Player Movement/Roster Updates From the KC Area

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the tough parts of previewing the season is knowing who will be where. There is always some movement during the offseason. Add to that players who decide not to play due to early graduation (mostly football commits) and you have a lot of unanswered questions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're starting to get some answers about who is playing where. Here are a few updates from the Kansas City area (in alphabetical order):</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2209779' first='Jakhai' last='Carter'], 6-foot-1 guard, 2026, Mill Valley (pictured):</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As a freshman at Shawnee Mission West, this guy zoomed to the top of our list of 2026s. He's a slick ball handler who can create his own shot, and is explosive and athletic. His transfer to Mill Valley gives them another top guard to play off Jaguars' elite front court. His ability to stretch defenses will be key to opening up the paint and creating opportunities for others.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1378441' first='Gus' last='Hawkins'], 6-foot-6 center, 2024, Mill Valley:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the big men working with Carter is the massive Hawkins. Most of the buzz around the senior has been his commitment to Kansas State as an offensive lineman. But it wasn't that long ago Hawkins was a highly ranked big man. Since he transferred to Mill Valley a couple of years ago, most of his emphasis has been on football. Frankly, we were surprised that he decided to play basketball this winter. His presence gives the Jaguars another formidable post player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Gavin Hoffman</strong>, 6-foot-5 center, 2024, Blue Valley Northwest:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hoffman was a big man we got really excited about last spring. He performed well for the state champs and appeared to headed for a bright senior season. That was, however, before his stock went through the roof as a football tight end. He committed to the University of Iowa and has, apparently, decided to forego his last year on the court. The Huskies are loaded once again, but it would have been fun to watch Hoffman's contribution this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Blayne Marshall</strong>, 6-foot guard, 2026, Blue Springs South:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A guy we were seriously excited to watch at Bishop Miege, Marshall switched schools over the summer, moving to the Missouri side. He's a physical stud who loves the ball in his hands at crunch time. The fact he got playing time as a freshman with the Stags tells you he can ball, and it also tells you he's physically advanced for his age. He's a welcomed addition to Blue Springs South.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1530221' first='Ayden' last='McGibboney'], 6-foot-3 forward, 2026, Blue Valley Northwest:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Huskies may have lost Hoffman, but they added a sophomore in McGibboney who brings some of the same traits. He's a rugged football player who has length and explosion. He was a high rising freshman at Hayden last year. He wasn't missed that much by the Hayden football team (they went to the 3A title game without him), but he certainly will be missed on the court. He's got the versatility to play every position on the floor and would have contributed a lot of firepower at his previous school.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2314793' first='Howard' last='Peoples']</strong>, 6-foot-4 forward, 2024, Bishop Miege:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've been waiting for a couple of years for this athletic baller to get his chance to shine. Looks like that time has arrived, and it's at a new school. The Sumner High stud is now at Miege, which had a depleted roster after a great run the past several seasons. He's a physical high riser who should make a big impact in his one year with the Stags.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kai Reed, 6-foot-2 forward, 2025, Lee's Summit North:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Reed made the rare switch of schools mid-semester, transferring from Piper to Lee's Summit North. He's a stout, physical forward who has coordination and power. Those are, of course, just the kind of traits that make him a hotly recruited football prospect. He will be missed at Piper, which has a lot of skill and finesse and could use his tough guy contribution.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->