Hardwood Sunflower Showcase: Friday Notebook

The second Live Period is underway and after logging over 12 hours of watching hoops on Friday down at Hyvee arena at the Hardwood Classic: Sunflower Showcase, here are some observations of some of the different types of performances and players we saw on display from KS.     Big Performances   [player_tooltip player_id=’1390595’ first=’Kalen’ last=’Streit’], 6’1 G, Phenom, 2024: Really impacted the game with his athletic ability and momentum bursting ability with his activity on the floor. Capped off a really solid 23 point outing with a nasty one handed lob catch and dunk off the baseline. Streit continues to get better moving without the ball in his hands and being proactive on the offensive end and stays in attack mode. His 3 point shooting mixed with his athleticism make him an intriguing player to watch game in and out.   [player_tooltip player_id=’1378441’ first=’Gus’ last=’Hawkins’], 6’7 F, MoKan Select, 2024: The big and strong forward has had two impactful games for MoKan’s 2024 group using his inside scoring ability. Did a great job of walling off and holding on to seals in the post and has great hands in the post. Uses the glass really well and scored it over both shoulders. A big time rebounder on both ends.   Big Time Shooting   [player_tooltip player_id=’1080206’ first=’Harrison’ last=’Kisling’], 6’2 G, Phenom, 2023: Kisling is a walking microwave from behind the three point line and it was more of the same on Friday. Had a 5+ made three point field goal made game on Friday and it came in a variety of shot selection types, off the catch on kicks, transition, off little dribble pull ups, and complimented the perimeter game with some smooth mid range game. Solid size at the two guard spot and is an underrated defender.   Sage Fejfar, 6’1 G, SSA Elite Black, 2025: Has a great base and shoots it with great balance off the catch. Very compact and quick release on his jumper which allows him to get it off with speed and consistency. On Friday had two really efficient shooting performances especially off the catch in the corners. Had an 11 point scoring run on his own in the early game with 3 straight three balls with his last one coming from the top of the key relocating off a screen he set.   Assisting   Trayvon Foster, 6’3 PG, 810 Varstiy, 2023: His pace with the ball, ability to change tempo quickly, size, and ball handling ability allows him to really get defenders in tough spots and force help over and Foster is a savvy passer to get his teammates great looks. His scoring prowess around the rim and in the mid range with a little pull up jumper make him a tough player to guard, but his passing ability on Friday displayed some top notch ability.   [player_tooltip player_id=’1146283’ first=’Landon’ last=’Kaufman’], 6’ PG, PGU Hoops, 2023 (Pictured): A very smart point guard paired with great playmaking ability in his arsenal. Commands attention with the ball in his hands as he can score it from the perimeter and attacking the basket, but really takes great shots only. Did a great job in transition kicking the ball ahead to guys running the wing or coming off screens and finding rollers or shooters on the perimeter.   Roll Guys Stepping Up   Ben Nicholson, 6’4 SG, SSA Elite Black, 2025: Had a really solid closing game of the tournament for them on Friday night, going for 16 points and rebounded the ball well. Has great length for a two guard on the perimeter and is still growing and has a smooth shooting stroke. Shot it well from both corners on Friday night hitting multiple catch and shoot threes, and did a good job of scoring off little dump downs and scoring from the block area with some touch.   Matt Theisen, 6’3 G, PAC, 2024: Will be a sneaky name to watch as a roll player for Aquinas this season, and on Friday he showed his ability to impact the game in positive ways. Got hot and drilled a ton of long balls from behind the arc. Got some length to him and plays with a motor on both ends and impacts winning basketball positively.   [player_tooltip player_id=’1448466’ first=’Jacob’ last=’Hirschi’], 6’3 W, Kansas 94x50, 2023: Good size wing player and is strong on the basketball court. Plays physically when he drives the basketball and can score through contact. Can play some small ball 4 and pop to corners or trail into some open threes as well. Blocks out well and rebounds effectively on the defensive end and has the size to guard multiple positions.

The second Live Period is underway and after logging over 12 hours of watching hoops on Friday down at Hyvee arena at the Hardwood Classic: Sunflower Showcase, here are some observations of some of the different types of performances and players we saw on display from KS.