Thursday Night Hoops Preview: Names to Watch

<p>Thursday night has some great action taking place whether it is the Hays City shootout, private school games, and other regular season action. Let’s take a look at some of the names to watch Thursday night on the hardwood.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Olathe West vs. Hugoton</span></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1075926" first="Jayson" last="Luse"], 6’4 Wing, Olathe West, 2022 (Pictured): A long, explosive, and versatile wing player who can be a matchup problem for a lot of teams. Can turn and seal in the post, can be a screener in ball screens, and also handle the ball using screens. Plays well in gaps with the ball, and gets up to play at the rim. Really solid player who can take off this high school season.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1268831" first="Terique" last="Suwareh"], 6’ PG, Olathe West, 2022: A new name to the 2022 rankings after a solid summer with the KC Spurs. A solid all around point guard who will be a great partner on the floor with Luse. Can handle pressure, guard the ball, find open teammates, and score in multiple ways.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1080203" first="Ryle" last="Riddlesperger"], 6’1 G, Hugoton, 2023: Is an instant offensive type of player especially around the perimeter with his shooting both off the catch and off the bounce. Can get hot fast and plays well in rhythm, so look for the 2023 guard to look to get going Thursday night and they will need his shooting ability.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Emmett Gaskill, 6’1 G, Hugoton, 2024: A young and energetic piece the can be plugged into a ton of different roles, and will be a swiss army knife for Hugoton this season. His ability to impact the game in a variety of ways should pay dividends not only Thursday night, but this season. Plays with a ton of passion for the game and is an infectious team player.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Hays vs TMP</span></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1075931" first="Jace" last="Linenberger"], 6’6 F, Hays, 2022: The potential double double average player this season will look to get going against local rival TMP. His size, footwork, ability to finish in both the face up and post up game, and defensive ability make him a tough matchup against everyone on Hays’s schedule. Uses his body well and gets great post position and is a good screener.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Wesley Oakley, 6’2 G, Hays, 2022: Should have a much expanded role after a really solid summer with SSA Elite White. Can get hot from the 3 point line and hit shots in bunches, is a willing role player regardless of what is asked of him, is a great rebounder from the guard spot, and plays with a great competitive nature on the floor.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1212164" first="Dylan" last="Werth"], 6’7 F, TMP, 2023: Came on strong late last high school season and was really solid during the grassroots season. Averaged around 20 points per game for TMP in the post season last year, was Honorable All Mention 3A, and will have an even more expanded role this year. Finishes well with both hands, plays at the rim, defends well, and will be a fun matchup between him and Linenberger.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Other Names to Watch Thursday Night</span></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1268820" first="Burk" last="Springer"], 5’8 PG, Wamego, 2022</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1172929" first="Michael" last="Kates"], 5’9 PG, Maize South, 2024</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1076408" first="Noah" last="Hastert"], 6’7 F, Cair Paravel, 2022</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="946265" first="Owen" last="Mills"], 6’6 F, Newton, 2022</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1139932" first="Dylan" last="Petz"], 6’ G, Newton, 2022</p>