Kansas City Juniors Stepping Up
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The spring season gives juniors a jump start to preparation for their final season. Summer tournaments and showcases will give them a chance to show off their talents, and hone their skills for their moment in the spotlight. Of course…
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Continue ReadingThe spring season gives juniors a jump start to preparation for their final season. Summer tournaments and showcases will give them a chance to show off their talents, and hone their skills for their moment in the spotlight.
Of course there are a handful of guys who return as established stars in Kansas City. Aidan Shaw Aidan Shaw 6'7" | SF Blue Valley | 2022 State #40 Nation KS of Blue Valley and Mark Mitchell Mark Mitchell 6'7" | SF Sunrise | 2022 State #8 Nation KS of Miege are considered some of the top juniors in the nation. Damare Smith Damare Smith 5'10" | PG Shawnee Mission Northwest | 2022 State KS of Shawnee Mission NW, Jordan Brown Jordan Brown 6'2" | SG St Francis | 2022 State GA of Basehor-Linwood and Christian Bowen-Webb Christian Bowen-Webb 6'2" | CG Bishop Miege | 2022 State KS of Miege, are not far behind.
A really solid tier B could contain some established stars like Taj Manning Taj Manning 6'6" | PF Bishop Miege | 2022 KS of Miege, Zaid Dajani Zaid Dajani 6'4" | CG Olathe Northwest | 2022 State KS of Olathe Northwest and Sam Somerhalder Sam Somerhalder 6'7" | SF St. James Academy | 2022 State KS of St. James.
But there are several other Kansas City juniors hitting the hardwood this summer who are ready to leave their marks. Here are some of the top returners to Kansas City (in alphabetical order):
Jaron Briggs Jaron Briggs 6'4" | CG Piper | 2022 State KS , 6-foot-3 guard/forward, KC Spurs Black, Piper HS:
Briggs is the top junior from Kansas on the mercurial KC Spurs Black team. On a group that ran roughshod over the competition in Wichita in early May, Briggs was a Swiss Army knife. He defended both guards and posts adequately, rebounded, and hustled despite the lopsided scores. He has a diverse offensive game, and he can handle the ball and shoot.
Brody Casson, 6-foot-6 post, KC Spurs White, Olathe South SH:
Casson is a well-built big man who guards the lane effectively. He holds his position, defends against the entry pass, and blocks shots. Offensively, he has a nice turnaround shot off the pass and a smooth stroke from midrange. He moves well and hustles down the floor.
Will Keech, 6-foot-2 guard, KC Spurs Silver, Shawnee Mission South SH:
Keech is a combo guard who can handle the pressure of the primary ball handling spot. He feasts when in the off guard, demonstrating a dynamite 3-point stroke. Keech lit up the Midwest Grind Session in Wichita in early May.
Kaden Sorenson, 6-foot-2 forward, KC Spurs White, Blue Valley West SH:
Sorenson showed a nice ability to drive and finish at the Midwest Grind Session. He has good hands and makes some good passes in traffic. He feeds cutters, and make entry passes to posts. He can drive and dish too. He shows ability to box out for rebounds and the willingness to fight for the ball in the air.
Terique Suwareh, 6-foot guard, KC Spurs White, Olathe West HS:
A strong and physical point guard, the Spurs team just runs smoother and is more effective when Suwareh is on the floor. He’s a good ball handler who can bully little point guards. He makes dishes in transition or on penetration, getting the ball to the right man, often with some style. He’s calm and smooth with the ball and doesn’t try to force his own shots.