Under The Radar Juniors - Pt. 1

<p>June is such an important month for high school basketball. For many players and teams it's the only time of year they get the ability to matchup against opposing teams with college coaches in attendance. Prospects relish the opportunity to compete in hopes of gaining college attention or media attention to elevate their status. But for some prospects, their attention could be under the radar due to multiple reasons and that's where this list comes in.</p>   <p>These are the Juniors I saw in June that are either flying under the radar of college programs, the media, or both.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Mehki Storkel </strong> - Desert Edge</h2>   <p>Desert Edge looks poised to have a breakout season as one of the top programs in the 5A conference this season and a large part of that hinges on Storkel. As a now three year starter, Storkel looks to be one of the top 2028's in the conference with his all-around skill and ability to impact the offensive end of the court for the Scorpions. </p>   <p>The biggest key is his ability to stuff the stat sheet as he's a gifted rebounder at his size and shows the athleticism to get up and battle on the glass. He'll slam it down in transition and has shown the skill to throw down alley-oop's as well. On the perimeter, when he's on, he can knock it down with ease and his scoring will be much needed this year.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2640544' first='King' last='Kalikilwa'] - West Point</h2>   <p>The younger Kalikilwa now leads the West Point program following the graduation of his older brother Sam. If this Summer was any indication, Kalikilwa is ready to take on the role as the leader for the Dragons. As an athletic two-way guard, King controls the defense with his ability to force steals and put pressure on both opposing guards and wings with his length. </p>   <p>Offensively, he's more progressed at this time than his brother was at this same time. King has a much tighter handle and has shown the skill to run the offense as the lead initiator and off ball as well. He attacks the rim with force and will finish through contact with dunks or the intention of drawing a foul. As he takes on a bigger role this year, he looks ready to be a breakout performer in the 6A conference.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2552765' first='David' last='Rossling'] - Basha</h2>   <p>In an era of instant gratification, a player waiting their turn and earning their role is getting rarer and rarer. But Rossling has done just that and he looks ready to be impactful for a Basha team hoping to win the open division title. Rossling is a traditional point guard as he operates in the mid-range, elevating over defenders and getting quality looks off with a smooth jumper. </p>   <p>He's an unselfish guard looking to keep the ball moving around and creates for his teammates from the top of the key. He consistently makes the right decision and his IQ and smart choices will be key for the Bears this season.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2533651' first='Bentley' last='Elrod'] - Sunnyslope</h2>   <p>Stepping into a new role from being at a place where you were the lead guy to now low man on the totem pole is not easy. But for Elrod, in just a short time he's worked his way up and looks to be a reliable and important piece to the defending open division champions. Elrod has quality size for the position and its much needed for a team that questions on the wing before his addition. </p>   <p>He will knock down three-point shots with ease but it's his athleticism that puts the pressure on opposing teams. He'll attack the rim and finish strong or will slam it home on the break. As an all-around scorer with quality size, Elrod is a much needed offensive boost that'll take pressure off of his teammates and will keep defenses honest.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2878044' first='Novar' last='Byrd'] - Red Mountain</h2>   <p>As a traditional post player, Byrd looks ready to take a nice jump this season as his Red Mountain team looks to be on the bubble of top ten teams in the 6A conference. Byrd is a physical, strong player that uses his size to dominate the glass against opposing bigs and control the paint as a disruptive defender. He blocks shots around the basket and has opposing players bounce off of him as they can't move him with his size out of the paint as a defender. </p>   <p>In transition, Byrd shows impressive skill running the floor and being a threat to attack the rim and get down the floor quickly on the break. With a physical play style coupled with skill, Byrd will play a big role this year for Red Mountain.</p>   <p></p>

June is such an important month for high school basketball. For many players and teams it's the only time of year they get the ability to matchup against opposing teams with college coaches in attendance. Prospects relish the opportunity to compete in hopes of gaining college attention or media attention to elevate their status. But for some prospects, their attention could be under the radar due to multiple reasons and that's where this list comes in.