Potential Playoff Stock Risers: 3A

<p>3A teams are wrapping up the regular season. Sub-states will get underway next week, and the number of 2A teams still going will dwindle quickly.</p> <p>Every year, some lesser-known or off-the-radar guys rise up during the playoffs. The benefit of the playoff spotlight brings to broader attention their skills, heart and ability to rise to the occasion.</p> <p>Here are a few 3A players who might just take advantage of the playoffs to rise in the eyes of the state, and in the Prep Hoops rankings (in alphabetical order):</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1378394" first="Carson" last="Bennett"], 6-foot-2 guard, 2023, Hugoton:</p> <p>Hugoton had a lot of players on the Prep Hoops radar, but Bennett is the one who really jumped out this season. As arguably the best player on the fifth-ranked Eagles, he got slotted at #81 in the rankings for his impressive work in the first half of the season. A good run in the playoffs could further propel Bennett up the rankings. He’s averaging 13.5 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.9 assists for a deep and talented team. Sub-state will be no cakewalk, however, with Lakin and Holcomb both in the mix.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1300818" first="Jackson" last="Cross"]</strong>, 6-foot guard, 2023, Russell (pictured):</p> <p>A guy that sort of appeared out of nowhere at the Prep Hoops 250 Expo last summer, Cross impressed as a gamer and a top distributor who didn’t back down from top-flight competition. He has put together a really impressive junior season at Russell. He is averaging 16 points and has been particularly dangerous from deep. Though just 10-10 on the season, the Broncos are in a sub-state without any ranked teams. If Russell could win a couple of postseason games, Cross will probably earn some more attention.</p> <p><strong>Braxton Harrison</strong>, 6-foot guard, 2022, Cimarron:</p> <p>Cimarron has struggled to get wins this season. It won’t get any easier as they are assigned to sub-state with some of the best teams in the west, including Hugoton, Lakin and Holcomb. But you can’t deny the numbers Harrison has put up. He is tough in the lane, can push the ball up the floor, and is a constant threat from deep. He averages 18.2 points, 10.1 rebounds and 2.5 steals. He will merit consideration for some post-season honors, as well as ranking in the 2022 class.</p> <p><strong>Kade Perine</strong>, 5-foot-5 guard, 2023, Rossville:</p> <p>Perine always stands out at Prep Hoops events as a high-energy point man who has impeccable handles and never lets off the throttle. But he’s never put up the numbers or won enough games at Rossville to get ranked. The Bulldawgs won just three games this year and will face an uphill battle with Royal Valley and Nemaha Central in their sub-state. But regardless what happens, Perine’s numbers may be good enough to crack the rankings. He’s averaging 14.0 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists.</p> <p><strong>Kaden Walker</strong>, 6-foot-4 forward, 2022, Prairie View:</p> <p>Walker is a beast in the lane and on the boards – he recently set the school record for career rebounds. The Buffaloes are in a tough sub-state, but a couple of wins could bring a lot more notice to Walker’s nice career and impressive stats: 14.6 points and 13.7 rebounds per game.</p>