of stick backs at the rim. Has great length and anticipation and wreaks havoc in their press. Can handle and create some off the bounce, he is a vital cog to their engine.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="946261" first="Garrett" last="Lynch"], 6’4 F, 2022, St James: He is the muscle, toughness, and back bone of a really talented St James squad. Lynch can step out and guard on the perimeter, bang on the inside against solid posts, creates extra possessions with offensive rebounds or tap outs to teammates. Is terrific at catching and finishing, scoring on second chance points, and scoring off screens.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Zac Evans, 6' G, 2024, Valley Falls: Valley Falls is a state title contender and littered with guys who can score it and play really hard. Evans with his anticipation and speed allows him to fill in a ton of spots for them on the floor. He is great at being a wing runner and great at kicking it ahead. takes great shots, and his cutting through the lanes and moving without the ball opens so much his teammates. Can heat up an be a microwave as well on the floor. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Jeremiah Kemboi, 6'2 G, 2022, El Dorado: One of the sneakiest and most hidden guards in all of Kansas is one who can do it all for his high school squad. A versatile defender and versatile guard on offense. A guy that can go board it on both ends of the floor, can impact a game as a passer, or if he needs to get going from the field, can score it from multiple levels, but especially driving the basketball. He is a double digit plus multiple assists, rebounds, and steals type of guard who can be your lead guard, off ball guard, or wing player.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Jackson Swift, 6'1 G, 2022, Halstead: As versatile of an athlete, playing well in 3 different sports, Swift brings that versatility to the basketball floor and is tasks and able to fulfill a bunch of different roles for Halstead. Can step in during transition opportunities and drill 3 balls, can guard the 1-4, sprints back and protects the rim or gets steals, is tough enough to bang with forwards, and rebounds it at a good clip. Can handle the ball against pressure or to set up the offense while having the off ball moving ability to be a two guard.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Koda Blakenship, 6'2 F, 2023, Sedan: An undersized forward but plays with a ton of heart and energy that allows him to be a solid contributor for Sedan. Has some perimeter ability and willingness to guard out there, finishes of the catch for their talented guards, a solid defender, and rebounds it well. Provides consistency across the board for them, and does a lot of "the little things" well for a club to be successful. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Maddex Moreno, 5'11 G, 2025, West Elk: A gritty guard who has been thrown into the first as a freshman and producing. The stats help tell the story of his game as he averages 10.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2 steals, and a half block per game. Getting that from your freshman guard is really good, and Moreno plays with a spark, aggressiveness with the ball in his hands, and not afraid of big spots. Can guard multiple types of guards with his toughness and quickness, can play both off the ball as an attacker against zones or moving to get angles against man, or get into the pain off the dribble.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Duncan Duell, 6' G, 2022, Hillsboro: 17-1 and ranked #1 in KBCA rankings Hillsboro has a ton of eye popping names and talent, but Duell is a do it all role playing guard that provides much needed production, effort, and senior experience to their team. Duell sits and guards effectively, sprints for long rebounds, scores it in transition or off good opportunities, and is a pesky defender with great hands at 2.2 steals per game. The senior guard covers a ton of ground when he plays, and helps those big name guys out in a massive way.</p>