Small School Guards on the Big Stage

Prep Hoops Staff

July 20, 2023 @ 09:58 AM

The club events held in Kansas tend to attract a lot of players from KC, Wichita and Topeka. Thus you tend to see an more kids from big schools than small. But sprinkled in you do get to see some small school players who are measuring themselves against big city opponents.   We've written plenty the last few years about Solomon's [player_tooltip player_id='1269981' first='Spencer' last='Coup'], a standout on the club scene. And St. Marys' [player_tooltip player_id='1962890' first='Brady' last='Hurla'] is getting a lot of attention recently for his work this offseason.   Here are five more small school guards who are standing out against big school competition (in alphabetical order):   [player_tooltip player_id='1378447' first='Marcus' last='Bauman'], 6-foot-1 guard, 2024, Sabetha, SSA:   Bauman is not new to the club scene. He's been a warrior on the summer circuit for several years, showing off his athleticism and intense style. He's a gamer who is now prepping for a big senior season. Bauman is smart and relentless at both ends. He's has a good handle and ability to run the point, and he's equally adept off the ball, finding looks from behind the arc. He fearlessly attacks in transition and draws fouls going to the goal.   Biruk Dietz, 5-foot-6 guard, 2025, Heritage Christian Academy, LTD Select:   Dietz demonstrated this summer that he's ready to take the reins for Heritage Christian, which has been piloted by all state guard Owen Evans. Dietz isn't tall, but he uses his strength to get into the paint and dish to teammates. He's a traditional pass-first point man who gained a lot of experience for his varsity team and is adding to his skills running point for LTD Select.   [player_tooltip player_id='1955301' first='Mason' last='Martin'], 6-foot guard, 2026, Hoisington, Wichita Padres:   Here's a name to know in class 3A. Martin is a long guard who really impressed playing with all big-school teammates with the Padres. He looked unfazed by the competition this summer, just as he held his own as a freshman on the Hoisington varsity. He has the handle to play point, the all-around offensive skills to be a shooting guard, and the length and spring to play in the paint on the 3A level. Big things lie ahead for this rising sophomore.   [player_tooltip player_id='2169850' first='Jack' last='Skocny'], 6-foot-1 guard, 2025, Clifton-Clyde, SSA:   Skocny is alerting the club scene that there are some ballers at the 1A level. He fits right in with the 5A and 6A competition at club events. He's calm and confident and makes plays. Skocny handles the ball well and directs traffic from the point. His athleticism plays well against the big city competition. The beauty of summer ball is it lets us see guys like Skocny excel against all levels of talent.   Owen Smail, 5-foot-9 guard, 2025, Maranatha Academy, LTD Select:   Playing for the 2A private school in the middle of the city, Smail gets plenty of opportunities to battle against big school competition. Maranatha plays a tough schedule, so Smail is no stranger to good basketball. He's not bothered by the size and athleticism on the club scene, handling the ball deftly and shooting it well. He's a pesky defender who plays with heart and does the team-first stuff.

The club events held in Kansas tend to attract a lot of players from KC, Wichita and Topeka. Thus you tend to see an more kids from big schools than small. But sprinkled in you do get to see some small school players who are measuring themselves against big city opponents.