Best in KC Area

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>June is high school team month. After a spring spent with club programs, players return to their high schools for a few weeks of practice and scrimmaging with their high school teammates. So that's a good time for Prep Hoops to look around the state for a “Best of” series.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We took a look at players from the city - <a href="https://prephoops.com/2023/06/best-in-kc/">Best in KC</a>. Here are the best returners in the area surrounding Kansas City:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Top ranked senior – #4 [player_tooltip player_id='1270268' first='David' last='Cobin'], 5-foot-10 guard, 2024, De Soto (pictured):</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the most highly regarded playmakers in the state, Cobin has already created quite a resume for himself. it was tough to top the incredible state tournament he had as a sophomore. He tried as a junior, producing 16 points, 4 assists and 3 steals. He was the alpha dog leader of the Wildcats and an all-state pick. What can he accomplish in his encore? It will be fun to see.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Top junior – #21 [player_tooltip player_id='1772981' first='Kai' last='Reid'], 6-foot-2 forward, 2025, Piper:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In case you didn't notice, Piper was very good last year. They went 13-5, barely falling to 5A state bound Basehor-Linwood at substate. The Pirates' second leading scorer and rebounder was sophomore Reid. A stout forward who makes up what he lacks in length with power and explosiveness around the basket. He averaged 12 points and 6 boards as a sophomore. He's got good ball skills, handling it well and dishing out a couple of assists a game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Most Underappreciated – [player_tooltip player_id='1390595' first='Kalen' last='Streit'], 6-foot-1 guard, 2024, Bonner Springs:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Streit had several senior teammates who turned in big seasons a year ago. But when it came time for all-Frontier League awards, Streit was named first team. He's a high flyer who brings a spark to the game. He averaged 16 points and dished out 5 assists and kept the tempo cranked up for the Braves.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Top rising talent – <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2209756' first='DJ' last='Jackson']</strong>, 6-foot guard, 2026, Piper:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With lots of talent back, it was impressive that Jackson stepped in early and became a leader off the bat. He scored 16 points in his first varsity game and was voted MVP of the Tonganoxie Tournament. He wound up averaging 9 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists while carrying a lot of the ball handling duties.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Top team – Piper:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Of all the teams in the area, the Pirates return the most talent – they bring back their top six scorers. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1756342' first='Devin' last='Kerr'] provides toughness and rebounding while also serving as a 3-point threat. He led the team with 13 points and 9 boards as a junior. Reid is a powerful sidekick capable of getting his own buckets. <strong>Gannon Roth</strong> rounds out a top-notch front line with 11 points and 6 rebounds as a junior. Jackson and <strong>PJ Moore</strong> are slick ball handlers and distributors who can also score.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->