Potential Playoff Stock Risers: 6A

AJ Vinent

February 23, 2022 @ 09:54 AM

Landon Braun, 6’6 F, Blue Valley Northwest, 2023: A great family lineage of hoopers, Landon is the next Braun coming through the storied BVNW. With a top seed heading into sub state play, as more eyes narrow in on the post season, Braun’s physicality, athleticism, rim protection, and catching dump downs for finishes will pop in the eyes of the viewer. Is a prime candidate for a massive stock raising campaign as BVNW makes a state push. A raw talent at the forward spot, Braun’s athleticism could be a big X-Factor in these playoffs.

Dean Markes, 6’3 W, Blue Valley, 2024: A long perimeter player who is a really solid set shooter and is a great perimeter compliment to Shaw’s ability to attack the painted area. Sitting in a prime spot to pull off an upset or two, Blue Valley with the highly nationally ranked Shaw, could get some more eyes on them this post season, and Markes would be a big beneficiary of that. The sophomore has a great frame, good feet, stays shot ready, and is producing more and more as the season goes on. Could be a playoff X Factor for them.

Harrison Hughes Harrison Hughes 5'7" | PG Shawnee Mission South | 2022 KS , 5’9 PG, Shawnee Mission South, 2022: The electric point guard will be the conductor of the South train heading into the post season. Hughes packs a lot of scoring punch in his smaller frame, but is quick with the ball, understands the game at a high level, and is a flat out shot maker. Hughes and South could really make a statement in the East region.

La’zel Evans La’zel Evans 6'0" | PG Wyandotte | 2022 State KS , 5’11 PG, Wyandotte, 2022: Wyandotte has struggled this season at 5 and 11, however they have a silent weapon in their back court with Evans. The point guard is tough nosed, poised, and can handle a ton of usage with the ball in his hands. He is a downhill savvy point guard who can get paint touches and put a ton of pressure on defenses, don’t be surprised if Evans leads his group to an eye catching 1st round upset.

Patrick Bergkamp, 6’ G, Shawnee Mission East, 2022: A senior who could make a stock rising case with a sneaky Shawnee Mission east squad with some talent. Bergkamp’s ability to shoot the 3 ball in a variety of ways, high IQ, and fundamentally sound style of operating on the court could lead to some post season wins and some more deserved attention.

West Region

Trent Parke Trent Parke 6'1" | CG Derby | 2022 State KS , 6’2 G, Derby, 2022 (Pictured): Derby basketball is fast paced, up tempo, and very balanced in their attack on both ends of the floor. Parke is a senior guard who has been somewhat hidden this year but he is a defensive and offensive playmaker. The lefty thrives getting downhill, coming off handoffs and attacking, quick off the bounce, and is a cpable shot maker. Derby has the tools to make a big post season run, and Parke is such a solid hand and contributor his name should be of note during it.

Howard Johnson Howard Johnson 6'0" | SG Junction City | 2022 State KS , 6’1 G, Junction City, 2022 One of our higher ranking guys on this list, but with Junction City’s recent history of post season struggles, Johnson leads a senior heavy group with some big aspirations. A big post season run with some high quality wins, reaching state, and posting his top tier numbers throughout could see Johnson make a top 25 case when its all said and done. Johnson is one of the top 3 point shooters in 6A basketball, has been a tough finisher, and has gotten his floater going to counter hard closeouts.

Amarion Walker, 6’1 G, Wichita Southeast, 2022: Southeast has some big time pieces to make a state tournament run, and Walker’s guard play could be a big reason for that. A great glue guy on the perimeter, his length, transition scoring, and defensive prowess will pay dividends for SE as they maneuver through Sub State.

Wyatt Conklin Wyatt Conklin 6'2" | SF Washburn Rural | 2023 State KS , 6’1 G, Washburn Rural, 2023: Might not be as an impactful year as we thought from Conklin heading into the season, the Rural Guard is still an important piece to what they do and his toughness, smart play making, hustle, and ability to create extra possessions could be a huge asset to Rural as the games get into the win or go home scenario.

Aven M’Boule, 5’10 G, Wichita South, 2025: Our lone freshman on this list, M’Boule is in a prime position to stand out on a big stage and solidify himself as one of the top freshman in Kansas. M’Boule plays with a ton of confidence which will come in handy with high stakes games on the horizon. A knockdown catch and shoot player, flies around on defense, and you can see he has the tools to be an absolute problem in the South back court for years to come. A big post season run will open up a ton of eyes for the young guard.