Kansas Juniors Stepping Up – guards

<p>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.</p> <p>Outside the population centers of Kansas City, Wichita and Topeka, some juniors have made big names for themselves. Guys like [player_tooltip player_id="891899" first="Mozae" last="Downing-Rivers"] at Free State, [player_tooltip player_id="891912" first="Nahcs" last="Wahwassuck"] at Royal Valley and [player_tooltip player_id="891932" first="Cason" last="Richardson"] at Hesston, have established themselves with all-state seasons.</p> <p>But there are several other juniors across the state hitting the hardwood this summer who are ready to leave their marks. Here are some of the top junior guards across Kansas looking to step into the spotlight (in alphabetical order):</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1172998" first="Tate" last="Brown"],</strong> 6-foot guard, Kansas Hoggs, Manhattan:</p> <p>Brown has been a significant reserve and occasional starter for the Indians. He shows a lot of bounce and athleticism for the Hoggs as a versatile combo guard. He handles the ball well and defends, and when he gets hot, he can be a dynamite, streaky shooter from deep. His athleticism allows him to get in the lane for buckets too.</p> <p><strong>Anders Dewey</strong>, 5-foot-10 guard, Western Kansas Elite, Plainville:</p> <p>The left-hander can handle the ball and plays with speed and aggressiveness. He can penetrate with the ball and dish it to his WKE teammates, and he can also spot up and knock down the 3-point shot. Dewey is on a club team loaded with guards, but he plays his role nicely.</p> <p><strong>Sage Koelsch</strong>, 5-foot-11 guard, Western Kansas Elite, Great Bend:</p> <p>Koelsch is a quick penetrator who is prone to pulling up for quick jumpers on the drive. He is a good ball handler who is smooth and quick with the ball. He uses spin dribbles and crossovers to get by the first defender and kick the ball after he draws a second defender. He’s also got a nice touch on mid-range jumpers and from behind the arc.</p> <p><strong>Jack Ryan</strong>, 6-foot-2 guard, Showtime, Lawrence:</p> <p>A lanky, long-armed guard, Ryan was a significant component to the great Lawrence team from a year ago. Ryan is ready to step into a bigger role, and he is getting significant competition this summer with Showtime. Ryan is versatile and can play forward/wing spots, but is also a solid ball handler who knows how to get this teammates the ball. Ryan will be a significant deep threat for the Lions next year.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1162514" first="Luke" last="Tolbert"]</strong>, 5-foot-11 guard, Team Buddy Buckets, Garden City (pictured)</p> <p>Tolbert showed off his fine 3-point touch at the recent Midwest Grind Session in Wichita. He’s not big, but he’s got a quick release and is athletic enough to get around to the open spots. He got several run outs, beating defenders in the open floor in a race to the bucket. Tolbert is gritty and gets after it at the defensive end.</p>