Spring Outlook: 2024 Wings on the Rise

<p>The 2024 class in Kansas will be looking to make an early and resounding name for themselves on the grassroots stage as we approach the exciting month of April. Making a great first impression on the Grassroots scene can set a player up for long term success. Let’s take a look at some guys who will be primed for such a showing no matter the stage.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Emmett Gaskill, 6’2, Hugoton: Sitting and waiting his turn on a loaded Hugoton varsity squad, Gaskill is primed and ready to make a splash on the Grassroots scene. He plays with a ton of swagger, toughness, and energy that is infectious to his teammates around him. He plays hard and gets after it on both ends of the floor, has a solid handle to attack the rim, is a solid cutter, and finishes at a high percentage in the paint. He has some jump shooting ability, and his efforts on the defensive end guarding multiple positions make him really versatile and a name to watch this spring and summer.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Marcus Bauman, 6’, Sabetha: A marksmen from the 3 point line with great size from the guard and wing spot, Bauman is a player who will get a lot of shooting opportunities in the spring and summer and his ability to knock down the long ball will be eye popping. He moves really well and has a strong base, making him a great defender and rarely gets bumped off his spots on the offensive side. Bauman’s shooting ability and defense will make him a great 3 and D prospect in this class.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Blake Rucker, 6’1, Eureka: Rucker came on and was a huge boost for a talented Eureka team giving them a lot of perimeter scoring and big time shot making throughout the year. Rucker is a long playmaking and scoring guard with great length and ball handling ability, making him a really tough matchup. He has a much more mature game, handles pressure well, hit big time shots on the season, and is a really hard worker outside of practice. Rucker can get to the rim with a variety of moves off the bounce and is a great shot maker from the wing.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1156166" first="Davion" last="M Reed"], 6’4, Wichita South (Pictured): A long and athletic wing player who will look to showcase his athletic ability on the Grassroots scene this spring and summer. Reed can play at or above the rim on both ends of the floor, can put the ball on the deck and get a ton of paint touches. Getting out in transition he is really versatile, either on the wings, pushing the ball, or rim running, Reed can be effective at all three. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Jeron Askren, 6’2 Maize South:  A long athletic playmaker with a ton of potential, Askren is a very intriguing wing player that I think could really make a huge leap this spring and summer. He has a good understanding of spacing, moving without the ball, and playing off the catch. Askern also has a nice looking jump shot and with his length, can shoot against shot contests. He had a couple of breakout games this season for South and got a much bigger role as the season progressed. In the 2024 grassroots scene, Askren should be able to put the whole package together for his game and put it on display.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>