Fourth of July Fireworks
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It’s a tradition at Prep Hoops Kansas to take a creative look at some players through the lens of the annual Independence Day celebration. Let’s have some fun with these topics: Rockets – Probably the most exciting part of a…
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Continue ReadingIt’s a tradition at Prep Hoops Kansas to take a creative look at some players through the lens of the annual Independence Day celebration. Let’s have some fun with these topics:
Rockets – Probably the most exciting part of a fireworks show is the rockets that go up high and put on an impressive display. Sort of similar to a high-rising baller who lights up the gym with plays at high elevation. Our selection for this category may surprise you. McPherson’s Kyden Thompson Kyden Thompson 6'2" | SG McPherson | 2024 State KS (pictured) has been showing off some serious hops this summer, and his highlight reel of dunks is growing. These are not run-of-the-mill dunks, but are creative and with daring and flair.
Sparklers – Every party consists of these fun favorites. Who is a guy who brings a spark to his team, be it with leadership or with a big play that fires everyone up? Look no further than DeSoto’s David Cobin David Cobin 5'10" | PG De Soto | 2024 State #285 Nation KS . He takes command and provides that big play in the big moment and can energize a team with his competitiveness and ability to hit tough shots. He can score or create opportunities for others at a high level.
Poppers – No party is complete without these novelties. Who is best at popping away at the basket, particularly from long range? There are lots of shooters to chose from, but we’ll go with Galena’s Jack Perry Jack Perry 6'3" | SG Galena | 2025 State KS , one of the purest shooters in the state. He’s not a chucker – he takes good shots within the team concept. But he can shoot it at a high percentage.
Boomers – Every fireworks show has a lot of dazzling displays. But they mix in some of the big blasts throughout to rattle the windows. There will be some big men to watch in Kansas, but we’ll go with one we really hope to see for another year. Lyndon’s Kaedin Massey really started tapping into his basketball ability last year as a 6-foot-8 post. He’s huge and can overwhelm opponents. The only problem with that is football scouts were salivating over his agility last spring. The big man eventually committed to play football at Kansas State. We have no reason to believe Massey won’t play his senior year of basketball, but many top football prospects do wind up sitting out their final basketball season.
The Grill – The best part of the Fourth of July party is the food. You need a grill that can heat up and provide the grub. Who heats up and stays hotter than Derby’s Dallas Metzger Dallas Metzger 6'3" | SF Derby | 2024 State KS ? When he gets hot, he’s almost unstoppable. He can shoot from anywhere, back down a smaller defender and rip off fadeaway jumpers. There’s no shot he doesn’t like, and he has the attitude and competitiveness to believe he’s can’t be stopped.
The Fireman – Uh oh. If things get out of hand, you need someone to come put a stop to the fire. Who’s a guy who can defensively put a stop to opponents? The best might be Wichita Heights’ Amalachi Wilkins Amalachi Wilkins 6'8" | C Wichita Heights | 2025 State KS . He’s got length, spring, lateral agility, anticipation…everything you need to shut an opponent down. He stuffs shots and gets in passing lanes and cuts off drivers with the best of them.