Kansas City Area Prospects Put an Exclamation Point on July

The Kansas City metro is at it again, continuing to show it can produce high-level talent year after year. July gave several players the opportunity to make a splash and showcase their abilities on some of the biggest stages of the summer. With a number of players also on the move, let's take a look at a few names, why they were so successful in July, and where you can find them this winter.    I'm not sure there was a guard from the area who benefited more from the opportunities in July than Poulsen. He led VWBA to the RecruitLook Bracket Championship while taking home MVP honors in the process. His pace and decision-making were on another level, as he always seemed to be one step ahead of the defenses he faced.   His vision out of ball screens, along with the subtle way he uses his body and changes speeds, allowed him to consistently get to the rim and finish through contact or create quality looks for teammates. Keenan also looked incredibly comfortable in transition, knocking down a number of deep threes with a quick release and plenty of confidence.   No longer at Bishop Miege, Poulsen will transition to North Kansas City this winter, where he should see a highly competitive schedule and match up with some of the area's top guards on a night-in, night-out basis. It should be a great opportunity to continue building on the momentum he created this summer.     Schlutow's rise this summer with MOKAN Elite has been rapid and has even exceeded expectations. Already viewed as one of the Kansas City area's top long-term prospects, he may be developing even faster than initially anticipated. He was one of the team's top performers during MOKAN's Peach Jam title run, having success as an interchangeable and versatile piece on a deep, talented roster.   His length, ability to play around the basket, and versatility on the perimeter as both a shooter and initiator allowed him to create and exploit mismatches throughout the team's run in Augusta. His outside shooting ability really came together in MOKAN's final two games against AB Elite and Arizona Unity, helping fuel the championship run.   Of all the names to emerge from the Kansas City area this summer, Jacob has a chance to become one of the biggest in recent memory if he continues on his current trajectory. You can see Jacob back at Blue Springs this winter, guiding the attack for the Wildcats.     Johnigan was another big reason for VWBA Elite's success in July, especially during its run to the RecruitLook Bracket Championship this past weekend. He's a tough, athletic forward with the quickness to play on the perimeter and the size and explosiveness to make an impact inside.   He exceled in transition throughout the weekend, playing above the rim and presenting a constant lob threat out of actions and as a secondary cutter. Israel also showed he could slash to the basket when needed and rebound well outside of his area, particularly on the offensive glass, where his energy and effort consistently created second-chance opportunities.   A highly regarded multi-sport athlete, you can immediately see the physical impact he has on the floor. Johnigan will be back at Center this winter, where he'll look to take over the keys to the program full-time and continue building on the momentum from a strong summer.     Cruthird is another name that has continued to steadily improve this summer, and he really showcased how far he's come at the Pro16 Finals in Texas. Mike is extremely explosive in transition, playing above the rim and finishing with authority, while also showing a more deliberate approach in the half court. He does a great job getting defenders off balance and creating driving angles with his quick first step.   Cruthird also showed he can hang in the air as a finisher and adjust through traffic with either hand. Add in his improving perimeter shooting, and you can really see the next step starting to take shape in his game.   He'll be back at North Kansas City again this winter, where he'll add to a talented and deep backcourt rotation that has a chance to be one of the best in the city.     Selected as the 15U Pro16 League Most Valuable Player this summer, it's easy to see where Gillum sits both regionally and nationally. July saw the young guard really turn heads with his quick, deceptive handle paired with a lightning-fast release and deep range. His shot-making ability is unique, and he needs only a sliver of space to let it fly.   Don't label him as just a shooter, though. Trey'Von also showed he can create off the bounce and finish through contact around the rim, especially with a crafty left hand. He's adept at using different dribble pickups to get through gaps or around defenders, making him an even tougher cover once he gets into rhythm.   Now headed to North Kansas City this fall, Gillum should see a higher level of competition and have the opportunity to make his mark on an even bigger stage. Regardless, he'll be one of the premier names in the Kansas City metro to keep a close eye on this winter.

The Kansas City metro is at it again, continuing to show it can produce high-level talent year after year. July gave several players the opportunity to make a splash and showcase their abilities on some of the biggest stages of the summer. With a number of players also on the move, let's take a look at a few names, why they were so successful in July, and where you can find them this winter.