The Names You’re Missing: Inside Kansas’ Underrated Scoring Rise

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With most teams well into their schedules and turning their focus toward March, now feels like the perfect moment to take another look at some of Kansas' most productive scorers — players quietly putting up impressive numbers without much attention. Below, we'll highlight a select group of these under-the-radar contributors and take a closer look at what's driving their offensive success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2488757' first='Brecken' last='McGuire'] | 6'1" Guard | Junior | Olpe</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Big scoring performances have become the norm this season for McGuire, the leader of a competitive Olpe squad. Brecken likes to play in transition, pushing the pace off forced turnovers or defensive rebounds often. As a finisher, he's elevating above the rim more often and attacking with increased physicality, while still showing the ability to finish through contact with either hand. McGuire appears bigger and stronger this season, which is adding to his athletic prowess on the floor. He's also capable of getting hot from deep, stringing together multiple three-pointers in a hurry — whether creating space off the bounce or knocking them down in catch-and-shoot situations. With his confidence and versatility growing, expect McGuire to close the season strong and continue producing big numbers.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2649525' first='Joey' last='Dintino'] | 5'10" Guard | Junior | Plainville</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Dintino is quietly putting together a strong junior season as the primary ball-handler and creator for Plainville. Joey allows the game to come to him, never seeming to force the action. He's comfortable operating out of ball screens, reading defenses, and creating advantages that force defenders into tough decisions. Around the rim, he finishes with soft touch and smart footwork, finding space when traffic closes in, and he's also proven to be a reliable shooter from the perimeter. His ability to attack off the catch shows another dimension, as he confidently penetrates gaps and leans into a crafty mid-range game, reacting quickly to what the defense gives him. With his continued development, Joey has a chance to emerge as a name to watch down the stretch and could be poised for a big senior year.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Kristian Ryan | 6'7" Forward | Senior | Smoky Valley</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Known primarily as a shot blocker over the past few seasons, Ryan's offensive game has taken a significant leap this year. He's posted some eye-catching box scores for Smoky Valley, consistently scoring at a high rate while also impacting the game on the glass. Ryan has developed into a true inside-outside threat, using his size and length to finish around the basket or stepping out to stretch defenses with his three-point shooting. His shooting stroke comes off effortlessly, and his quick release — paired with his size — allows him to get clean looks against virtually anyone. Finishing above the rim has become another major strength, as he's able to absorb contact and still deliver powerful results at the basket. Smoky Valley's success this season will largely hinge on Ryan's play, and expect more of the same production from him down the stretch.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Colin Shaughnessy | 6'2" Guard | Senior | Axtell</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>With excellent size at the guard spot, Shaughnessy presents a difficult matchup for every opponent on Axtell's schedule. His scoring production has taken a noticeable jump this season as he's become the focal point of a program that has long been held in high regard. Axtell runs a variety of sets designed to free up Colin, who moves well without the ball and uses screens effectively to create space — particularly beyond the arc, where he's a legitimate shooting threat. He's always shot-ready and often finds openings against a wide range of defensive looks. His strength also shows up as a finisher, as he seeks out contact and creates separation while in the air to score around the rim. Add in his unselfish passing, and he becomes even tougher to guard, forcing defenders to guess what he'll do next. With Shaughnessy leading the way, expect Axtell to be a tough out once again this season.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Caleb Strong | 6'2" Guard | Junior | Pratt</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>It's not easy to stand out when sharing the floor with [player_tooltip player_id='2328078' first='Arley' last='Morrell'], who has dominated stretches of competition throughout the winter. Still, Strong has been just as crucial to Pratt's success, balancing the team with his perimeter-oriented game. His length and defensive anticipation may be his greatest assets, often jump-starting his offense. He's frequently pushing the pace in transition, getting downhill with his left hand and finishing away from defenders. Crafty with the ball, Strong plays at a deliberate, methodical tempo that's difficult for defenders to read or match. Add in a smooth left-handed shooting stroke that he connects on at a high rate, and suddenly you have a player trending upward in a hurry. With Pratt positioned for a deep run in the state tournament this spring, Caleb is unquestionably a name to keep an eye on.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2384339' first='Damian' last='Cervantez'] | 6'0" Guard | Junior | Valley Falls</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Cervantez brings a well-rounded offensive game, consistently doing whatever is needed to help his Valley Falls team succeed. He's produced strong scoring numbers while also flashing the playmaking and passing instincts of a true lead guard. As a shooter, he uses quick changes of direction and pace to create clean looks, and at times he shows deep, near-unlimited range. Damian is also effective playing off the ball, relocating quickly against different defensive looks and routinely finding open space to get his shot off in a hurry. As he continues to add strength and improve his quickness, it's only enhanced his ability as a ball-handler and downhill attacker. Valley Falls has benefited from Damian's steady growth over the past few seasons, and this year may be his best yet.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2623088' first='Brody' last='Kreutzer'] | 6'4" Guard | Senior | Bishop Carroll</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A known commodity for Bishop Carroll, Kreutzer is enjoying the best season of his career, developing as a true three-level scorer. His ball-handling has improved dramatically, and he's more confident than ever using his size to attack the basket. While his shooting remains the cornerstone of his game, he's also shown the ability to pull up off the dribble or operate out of different actions that create space away from the ball. Brody's quickness often catches defenders off guard, allowing him to exploit openings and create scoring opportunities. His numbers continue to rise, and his game will be one to watch through February and March as he aims to finish his career giving everything on the floor.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Cam Ross | 6'4" Guard | Junior | Shawnee Heights</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Ross might be the best scorer on this list — and that's saying something. He's long, rangy, and extremely athletic, traits he leverages on both ends of the floor. In transition, he accelerates quickly and attacks the rim, finishing effectively with flash or finesse around the basket. Like many top scorers, he uses his defense to create fast-break opportunities, making him a threat to produce in open space. Cam can slash and cut through defenses with quick-twitch movements, positioning himself perfectly near the rim to capitalize on scoring chances. He's also shown flashes from beyond the arc, making him even more difficult to guard. Shawnee Heights has followed his lead all season and will likely continue to do so in the postseason. With his skill set and impact, Ross is poised to be one of the biggest names in Kansas basketball next year.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->