Best in KC Area
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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…
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Continue ReadingJune 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.
We took a look at players from the city – Best in KC. Here are the best returners in the area surrounding Kansas City:
Top ranked senior – #4 David Cobin David Cobin 5'10" | PG De Soto | 2024 State #285 Nation KS , 5-foot-10 guard, 2024, De Soto (pictured):
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.
Top junior – #21 Kai Reid Kai Reid 6'2" | SF Lee's Summit North | 2025 MO , 6-foot-2 forward, 2025, Piper:
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.
Most Underappreciated – Kalen Streit Kalen Streit 6'1" | SG Bonner Springs | 2024 State KS , 6-foot-1 guard, 2024, Bonner Springs:
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.
Top rising talent – DJ Jackson, 6-foot guard, 2026, Piper:
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.
Top team – Piper:
Of all the teams in the area, the Pirates return the most talent – they bring back their top six scorers. Senior Devin Kerr Devin Kerr 6'4" | PF Piper | 2024 State KS 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. Gannon Roth rounds out a top-notch front line with 11 points and 6 rebounds as a junior. Jackson and PJ Moore are slick ball handlers and distributors who can also score.