5 Breakout Candidates from Western Kansas
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One of the best things about spring and summer ball is you get to see kids from all over the state come together and compete. Not only does it allow you to see Western Kansas stars like Jaxson Brandl Jaxson…
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Continue ReadingOne of the best things about spring and summer ball is you get to see kids from all over the state come together and compete. Not only does it allow you to see Western Kansas stars like Jaxson Brandl Jaxson Brandl 6'2" | CG Greeley County | 2023 State KS , Ryle Riddlesperger Ryle Riddlesperger 6'2" | PG Hugoton | 2023 State KS and Hunter Vaughn Hunter Vaughn 5'11" | CG Colby | 2023 State KS .
After a full summer of seeing players from across the state, now is a good time to ask “Who’s next?’
Here are five “breakout candidates” from Western Kansas:
There aren’t many players we’re more interested to see this year than Cure. He has an intriguing set of skills and an interesting game. He is a skilled big man who handles the ball and attacks like a guard. Will it play within the varsity context? Can he limit the turnovers while maximizing his playmaking ability? He got significant exposure as a freshman and may make a big leap as a sophomore. He’s just to physically gifted and skilled to not have a role as a sophomore.
Jake Underwood
Jake Underwood
Underwood is a workhorse for his high school and club team. He protects the lane and cleans the glass. He hasn’t put up big numbers for Garden City yet. He accounted for 3 points and 4 rebounds as a junior. Though the Buffaloes return two important big forwards in Jace Steinmetz Jace Steinmetz 6’3″ | SF Garden City | 2023 State KS and Caleb Weise, Underwood can play a much bigger role this year.
Bradon Bird
Bradon Bird
Meade was led to a really good season by sophomore Brock Keith last year. Another sophomore, Bird was good for Meade as well, averaging nearly 5 points and 5 rebounds per game. But based on what we watched this summer, you can expect Bird to take off as a junior. He’s a long, skilled guard who can play with the ball in his hands or off the ball. He is a playmaker who passes and scores in a variety of ways.
Griffin Heger
Griffin Heger
Heger blows the doors off summer competition with his constant hustle and tenaciousness. He hasn’t had a big opportunity on the Hugoton varsity yet, but he’s just too tough and explosive to keep off the floor (although Hugoton returns a lot of high quality guards it will have to rotate). Heger can hit the three, but he’s best when attacking in the open court, throwing his body around fearlessly. Heger is strong and plays through contact.
Keller is a long-limbed sophomore who, though wiry, plays with strength in the paint. He denies entry passes and blocks shots. Offensively, he is skilled inside and out, with coordination and soft touch. He can put the ball on the floor and get to a shot, or he can move without the ball to catch and score.