Proving Grounds: 2024 Guards

The Proving Grounds series is back as we look towards those players who took big leaps, got hot at the end, stock risers, or new names in the position groups throughout the classes who can really put  stamp on their big time play over the high school season with big springs and summers on the grassroots circuit.

Brennon Dodge Brennon Dodge 6'1" | CG Shawnee Heights | 2024 State KS , 6’ G, Shawnee Heights: Bursted on to the scene this season for Heights, getting it going from distance at a really high clip and as the eyar went on displaying some craftyness in the float game and mid range off the bounce. Really thrives off the move, in transition getting kick ahead threes, and being a catch and shoot guy. Seeing the shooting display on the AAU scene will be fun to see the translation and more openness of the overall game. Scored it at over 18 a game at the Varsity level and shot over 40% from three.

Tesean Williams Tesean Williams 5'7" | PG Wichita Northwest | 2024 State KS , 5’8 PG, Wichita Northwest: The young point guard showed why he is pound for pound one of the best point guards in this class. Extremely quick overall, plays with a chip on his shoulders, and has the talent with the ball in his hands to be very effective. Can get into the paint and find shooters, knows how to attack zones, plays downhill against man, and is a very smart and sneaky defender. Continuing to show this ability will turn heads this spring and summer. 

Jeron Askren Jeron Askren 6'3" | SG Maize South | 2024 State KS , 6’4 G/W, Maize South: Was a terrific role guy that also showed a ton of potential upside this season. A very nice two way guard and a 3 and d type of wing with flashes to do a ton more. Getting a ton of minutes, filling some new roles, and playing against some great talent will help Askren reach another level next year. Averaged 5 points and 4 rebounds a game this season for a very solid South team loaded with talent.

Quevon Purucker, 6’3 G/W, Salina South: A very athletic and high energy perimeter wing player that has shown a ton of development in his offensive game over the season. Being a high energy, transition threat, rebounder, lock down defender, and down hill slasher this spring and summer will really prove and show he is ready for the jump on everyone’s radar. Averaged 5 points and 3 rebounds this season.

Zaxton King Zaxton King 6'2" | SG Lawrence | 2024 State KS , 6’3 G, Lawrence; Electrified the high school scene this season really setting the tone early and often solidifying himself as one of the top high school guards in Kansas amongst classes. Being on the big stage this grassroots season his quickness, elite ball handling ability, wide array of scoring moves inside the paint, and shooting ability off the catch and move will really make a mark. he will also be tasked with guarding some elite level guards which will help show his athleticism and ability to defend at a high level on the perimeter.

Micah Deaver Micah Deaver 6'1" | CG Olathe East | 2024 State KS , 6’3 PG, Olathe East: A long guard that has great playmaking ability and court vision. He will be able to showcase this a ton on the grassroots scene and potentially continue to raise his stock. Gotta like the size on the perimeter, and as he continues to grow as an outside shooter, he will prove to be very hard to contain in the back court. Was a stat sheet stuffer this season.