The 2029s Around Kansas Making Early Impacts – Are They Up Next?

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The number of freshmen who can step in and impact varsity games right away has always been minimal. Matching the speed, physicality, and skill of players who are two or three years older can be difficult. However, this season has seen a spike in freshmen who have stepped into those roles, embraced the competition, and taken advantage of the platform. Check out the players below — they could be names to follow over the next few years, and perhaps at the next level, each bringing something different that has allowed for early high school success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2954098' first='Mason' last='Stephens'] | 6'2" Guard | Lansing</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Length and size immediately stand out for the young Mason, even from the guard spot. He's been able to log significant minutes for Lansing this season and has developed a game that impacts both ends of the floor. With his ability to handle the basketball and shoot, he can slide between positions depending on the team's needs. Mason also has good court vision, sees over defenses, and is an unselfish, willing passer.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Defensively, he can fall back on his size to help contain the ball and pressure players. As he continues to mature and develop physically, his game should take another leap, potentially becoming the type of athlete who regularly attacks above the rim. Look for him to lead Lansing for seasons to come and become a household name around the Kansas City metro.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2878765' first='Trey'Von' last='Gillum'] | 6'1" Guard | Atchison</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Gillum is putting together what may be the best freshman season of any player in the state, helping lead Atchison to a perfect 16–0 start that has the program positioned for a Final Four run and potentially a state championship. It's easy to see what makes Trey'Von so special, particularly on the offensive end. He's long and smooth, allowing him to move effortlessly, especially with the ball in his hands. He has a knack for creating space, even when tightly guarded, and is comfortable making plays off the dribble under pressure.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>His left-handed stroke is accurate, as he's shooting the ball well from beyond the arc and in the mid-range, which complements his ability to slash and finish around the rim. That combination gives him a unique three-level scoring ability. Perhaps his greatest strength, though, is his confidence. He clearly believes in his skill set, and that confidence has propelled him into his current role as a premier player on one of the top teams in the state. Where he'll be in a few years is hard to predict, but one thing is certain — he's destined to play at the next level. The only question is where.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2954096' first='Le'Gend' last='Cyrus-Riley'] | 6'7" Forward | Winfield</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>At a legitimate 6'7" with a plus wingspan, Riley is hard to miss on the floor. He's guided Winfield with his two-way presence, impacting both box scores and games. Defensively, he protects the rim as a shot blocker, with his length playing a key role in rotations and weak-side coverage. Offensively, he's shown flashes as a dunker and strong finisher at the rim, while also displaying the ability to find teammates when attacking off the bounce.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Combine that with his work on both the offensive and defensive glass, and you have a solid foundation for a player with a ceiling that could be off the charts. Le'Gend is in line for a big spring and summer, which could springboard him into an even stronger sophomore season.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2715470' first='Braylon' last='Jones'] | 6'5" Forward | Kapaun Mt. Carmel</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>What began as role-player minutes this season, quickly changed following an injury to a frontcourt player at Kapaun, which pushed Jones into the starting lineup and onto the floor in crucial moments. He's embraced the culture and expectations that come with being part of the program and has played well alongside the veterans on the roster.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Most of his production has come with his back to the basket or when facing up from different spots on the floor, where he can finish over the top of smaller defenders. He's also been a tough positional rebounder and defender, using his size and versatility to hold his own. If he can build on this season and continue to extend his offensive game to the perimeter, Jones could be a name to monitor in the coming seasons around the Wichita area and throughout the state.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2951777' first='Quincy' last='Dixon'] | 6'0" Guard | Shawnee Heights</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Dixon has made his presence known this season for Shawnee Heights, consistently finding himself around the ball and in position to make plays. He's embraced the opportunity to play right away and log significant minutes on a nightly basis. Quincy has been active on the defensive end, generating steals and never shying away from physical play. As a shooter, he likes to run the wing and spot up, where he connects at a high rate and shoots with confidence. He's also a crafty and unique finisher, able to find or create space and score through contact and size.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Dixon has put together several big scoring performances, including games of 20-plus points where he's led the Thunderbirds on the offensive end. He's helped Shawnee Heights compete in big games against known prospects around the metro, experiences that should pay off as he continues to grow and develop in the years ahead.<br></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2382456' first='Kipton' last='Smith'] | 6'0" Guard | Sterling</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>It's tough to crack the rotation at Sterling, especially this season with the team standing as one of the best in the state and aiming to repeat as back-to-back state champions. Still, [player_tooltip player_id='2382456' first='Kipton' last='Smith'] has found opportunities to get on the floor and show what he brings as a player. Physically, he's more than ready for the varsity level, with a long and strong frame that allows him to produce.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>His basketball IQ stands out immediately. He understands how to read and use screens, move to open spots on the floor, and consistently make himself available to teammates. Smith is a shooter with range but isn't limited to that role — he can handle the ball when needed, attack downhill, and defend. He looks like the next big name to come out of Sterling and is positioned to take over the program next season as the primary player to watch.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->