Who’s Hot Right Now? Early Season Stock Risers Across Kansas City

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The early part of the season has already produced an impressive wave of breakout performances across the Kansas City metro. From week to week, new names continue to emerge as players elevate their games and make a tangible impact on the court. Some of these athletes have been trending upward for years, steadily refining their skills and earning increased roles within their programs. Others have arrived with little warning, exploding onto the scene this season and immediately forcing attention with highlight-reel plays and game-changing moments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What they all share is the ability to influence outcomes. Whether it's through consistent production, timely execution in crucial moments, or flashes of elite athleticism, these players have helped drive their teams forward during the season's opening stretch. In this piece, I'll take a closer look at several of those standouts — focusing specifically on individuals who appear to be only scratching the surface of their potential and could become even more impactful as the season progresses toward the holidays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Max Galindo | 5'10" Guard | Senior | Olathe North</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Galindo may be the hottest name not only on this list, but across the entire Kansas City metro early in the season. On a roster loaded with talent, he has managed to make a name for himself with consistent production and a rapidly rising stock. Galindo is the definition of a do-it-all guard — capable of taking over games in a variety of ways and impacting winning on both ends of the floor.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>His offensive growth has been especially noticeable this season. Galindo has taken a significant step forward as a scorer, now operating comfortably at all three levels with impressive smoothness and poise. His handle routinely breaks down opposing defenders, allowing him to get wherever he wants on the court. He pairs that ability with a strong finishing package around the rim and a fluid, confident mid-range game that features pull-ups and floaters.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Beyond the arc, Galindo shows legitimate deep range and the ability to get into his shot quickly — whether off the catch or off the dribble. He's also highly effective in ball-screen situations, consistently reading rotating defenders and delivering the ball to teammates in spots where they can be successful. His feel for the game and decision-making continue to stand out.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Galindo has quickly established himself as a cornerstone for Olathe North and a primary reason behind the team's strong start to the season. His consistent production and leadership have helped power the program through a demanding schedule, and his influence is felt on both ends of the floor.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>His performance at the Husky Hoops Invitational further cemented his rising profile, as he earned All-Tournament Team honors by consistently delivering in high-leverage moments. If his early-season trajectory is any indication, Galindo's impact will only continue to grow, and his stock is poised to rise steadily as the season progresses.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Cal Sprott | 6'2" Guard | Senior | Pembroke Hill</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>While much of the attention surrounding Pembroke Hill understandably centers on Mavrick Hawkins and his impact, Sprott has quietly emerged as a highly effective second option for the Raiders. He has proven to be a reliable scorer and playmaker, consistently providing offensive production that complements the team's primary weapons.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Sprott has already turned in multiple 20-point performances against quality competition, including an impressive 25-point outing against a tough Center squad that is expected to be highly competitive this season. His shooting ability stands out as his most notable skill, as he connects on a high percentage of his attempts from beyond the arc and does so in a variety of ways — off the catch, off the dribble, and within the flow of the offense.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>In addition to his scoring, Sprott has shown flashes of strength and athleticism, particularly with his ability to rebound effectively from the guard position. As he continues to trend upward and expand his overall impact, Pembroke Hill's ceiling rises right along with him, making the Raiders an increasingly dangerous team moving forward.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>DJ Coleman | 5'9" Guard | Junior | Winnetonka</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>DJ Coleman has burst onto the scene this season with a series of big-time offensive performances, quickly establishing himself as one of the most productive guards in the area. His impact is clearly reflected in the box score, as he consistently puts together well-rounded stat lines that highlight his ability to influence the game in multiple ways.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Coleman serves as the engine for Winnetonka's offense, constantly on the attack and creating advantages at a high rate. He does an excellent job of balancing his scoring instincts with his playmaking ability, effectively getting teammates involved while still looking for his own opportunities. His efficient left-handed shooting stroke from beyond the arc adds another dimension to his game, and he is especially dangerous in transition, where his speed allows him to go end to end quicker than most players on the floor.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>In addition to his scoring and playmaking, Coleman is a strong finisher who consistently draws contact and gets to the free-throw line. He also rebounds the ball well for a smaller guard, playing with a relentless motor and high level of effort. His biggest performance of the season came against St. Joe Central, where he poured in 32 points to go along with five assists and three steals, further solidifying his emergence as a dynamic offensive force.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2534722' first='Keller' last='Daugherty'] | 6'9" Forward | Junior | Lee's Summit</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Keller is another player who has taken a significant leap forward this season, quickly establishing himself as one of the most difficult matchups in the metro. With his combination of size, strength, and skill, he presents a constant problem for opposing defenses and forces teams into uncomfortable matchup decisions.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>His ability to stretch the floor may be his most valuable offensive weapon. Keller shoots the ball with both accuracy and extended range, applying consistent pressure on defenses — particularly opposing bigs who are pulled away from the paint and asked to defend in space. That shooting threat opens the floor for his teammates and changes the way opponents are able to guard Lee's Summit.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Beyond the perimeter, Keller has also made his presence felt around the rim. He impacts games as a scorer, rebounder, and defender, using his frame and physicality to control space in the paint while still maintaining the versatility to step out and knock down shots. His overall impact on both ends of the floor has been undeniable.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Keller's strong early-season performances have played a significant role in establishing Lee's Summit as a highly competitive team that has already challenged itself against a demanding schedule. His consistent production and presence have helped set the tone for the group and elevated their level of play on a nightly basis.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>As he continues to build on this momentum, Keller's influence on games — and his overall ceiling — remain extremely high. His standout performance against Blue Valley, where he finished with 31 points, four rebounds, and four blocks, firmly put the area on notice and underscored his ability to impact the game in multiple ways.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1850452' first='Landon' last='Van Pelt'] | 6'8" Forward | Senior | Oak Park</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Van Pelt has tested himself against top-level competition throughout the season, and his performances have reflected that experience. He is a rugged, physically strong interior presence whose skill set is often underestimated. His strength and toughness allow him to carve out deep post position, where he finishes effectively around the basket with either hand.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>What separates Van Pelt from many traditional interior players is his touch and feel. He shows soft hands, understands how to create and find space in the paint, and consistently converts through contact. That feel extends beyond the interior, as he has also proven capable of stretching the floor by stepping out and knocking down multiple three-pointers this season.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>On the glass, Van Pelt has delivered several standout rebounding performances. He attacks rebounds with force, securing the ball cleanly and providing value on both the offensive and defensive ends. His physicality and effort level make him a reliable presence in high-traffic areas.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Van Pelt has become a key component of Oak Park's offensive attack and a major reason the team can match up effectively with some of the top programs in the region. As he continues to gain experience, his impact should only grow as the season moves forward and postseason play approaches.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->