June Update, Part I — Who’s Climbing the Ladder Across Kansas?

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>June has provided plenty of opportunities for area prospects to build on the momentum they generated during impressive spring campaigns. Across the state of Kansas, several names are trending upward, whether it's because they're piling up scholarship offers or simply playing some of the best basketball of their careers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In this series, I'll take a closer look at each of these rising prospects, break down their recent performances, and examine what may lie ahead as they continue their development and push their games to the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2918979"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a35597be5e1f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the newest high-profile additions to the state of Kansas, Jordan made his debut with St. Thomas Aquinas this June and has gotten off to an impressive start. From the moment he stepped on the floor with the Saints, he has shown the ability to control pace and dictate action with the ball in his hands.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jordan consistently scans the floor in transition and displays excellent feel as a playmaker, finding teammates in open space and creating easy scoring opportunities. He uses an elusive and quick handle along with his physical frame to create separation, allowing him to get to his spots and rise comfortably into his pull-up jumper.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What has been most impressive, however, is his effectiveness in a variety of offensive actions. Whether operating out of ball screens or dribble handoffs, Jordan has a natural ability to keep pressure on defenders and force difficult decisions. He consistently reads the floor well, exploiting openings as both a scorer and a passer while making the right play. His versatility and poise with the ball have been major factors in his strong start and should continue to make him a name to watch as one of the top players in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2828274"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a35597be5e89"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ogden is an under-the-radar perimeter prospect who has been trending upward in recent months. His size and length on the wing immediately stand out, but it's his shooting ability that has really taken center stage lately. Whether he's knocking down shots off the catch or creating his own look off the dribble, Ogden has been seeing the ball go through the basket consistently and is shooting at a high percentage from beyond the arc.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beyond his perimeter shooting, he has also shown noticeable growth as an attacker. Grady is becoming more comfortable putting the ball on the floor, getting downhill, and attacking the rim with confidence. He's flashed finishing through traffic and over length, adding another dimension to his offensive game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As he continues to develop, look for Ogden to have the ball in his hands more frequently this coming winter. Increased opportunities as a creator should further expand his skill set, allowing him to showcase more of his playmaking ability while continuing to attract attention from college programs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2820782"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a35597be5ed2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stiger continues to grow physically, and as his frame has matured, his game has taken another step forward. June has been particularly productive for Greg, who has shown significant development in several areas of his game. While he has long been recognized as one of the area's premier shooters, he is now proving capable of handling primary ball-handling responsibilities as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He has shown the ability to push the pace from end to end while consistently making sound decisions. Beyond his perimeter shooting, there have been noticeable strides in his in-between game, where his touch and shot-making ability have allowed him to become a more versatile offensive threat. At times, you can see a complete three-level scoring package, making him increasingly difficult to defend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defensive end may be where Stiger has made his biggest leap this offseason. He is defending with greater quickness and confidence, using his length effectively to disrupt opposing players. Whether guarding the ball on the perimeter or rotating over as a help defender, he has emerged as a timely shot blocker and impact defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2816224"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a355d60aa56a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's becoming more interesting why Batiste hasn't drawn more attention from next-level programs yet. He presents the profile of a big lead guard who can see over defenses and process the floor. While he is capable of playing off the ball, it's evident that he is most comfortable operating as the primary initiator and running the offense for Maize South this June.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Batiste is active off the ball as well, relocating quickly and effectively to create clean looks as a shooter. He frequently moves the ball and repositions himself to get it back in open space, allowing him to maintain rhythm as a perimeter scorer. He is also highly effective in ball-screen situations, where he makes quick reads and finds space as both a scorer and facilitator.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As a playmaker, Jalen leads teammates into advantageous spots on the floor, keeping the offense organized and defenses in constant rotation. His combination of size, vision, and decision-making continues to stand out, and his recent play should carry over into July and the upcoming winter season as his role and recruitment continue to grow.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->