Proving Grounds: 2023 Guards

<p>The Proving Grounds series is back as we look towards those players who took big leaps, got hot at the end, stock risers, or new names in the position groups throughout the classes who can really put  stamp on their big time play over the high school season with big springs and summers on the grassroots circuit.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1080189" first="Eli" last="Shetlar"], 6’5 Guard, Andover, Run GMC: Earning his first D1 offer this week, Shetlar will look to cement himself as one of, if not, the best shooter in Kansas this grassroots season. Playing on a great Run team this year with great guard play, Shetlar should have a lot of great opportunities to really show off the range, versatility in how he gets his shots, and great shot selection on the circuit this year. Shetlar’s athleticism and growing versatility as an overall guard will also get to shine in the open court environment of the grassroots game.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1146270" first="Keller" last="Hurla"], 6’ G, St Mary’s, SSA Elite 2023 Black: His highlighted 51 point game which included 14 three point attempts made really turned heads and got the stock rolling for the knock down shooting guard. Has a really high IQ on the basketball floor, relocates well on the perimeter, can handle being face guarded, and is a big time competitor. With the pieces around him this spring and summer has the chance to continue the breakout campaign.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1080193" first="Zion" last="Young"], 6’2 G, Campus, Oz Elite 2023: The electric and athletic guard came on strong this year and got better with each minute of play time. Young’s strengths on the court will really be highlighted this year and expect some big games against some great competition. In transition Young can fly on the wings, and fly up and play above the rim. Has good handle, ability to push off the bounce, and can finish against nd through contact.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1268855" first="Asa" last="Barnes"], 6’ PG, Wichita Southeast: A smooth operator from the guard spot with great handle, court vision, and instincts when making plays. Gets his hands on a ton of basketballs to get steals and deflections which lead to run outs. Barnes has a smooth shot from the perimeter both off the dribble and off the catch. Barnes should be primed for a big spring and summer.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1300806" first="Kaeson" last="Fisher-Brown"], 6’2 G, Derby: A big time scorer of the basketball from all three levels. Makes a ton of tough shots especially in the mid range off the dribble. Plays extremely hard on both ends of the floor and really helped push Derby to a strong run towards the end of the season. His shot making ability should really turn heads this spring and summer out in tournaments. Really strong guard, quick first step, and gets to his spots on the floor. Proving that consistency will be where he can really take it up a notch.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1212149" first="Jace" last="Steinmetz"], 6’3 G, Garden City, SSA 2023 White: Can get going scoring the basketball from the perimeter. Percentages dropped towards the end of the season then what were accustomed to but is looking to get back this spring to being that knockdown shooter us scouts have seen. Has good size from the guard spot and putting together the shooting with showing the ability to guard on the perimeter and rebound will really get his proving grounds season going.</p>