Big School Shooters You Should Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The top teams tend to have good shooters. Look no further than Shawnee Mission Northwest, where [player_tooltip player_id='1588348' first='Keaton' last='Wagler'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1588406' first='Aiven' last='Riley'] are lighting it up. See [player_tooltip player_id='1300838' first='Jacob' last='Fritz'] at Blue Valley Northwest. They stretch defenses and open up the floor for their teammates. And they provide momentum-changing buckets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are five shooters from 5A and 6A you should know:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1173415' first='Jeron' last='Askren'], 6-foot-3 guard, 2024, Maize South:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Mavericks are on a flat out tear. They have so much talent, so many ways to beat you. Occassionally overlooked is Askren, a bulldog on defense and on the glass. But he also stretches defenses from the perimeter. And when left alone, he can drop bombs and change games. He's got length to shoot over defenders and the physicality to overwhelm smaller guards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2321612' first='Jackson' last='Austin'], 6-foot-1 guard, 2025, Junction City:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Blue Jays have got a high-octane attack that is up and down in transition as much as it spreads the floor. Austin is a speedy guard who can handle it and attack the goal. But when the opportunity is there, Austin can really light it up from deep as Junction City's top perimeter threat. He showed what a difference maker he can be with his 5 threes against Blue Valley Northwest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2169833' first='Kaden' last='Ballard'], 5-foot-9 guard, 2025, Washburn Rural:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ballard is a smart player doesn't dominate the ball for the Junior Blues. He makes plays getting into the paint and dishing it or lofting floaters. He can handle the ball effectively. He's a playmaker at the defensive end. But he's at his best when he's moving without the ball to hunt openings on the perimeter to let loose with his quick release. The Junior Blues are growing and gelling after a rough start. They may be an impact team come the postseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1461440' first='Logan' last='Burnett'], 6-foot guard, 2024, Olathe Northwest (pictured):</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Ravens haven't had the success they hoped for yet this season, but they have several offensive weapons who can make them a tough opponent. Leading the team from the perimeter is Burnett. He is physical and tough and works hard to get to spots to launch. He's hitting an impressive 40% from deep.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1300821' first='Blake' last='Rucker'], 6-foot-2 guard, 2024, Andover:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rucker was a sniper for the state champs a year ago. He came off the bench and stretched defenses and provided firepower when needed. This year, he has stepped into the team lead and demonstrated he's not just a shooter. But man can he shoot. He started the season somewhat slowly, but has really locked in since Christmas. The Trojans ran off a nine-game winning streak to assert themselves as a contender in 5A once again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->