KC Clash: 5 Underrated Kansas Prospects On The Rise
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Now that the 2023 Prep Hoops Circuit kicked off last weekend in Kansas City, Missouri at Hyvee Arena. KC Clash had no shortage of under-the-radar prospects looking to showcase their abilities. Here is my analysis of 5 Kansas players that…
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Continue ReadingNow that the 2023 Prep Hoops Circuit kicked off last weekend in Kansas City, Missouri at Hyvee Arena. KC Clash had no shortage of under-the-radar prospects looking to showcase their abilities. Here is my analysis of 5 Kansas players that undoubtedly stood out amongst their peers.
Kenny McFall
Kenny McFall
This was my first opportunity getting to watch Kenny in action and it was exhilarating to say to the least. What makes him so fascinating to watch is his ability to play with great pace and keep defenders off balance. With a lightning quick first step off the dribble and a great handle, Kenny had no problem getting downhill into the lane slicing up the defense. Despite, his lack of size he consistently showed his ability to finish at the rim amongst bigs or find his open teammates for high percentage shots. Kenny’s ability to efficiently make timely and contested shots is second to none.
Cooper Crawford Cooper Crawford 6'6" | PF Lansing | 2026 State KS
Cooper Crawford Cooper Crawford 6'6" | PF Lansing | 2026 State KS
One of the most unique things that stood out about Cooper was his ability to play above the rim on both ends of the court. Cooper is very agile given his size. He presents a mismatch for the opposing teams. Although, he is a big man he is working to refine his guard skills and showcased great offensive awareness last weekend, constantly looking to set up his teammates and put them into positions to be successful. Proved himself to be a capable shooter and strong slasher cutting to the rim. The most recognizable trait was his superb on-ball defense whether it be on the perimeter or in the paint he forces the opposing team to take difficult shots.
Lachlan McRae
Lachlan McRae
Lachlan was one of the most consistent players I got to watch from the KC Clash. He displayed consistency in all aspects of his game but especially shooting the basketball that is his strong suit, he effectively knocked down shots when his team needed it the most whether it was contested or not. What stood out the most to me about him is his high basketball IQ in which he habitually made good basketball decisions for him and his teammates. Lachlan is also a very active and pesky on-ball defender often times pressuring the offensive player into forced ball pickup situations. Very high ceiling
Ontarius Emmot Ontarius Emmot 6'3" | SF Shawnee Heights | 2026 State KS
Ontarius Emmot Ontarius Emmot 6'3" | SF Shawnee Heights | 2026 State KS
In the 2 opportunities I got to watch Ontarius he was all over the court doing everything. Emmott has a very quick first step and was able to bl0w by almost all defenders placed in front of him. He displayed great athleticism and creativity when getting into the lane and finishing among bigger defenders around the rim. He has a very high basketball IQ and doesn’t force bad shots, he’s always looking to support and set his teammates up with high percentage looks. Proved himself to be an adept shooter on the perimeter hit timely shots. Emmott is capable of causing havoc on the defensive end of the floor as well very disruptive on-ball defender more then willing to dive on the floor for loose balls and secure extra possessions for his team.
Keimani Paul
Keimani Paul
Keimani was one of the most intriguing prospects I got a chance to see the entire weekend. He is one heck of a defender especially in the interior. His ability to play above the rim as a shot blocker was crucial to his teams success as he was able to block plenty of shots from the opposing teams. Keimani showcased his guard like abilities by handling the ball well on the perimeter and makes high IQ plays out of the post or at the elbow either finding his teammates or getting to the rim with ease and finishing. He’s very active rebounding the ball which created second chance opportunities for his squad.