New Names from the Jayhawk Jam

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last weekend's Jayhawk Jam provided Prep Hoops scouts a chance to see some players we didn't know. We found plenty to like from juniors in the 17U division.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are five Kansans who made a big first impression in the 17U category at the Jayhawk Jam (in alphabetical order):</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Noah Carlton</strong>, 5-foot-10 guard, 2025, Tonganoxie, Livin' the Dream:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Carlton impressed with his gritty competitiveness during the two days in Lawrence. He attacked and drew fouls off the drive and got into position to deliver passes to shooters. He worked hard at the defensive end. He hustled constantly and intelligently against opposing ball handlers and shooters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hunter Gaa</strong>, 5-foot-11 guard, 2025, Spring Hill, Livin' the Dream:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gaa was a dangerous weapon on the perimeter for LTD throughout the weekend. He dropped threes and pulled defenses out, which made room for dribble drives and deliveries to teammates in the post. Gaa is athletic and works hard. He showed nice ball handling ability and unselfish passing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2423380' first='Connor' last='Rabbitt']</strong>, 6-foot guard, 2025, Olathe North, Kruse Elite Gold:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rabbitt arrived for the second day of the showcase and made an impression with his versatile guard play. He is a tough guard who isn't bothered by contact and doesn't shy away on the drive. He scored at all three levels. He looks to be a dangerous shooter with good size at the guard spot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Gerald Simms</strong>, 6-foot guard, 2025, Olathe North, Kruse Elite Blue:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An active player at both ends, Simms really impressed with his ability to deliver passes in tight spots after driving into the paint. He can penetrate and hit pullup jumpers too. He's a big, physically powerful guard who can play in the lane and bang with the bigs. Simms is another dangerous shooter who extended defenses with his ability from deep.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2423378' first='Logan' last='Verschelden']</strong>, 6-foot-1 guard, 2025, Shawnee Mission East, Kruse Elite Gold:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A wing with good size, Verschelden is kind of a tweener – a player with guard skills, ability to catch and shoot, and length and toughness to guard bigger opponents. He showed that he is ready to knock down shots, but didn't fire wildly when it wasn't smart. Verschelden impressed with some playmaking ability, handling the ball in transition and attacking off the dribble to distort defenses and free up his teammates. He provides a presence on the glass and works hard on defense too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->