Hot Summer 5 Series: 2023 Breakout Candidates
NEW SERIES! Starting the “Hot Summer 5” series looking at different categories of players and age groups and break down the 5 guys who to look for in that bracket! Today we will be looking at 5 guys who…
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Continue ReadingNEW SERIES!
Starting the “Hot Summer 5” series looking at different categories of players and age groups and break down the 5 guys who to look for in that bracket!
Today we will be looking at 5 guys who could really breakout this summer with their high schools and travel programs.
Kaeson Fisher-Brown Kaeson Fisher-Brown 6'2" | CG Derby | 2023 KS , 6’2 G, Derby HS, Oz Elite/Mentality, 2023: (Pictured) Will look to build off a terrific spring grassroots session playing with both Mentality and Oz Elite. Has splashed on the scene at multiple events highlighting his premier scoring ability from the perimeter. One of the toughest shot makers in the Wichita area especially off the dribble rising up into his jump shot. Has great size as a guard with good strength with the capabilities of being a really tough on ball defender. Should be able to explore an expanded high school role throughout June and get a lot of buckets throughout the summer session of travel ball.
Jace Steinmetz Jace Steinmetz 6'3" | SF Garden City | 2023 State KS , 6’3 G, Garden City, SSA Elite 2023 White, 2023: Garden City should be excited about the Steinmetz they will be getting through this June session after the spring he put together. The big bodied sniper put together a really efficient spring shooting the ball from the three point line, improved his floater and paint scoring game, and has really improved as a decision maker with the ball getting others involved. The Garden City guard has also shown he can be a northward of 5 rebound per game player which at his size as a guard will be big time.
Jailen Thompson Jailen Thompson 6'5" | PF Free State | 2023 State KS , 6’5 F/W, Free State, MoKan Select, 2023: The high upside, energy, and athletic forward had a solid spring so far for MoKan Select. With a ton of big departures this year from FS, Thompson’s role will be much expanded and he has showcased his ability during this grassroots run to take that mantle. Really good off the ball catching and finishing in a variety of ways, a tough stop when he gets out in transition, great off the attack, and his athleticism makes him and 1 generator and momentum altering playmaker.
Pierce Ross Pierce Ross 6'3" | SG Shawnee Mission West | 2023 State KS , 6’3 G, Shawnee Mission West, Marcus Denmon, 2023: A high energy and competitive guard who has a wide skill set and had a great individual year for SMW and has impressed throughout the spring with Denmon. Has a really solid ball handling skill set in both the half court and navigating in transtion, is super explosive, and manipulates scoring in traffic fairly well. Is super active on the defensive end of the floor with active hands and anticipation. With a new high school coach coming into West and momentum from the spring, look for Ross to take off.
Tommy McDowell, 6’6 F/W, Girard HS, 810 Varsity Blue, 2023: A name I got to see this weekend in person for the first time that really stood out to me. Is a springy and versatile 3/4 prospect that makes things happen on the basketball floor. Gets to a ton of rebounds and can lead the break off them when grabbing a defensive board or can get off the floor quickly on offensive boards to put the ball back in the basket. Plays in the intermediate game really well and is comfortable operating in traffic with the ball and has a nice little jumper. Hard to body up in transition ad is an efficient finisher, super athletic, and McDowell has a ton of upside. He is poised for a big summer.