More Kansas City Area Names That Are Surging Late in the Season

Across the Kansas City area, several more players are emerging as key contributors, taking noticeable steps forward in their development and helping guide their teams into the critical stretch run. As the postseason approaches on both sides of the state line, these names are shaping up to be vital pieces in their schools' playoff pushes. Below, I'll break down the specific aspects of their games that have stood out the most in recent weeks and explain why their impact has been so important.    Bruce has Spring Hill rolling right now, highlighted by an impressive road win over a very talented Baldwin squad. Jackson has been logging heavy minutes during this stretch and has made his presence felt on both ends of the floor. He stuffed the stat sheet against Baldwin, finishing with 18 points, six rebounds, four steals, and three assists.   On the defensive end, Jackson has shown the ability to guard nearly every position, using his strength and basketball IQ to be effective when switching onto different perimeter players and holding his ground in the post when needed. Offensively, he appears to have taken a clear step forward, confidently pulling up from all areas of the court and staying in rhythm while knocking down tough, contested shots. His size on the perimeter gives him excellent balance and allows him to play through contact when attacking the basket.   Don't look now, but Spring Hill may be playing its best basketball of the season at the perfect time — setting the stage to be a tough out when the postseason tips off in just a few weeks.     Jones is another key piece for a Bonner Springs squad that has yet to drop a game this season. Jaiden gives the Braves a dynamic weapon, combining length and athleticism with a nose for the ball. At his best in the open court, he thrives in transition, getting out and running the floor for above-the-rim finishes and highlight-reel dunks.   Defensively, he's active and engaged — whether it's jumping passing lanes for steals or protecting the rim with timely blocked shots, his impact is clear on that end. Offensively, he's continuing to expand his game, playing more out of ball screens and rolling hard to the basket, where he's creating — and converting — high-percentage scoring opportunities.   This Bonner Springs team has a legitimate chance to make a Final Four run, and possibly even more in March. Jones could very well be a major factor in how far the Braves go.     Williams has long been known as one of the most talented players in the Kansas City area, and when he plays aggressively, he's a matchup problem. Over the past week, he's looked the part, using his size, quickness, and feel for the game from the guard position to take control of stretches. He's an underrated passer and facilitator who consistently looks to make the right basketball play and get teammates involved in scoring positions.   What makes Williams especially difficult to defend is his quick first step and ability to start and stop on a dime with the ball. He can rise up over defenders with a smooth, effortless pull-up and explode at the rim for powerful finishes. In transition, he's at his best — able to go end to end in a flash and finish above the rim. After scoring 20-plus points in multiple recent games, Williams is clearly heating up on the offensive end.     Alholm's 33-point, 16-rebound performance against Washington was one of the most impressive outings in Kansas this season. What stood out most was his ability to create with the ball in his hands, rising confidently off the bounce and playing with a level of elusiveness that kept defenders off balance. He consistently created space and used his size to elevate over defenders.   Alholm was also effective playing with his back to the basket, sealing smaller defenders and scoring efficiently, while executing well in ball-screen actions by rolling hard to the rim and finishing through contact. On top of his scoring, he controlled the glass on both ends, repeatedly generating extra possessions and second-chance opportunities. His impact has Olathe East trending in the right direction, looking stronger by the week and emerging as a legitimate contender heading into the spring.     One of the fastest-rising guard prospects in the metro area, Keenan is undoubtedly playing his best basketball of the season while helping lead a Bishop Miege team that looks every bit like a true state title contender. His poise and ability to control tempo stand out right away — he's extremely comfortable with the ball in his hands and consistently lets the game come to him.   His shooting, particularly from the perimeter, has taken a noticeable jump in recent weeks. He's extending his range, knocking down shots from deeper distances, and forcing defenses to stretch out and respect him. Around the rim, his footwork is especially impressive, as he often plays off two feet and creates space against stronger defenders with balance and patience.   With his ball-handling ability and high-level understanding of the game, Keenan is a major asset for the Stags and a prospect worth knowing as the spring and summer approach.     Saunders may not be a name getting a lot of buzz right now, but he has been at the center of Rockhurst's success all season — especially in recent weeks. In wins over Bishop Miege and Shawnee Mission East, Hueston has arguably been the most consistent player for the Hawklets. He has controlled the interior with his ability to score and rebound, providing a dynamic, athletic presence for a Rockhurst team with big aspirations.   His combination of size, length, and athleticism allows him to play over defenders around the rim and knock down shots in the mid-range. He moves well without the ball, consistently finding gaps in the defense where he can finish with either strength or touch. Add in his ability to defend multiple positions and use his explosiveness on the defensive end, and Saunders becomes a critical piece of the Rockhurst attack — one that appears to be rounding into form at exactly the right time.     Herbert, a well-known name around the Kansas City area, has Grain Valley in a strong position this season, leading the team with his explosive offensive production and vocal leadership on the defensive end. Even in a loss to Blue Springs South at the Grain Valley Invitational, he delivered the kind of performance fans have come to expect.   He impacted the game all over the floor — blocking shots, ripping down rebounds, and finishing with 22 points, including several timely buckets. Still regarded as one of the best shooters in the state, Herbert can score both off the catch and off the bounce, making him unpredictable. With multiple 30-plus point performances already this season, he has a chance to help push Grain Valley toward one of the deepest postseason runs in school history as March approaches.

Across the Kansas City area, several more players are emerging as key contributors, taking noticeable steps forward in their development and helping guide their teams into the critical stretch run. As the postseason approaches on both sides of the state line, these names are shaping up to be vital pieces in their schools' playoff pushes. Below, I'll break down the specific aspects of their games that have stood out the most in recent weeks and explain why their impact has been so important.