Fourth of July Series: The Sparklers
Weekend series coming here with the Fourth of July on the horizon. We will be looking at some firework “superlatives” of different players across the state between the classes. Todays group of hoopers will be our “sparklers” and just like…
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Continue ReadingWeekend series coming here with the Fourth of July on the horizon. We will be looking at some firework “superlatives” of different players across the state between the classes. Todays group of hoopers will be our “sparklers” and just like the steady stream for light they provide, these guys provide a steady hand and consistent play on the basketball court.
Ryle Riddlesperger Ryle Riddlesperger 6'2" | PG Hugoton | 2023 State KS , 6’1 G, Hugoton, WKE, 2023: The Hugoton guard has been a consistent shooter over the last couple of high school and grassroots season and provides that shot making ability from the perimeter on a regular basis. The point guard play continues to get more solid as well with the more minutes logging making decisions, playmaking for others, and running the back court. Has multiple avenues to impact games consistently whether through shooting, kicking the ball ahead in transition, and finding open teammates.
Jack Wilson Jack Wilson 6'6" | C Manhattan | 2023 State KS , 6’5 F, Manhattan High, MoKan, 2023: Always will find a way to impact winning on the floor as he has the IQ and skill set to influence the game positively on both ends of the floor. Smart passer on the floor from all three levels, keeps his head up to find shooters and cutters, will give you a three of so per game spotting up on the floor, will rebound on both ends consistently, and is a versatile defender and will always give you that. Will get on the stat sheet in a variety of ways.
Will Rost Will Rost 6'3" | SG Aquinas | 2023 State KS , 6’3 W, St Thomas Aquinas, Drive 5, 2023: As consistent of a shooter as they come especially in the spot up game. Is a consistently tough player as well on the floor who will mix it up on the defensive end and fly in for defensive and offensive rebounds. Very unselfish teammate and will make the extra pass. Can rise up and fire quickly off of screens or in transition with the length to get it over contests and still knock them down.
Jackson Biggs Jackson Biggs 6'5" | SF Lyndon | 2023 State KS , 6’5 W/F, Lyndon, SSA Elite 2023 Black, 2023: Provides a ton of inside scoring presence from the post up and diving to the paint game for his high school club and brings the intangibles, but on the grassroots scene we really saw where he can branch out and be consistent across the game. Will always be a solid screener while on the court, tap out offensive rebounds, make the right defensive rotation, constant talking to teammates to direct traffic or acknowledge success, and will hit the open shot or make quick moves to the goal from multiple areas on the floor.
Bryce Beisner Bryce Beisner 6'7" | PF Beloit | 2024 State KS , 6’6 F, Beloit, SSA Elite 2024 Black, 2024: A super consistent paint scorer with quick burst off the floor and soft touch using the glass with either hand. Get’s you a jump shot or two to space the floor a game and its continuing to get better and better. Regardless of his scoring output he is always getting court time with his ability to rebound it on both ends consistently, guard 3-5 easily, and block shots.
Mikey Brand Mikey Brand 6'5" | SF Bishop Carroll | 2024 State KS , 6’4 W, Bishop Carroll, Team Dream 2024 (Pictred): Brand is a super versatile and brings ya passing from the perimeter, off drives, and in little post up scenarios to cutters and shooters, scoring from the mid post out to the 3 point line on open looks, very aggressive, and his athleticism/IQ combination keeps him ahead of the game on both ends of the floor. Great size to be a hybrid wing/stretch 4 which keeps him influencing wins for his teams.
Kale Staats Kale Staats 6'1" | CG Liberty North | 2024 MO , 6’1 G, Liberty North, Run GMC, 2024: Our most defensively consistent player on this list, Staats always brings the grit and grind to that end of the floor. Can be a guy with his length and athleticism that keeps all types of guards in front of him, gets steals in every game, makes momentum shifting stops, and can clean up the defensive glass from the guard spot. His improvement as a driver to score the ball or create paint touches to get teammates looks continues to raise his stock and his catch and shoot 3 ball is getting more consistent by the day.