Sunflower Showcase — New Names, Fresh Faces Emerging

Photo: Hardwood Events

Daniel Siehndel July 29, 2026 @ 08:56 AM

The Sunflower Showcase brought together talent from across the Midwest, with prospects in the 2027, 2028, 2029, and 2030 classes representing a number of different states. I'll take a look at some of the names who put together strong performances and are trending in the right direction as we move closer to the fall.   Colston Kapels | 6'1" Guard | [program_tooltip program_id='3595841' first='Midwest' last='Roots']   It's clear that Kapels understands his biggest strength is shooting the basketball, and he embraced it throughout the weekend at the Sunflower Showcase. Colston is constantly moving without the ball — relocating, finding space, and using different actions to get free, whatever it takes to create an opening. His movement is very efficient, allowing him to get right into his shooting motion on the move and let it fly quickly.   His floor spacing also creates opportunities for teammates while forcing defenses to extend and adjust in different situations. While his offensive ability grabs the most attention, he's also more than capable defensively, using his length and instincts on the perimeter to keep opposing guards in front and disrupt offensive actions.   Ace Armstrong | 6'0" Guard | Arsenal Hoops   Playing alongside Brock Long and Camden Evjen, Armstrong was the third piece for a team that could really stretch the floor. Ace's perimeter shooting is a clear strength, especially off the catch, where he knocked down a high percentage of his looks whether in transition or in the half court. He also had spurts where he looked comfortable operating with the ball in his hands and creating for himself and others as an isolation player.   He should form a tough one-two punch this winter at St. Dominic alongside one of Missouri's best in Nolan Struckmann. This has the potential to be a huge year for Armstrong.   Tayden Moret | 6'0" Guard | Siouxland Sports Academy   One of the top players from the weekend, Moret was smooth and under control at all times, whether playing on or off the ball. While he put up big scoring numbers, it was his unselfishness and vision that really popped. He sees the floor well and consistently makes the right read against scrambling defenses. Tayden has the feel to draw help, shrink the floor, and understands where the openings will develop once the defense collapses.   As a scorer, he showed a little bit of everything. He got to the rim and finished, played off two feet while using his strength, and even operated with his back to the basket at times, fading away to create space. A capable perimeter shooter as well, Tayden put together a big weekend that should generate plenty of interest from college programs.   [player_tooltip player_id='3613599' first='Zayis' last='Barksdale'] | 6'0" Guard | Shawnee Heights   When a 2030 prospect grabs your attention, you know he can really play. Barksdale did that and more over the weekend, playing with a tough, rugged physicality as a finisher while also picking and choosing his spots offensively.   Physically, his strength and power attacking the rim allowed him to get downhill and consistently put pressure on the paint. Zayis showed he could finish with either hand in traffic while also navigating gaps and creases in the defense effectively. Barksdale was also able to knock down catch-and-shoot perimeter looks, showing what looks to be a developing left-handed stroke that continues to become more consistent.   [player_tooltip player_id='2827058' first='Connelly' last='Ascherl'] | 6'10" Center | Scottsbluff   Connelly, a legitimate 6'10" big with plenty of upside, immediately stands out with his physicality and ability to play around the rim. Playing with soft hands and good touch, he consistently generated deep post position while showing he could finish with either hand through and around contact. Defensively, he anchored the interior, providing a tough presence to score over while also flashing timely shot-blocking ability.   While it's clear his best basketball is still ahead of him, the Nebraska prospect has the potential to become one of the top names to watch in the state's 2029 class.

The Sunflower Showcase brought together talent from across the Midwest, with prospects in the 2027, 2028, 2029, and 2030 classes representing a number of different states. I'll take a look at some of the names who put together strong performances and are trending in the right direction as we move closer to the fall.