Summer Studs Still on our Radar – Guards

<p>A great summer doesn’t always lead immediately to an impact on the high school varsity. But we haven’t forgotten some of the studs of the summer of 2021 who, for whatever reason, didn’t make a big splash this past school year. Our eyes will be peeled to see what kind of development these guys made over the past year.</p> <p>Here are some standout guards from last summer who will be worth watching this spring (in alphabetical order):</p> <p><strong>Devon Bolton</strong>, 6-foot guard, 2024, Shawnee Mission Northwest:</p> <p>Bolton was one of the most exciting guards to watch last summer. He is so quick and aggressive to the goal. He scored a ton, but it will be interesting to see how his leadership and quarterbacking skills have improved after serving as a sub this year. If he watched 2022 point guard Damare’ Smith closely, he probably learned quite a bit. Bolton averaged nearly 4 points per game and got in double figures a couple of times as a sophomore.</p> <p><strong>Maddox Dow</strong>, 5-foot-8 guard, 2024, DeSoto:</p> <p>DeSoto was loaded at guard last year, so there weren’t a lot of minutes to be had for sophomores not named [player_tooltip player_id="1270268" first="David" last="Cobin"]. But Dow brings his own brand of toughness and aggressiveness at both ends that was fun to follow last summer. We’ll see what he learned battling the veteran DeSoto guards in practice.</p> <p><strong>Zach Frank</strong>, 5-foot-8 guard, 2024, Wabaunsee:</p> <p>Frank hasn’t exactly been AWOL during the high school season. He’s been a key reserve for a really good Wabaunsee team. But the Chargers had so many veteran guards Frank’s role was strictly as a sub. He can shoot it from anywhere, is a solid ball handler and has played against really good talent both in club and high school. This summer Frank can prepare himself for a much bigger role next year.</p> <p><strong>Jalen Freeman</strong>, 5-foot-8 guard, 2024, Seaman:</p> <p>Seaman finally got their veteran guards to click together in the post-season, and it took them all the way to the 5A state title. Freeman had to wait his turn behind those fantastic veterans, several of whom will graduate this year. Freeman really impressed last summer as a hard-charging ball handler who drop a floater or get to the rim. He also was effective on pull-up jumpers or from behind the arc. He probably learned a ton from the Vikings’ starters.</p> <p><strong>Keaton Hargrave</strong>, 6-foot guard, 2024, Abilene:</p> <p>Hargrave can continue to make his case for a varsity role with another good summer. He can play point or wing and penetrate to find open shooters. He is a big, physical guard who is a presence on the glass and will turn a defensive rebound into a transition opportunity.</p> <p><strong>Teddy Saylor</strong>, 6-foot-1 forward, 2024, Shawnee Mission East:</p> <p>Saylor showed some nice versatility and playmaking ability last summer. He is a threat with the ball in his hands and doesn’t mind contact. He was a force on the glass at both ends, and drew fouls on his drives. With some varsity experience last school year, he should be ready for a big summer.</p>