2023s: Tough Way to Go Out

It was a great season for the 2023 class as a whole. But not every member of the class had a great time this season. As we updated the 2023 class rankings, we were reminded of a few players who had previously stood out, but who suffered through tough circumstances as seniors.

(Note: Prep Hoops Kansas doesn’t drop players in the rankings due to injuries. However, that doesn’t mean that other players who stand out might naturally pass them in the rankings.)

7 Brekyn Ratzlaff Brekyn Ratzlaff 6'0" | PG Hillsboro | 2023 State KS , 6-foot guard, Hillsboro:

You can’t feel too sorry for this point guard. He piloted the Trojans to back-to-back state titles after all. But his senior year was a challenge. Hillsboro graduated so much talent from its previous teams that Ratzlaff and fellow senior Tyson Plenert had their hands full leading the young group. They struggled to a 9-11 season. Ratzlaff went off for big point outings trying to help the team stay competitive, but it was a different kind of season at Hillsboro. He will try to get back to his winning ways at Ottawa University.

12 Britton Dutton Britton Dutton 6'1" | SG Ellinwood | 2023 State KS , 6-foot-1 guard, Ellinwood:

Dutton was brilliant all season. But once again, when it came to substate time, Sterling scuttled Ellinwood’s trip to state. Dutton got in foul trouble and watched from the bench as the Eagles’ big lead steadily dwindled. Dutton’s playing days aren’t over, however. He’s headed to the University of Illinois-Springfield.

33 Patrick McCallop Jr Patrick McCallop Jr 5'10" | PG Bishop Miege | 2023 State KS , 5-foot-10 guard, Bishop Miege:

McCallop was highly ranked by Prep Hoops scouts due to the brilliance he displayed in club action. He was a blazingly fast playmaker with a good handle and ability to really disrupt at the defensive end. He didn’t have much opportunity to show his skills on the Miege varsity because he was hampered by injuries. That didn’t stop him from making a name on the track and the gridiron, however. That speed will be on display with the Baker University football team.

40 Kaeden Bonner Kaeden Bonner 6'2" | SG Seaman | 2023 State KS , 6-foot-2 guard, Seaman:

At this time a year ago, Bonner and the Seaman Vikings were basking in the glow of a 5A title. It was one of the more improbable runs in memory. They shocked the field to win the championship, in large part due to the play of Bonner. He caught fire and accounted for 43 points in the tournament run, including 3-3 from deep in the championship game. As a senior, he was doing his best to lead a rebuilding team when an injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season. He will be heading to the University of St. Mary next season.

48 Zion Young Zion Young 6'2" | CG Life Prep | 2023 State KS , 6-foot-2 guard, Life Prep:

Young’s request to transfer from Campus was held up so long, the senior guard decided to enroll at Life Prep Academy. Without a lot of media coverage at the prep academy, it was hard to gauge his senior season. Young has posted a few offers from colleges on social media. His talent as a big, physical guard was missed on the Kansas high school scene this year.

50 Asa Barnes Asa Barnes 6'2" | SG Wichita Southeast | 2023 State KS , 6-foot-2 guard, Wichita Southeast:

As a junior, Barnes was a highly decorated big guard who was slick with the ball and could create a ton of opportunities for himself and others. Unfortunately he was injured and was greatly missed by Wichita Southeast, who suffered to an 8-13 record.

61 Sincere Austin Sincere Austin 5'10" | PG Topeka West | 2023 State KS , 6-foot-1 guard, Topeka West:

As a senior, Austin was counted on to help Topeka West adjust to the loss of all-state guard Elijah Brooks. But a late February incident resulted in Austin’s suspension and he never returned for the Chargers. His steady hand at the point and shooting ability was greatly missed as the Chargers lost five of their last seven games.