Potential Playoff Stock Risers: 4A

<p>4A playoff basketball should be the most competitive it has been in a while in Kansas. League winners are being decided this week along with playoff seeding.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>As matchups start to come together we are starting a new series heading into post season play with guys in each classification who’s stocks could soar with big post season runs and racking up some playoff wins with strong play.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>4A East Region</strong></span></p> <p>Matthew Lierz, 6’1 G, Holton, 2023: Holton had a magical state run last year, and Lierz is one of the main cogs keeping them in the discussion for this season. Lierz is the epitome of toughness in the back court, has hit multiple game winning shots this season, and is their team leader. A good ball handler, reads defenses well, can get into tight gaps to attack off the bounce, and makes countless winning basketball plays.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Hudson Baker, 6’6 F, Labette County, 2024: A long, lean, and athletic forward who could really pop on some radars in the post season with a strong post season run from Labette. Averaging 6 points and 6 rebounds on the season, Baker is a reliable big man for a team with some really good guards. Baker’s frame and athleticism pairs well with his effort on the glass. Pairing with rebounding the ball he is great at tipping out balls to his teammates. Strong finisher off hard rolls and layups in the paint. Is a legit double double big, and putting that display on in the post season could bode big for the big man.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1080202" first="Jake" last="Mueller"], 6’1 PG, Hayden, 2023:  A tough nosed point guard who has been through the ringer guarding some of the best guards in the Centennial League and also providing an offensive punch. A sneaky athletic guard, Mueller is also a great back court general, and a terrific passer. Hayden’s intense schedule should have them prepped for a big run, and Mueller help leading the show could raise his stock.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Landon Weide, 5’10 G, Iola, 2024: A really good shooter who is always shot ready. If Iola gets some zone based teams in their matchups, look for Weide to have some potential eye opening games shooting the basketball. Moves well off the ball, reacts to help side defenses, and is a really solid offensive guard. On the ball he is a terrific on ball defender and can hound ball handlers and force turnovers. Weide is an intriguing sophomore with breakout potential.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Colin Donahue, 5’11 G, Wamego, 2023: Wamego is led by a large group of talented seniors, but a sneaky X-Factor for sustained post season success could be Donahue. A solid all around basketball player, Donahue can give Wamego some much needed minutes in big stretches and possesses shot making, attacking off the bounce, and make winning defensive plays. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>4A West Region</strong></span></p> <p>Grant Ricker, 6’2 G, Buhler, 2023: Voth has been the main piece to the puzzle for Buhler this season, but a ton of their success has sneakily come from Ricker. He gives them a long guard who can get going from the perimeter in a hurry and in bunches. He is a great transition 3 shooter, can get shot ready quick off drives, and has a ton of multiple 3 point made games. Ricker can fit the 3 and D mold as he is a solid defender who gets deflections and steals.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1346958" first="Brax" last="Fisher"], 5’11 PG, Abilene, 2024: A young sophomore guard who has been a solid piece to big time success for the Cowboys this year. He can be a dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands, get down hill, has a solid pull up game, and is quick. Fisher also has the ability to get control of tempo and get his team into the right sets and plays. A really up and coming guard who could raise is stock with a post season run.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="891925" first="Adriel" last="Smith"], 6’ PG, Rose Hill, 2022: The 4A 2022 guard who could see a massive bump in stock this post season. Rose Hill is poised for a run, and Smith has put up some monster numbers this season. Smith is a monster getting down hill, scoring in transition, and being a guy that can swing momentum quickly in ball games. Smith has big game take over ability scoring the basketball, which could be a big factor when the games are win or go home.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Coley Burgess, 6’1 PG, Rock Creek, 2025: A freshman on here who has seen his role increase as the year has progressed and Burgess has shown flashes of his high upside. A long and active guard who can score the ball off the catch and can handle it with some savviness to get into the paint. A great cutter as well, and finisher off catching off cuts. With the opportunity and a couple of wins, could be a breakout freshman candidate.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1080197" first="Kaden" last="McDaniel"], 6’4 F, Augusta, 2023: McDaniel and Augusta are a team to circle who could pull ff some upsets this post season. McDaniel’s ability to control the painted area on both ends of the floor could be an X-Factor in games. He has great footwork, hands, and soft touch with both hands. His versatility continues to expand as well in his stretch the floor game too. Has put up monster numbers this season, watch out for McDaniel and Augusta.</p>