Teams with Intriguing Sets of Risers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Summer allowed us to see a ton of guys who have yet to get significant varsity action. We were introduced to a large number of risers, particularly 2026s, whose varsity days are on the horizon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sometimes a group of risers seems to crop up at the same school, signaling bright days ahead. For instance, a couple of years ago, we could tell Hugoton was about to blow up because of the group of young players paying their dues on the club scene.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are a few schools that appear to be developing a group of risers:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kapaun Mt. Carmel:</strong><br>It's never a surprise that Kapaun has players on the way. We saw some really good talents this summer, headed by 6-foot-4 2026 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2211330' first='Rocco' last='Keller']</strong> (pictured), a skilled and fundamental big who suited up some with the varsity last year. He's long and solidly built and as adept at passing as he is at getting buckets and defending in the lane. <strong>Gabe Adams</strong> really popped as well, making plays in the paint, as did <strong>Luke Hartman</strong>. Both 2026s will try to crack a loaded front line on the varsity, but have a lot of potential for the future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Moundridge:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Don't feel sorry for Moundridge for losing some good seniors from the state title team. The Wildcats seem to have plenty in the pipeline for the future. <strong>Aiden Burge, Heath Churchill</strong> and <strong>Jesse Lutz</strong> impressed this summer as versatile guard/forward types. They are each physical and big enough to hold their own in the paint, and they can each handle the ball and shoot. They got a lot of exposure this summer against big school competition. Moundridge should benefit from having versatile risers who can complement the returners from their championship team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Andover Central:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We happenend to notice two rising 2026s who might be ready to make an impact at Andover Central. We really enjoyed <strong>Franklin Ekue</strong>'s versatile inside/outside game. He can handle the ball, attack on the bounce and get a lot done in the paint despite being just 6-foot. He plays with a ton of intensity and determination. <strong>Alec Mack</strong> is a 6-foot-3 powerhouse who showed this summer he can keep up with a fast pace and protect the paint. Those two may be ready for a role this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Manhattan:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Indians will really need to fill some holes on the front line next year. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2321581' first='Landon' last='Knopp']</strong> has gained some varsity experience and should be looked to for production next year after a really nice summer. A couple of rising 2026 guards – <strong>JJ Dunigan</strong> and <strong>Sawyer Newton</strong>, stood out this summer and will contend for playing time. Several returning seniors who haven't had a big opportunity yet should get more time, particularly <strong>Max Stanard</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->