Western Kansas Seniors Shine
Some of the best players from the western part of the state traveled to hone their skills and test themselves against big city competition this summer. Prep Hoops has written a lot about a few of the standouts from the…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingSome of the best players from the western part of the state traveled to hone their skills and test themselves against big city competition this summer.
Prep Hoops has written a lot about a few of the standouts from the Western Kansas Elite, guys like Hunter Vaughn Hunter Vaughn 5'11" | CG Colby | 2023 State KS (pictured), Carson Bennett Carson Bennett 6'2" | SF Hugoton | 2023 State KS , Alec Carlson Alec Carlson 6'1" | CG Pawnee Heights | 2023 State KS and Ryle Riddlesperger Ryle Riddlesperger 6'2" | PG Hugoton | 2023 State KS . But there are plenty of other seniors showing this summer that they deserve recognition.
Start with Jaxson Brandl Jaxson Brandl 6'2" | CG Greeley County | 2023 State KS , the 6-foot-2 guard from Greeley County. You could make a good case for Brandl as the best small school baller in the state. If you missed the show he put on at the state tournament last year, check out what he’s doing with his club team this summer. There’s enough guard talent around him that he doesn’t have to force anything. But with some many options at his disposal, Brandl impresses with some highlight reel passes. His vision and ability to thread the needle have to make him popular with his teammates. For a big guard, he’s got a quick first step and nice handle to get where he wants. He can shoot the 3, but is standing out for everything else this summer.
Here are some other western Kansas seniors performing well this summer:
Brady Beckman, 6-foot-2 forward, 2023, Rawlins County, Western Kansas Elite:
A big wing player who can bully opposing guards, Beckman is a matchup problem for opponents. Beckman can back down a smaller player or shoot over him. He can run and handle the ball well enough to be tough for bigs to stop. A workhorse who rebounds and can score in the paint, Beckman is setting himself up for a big senior year.
Clayton Cole, 5-foot-9 guard, 2023, Elkhart, Western Kansas Elite:
Cole is a slashing guard who can find openings in the perimeter to knock down shots. He is quick and fast in the open court, making a lot of plays in transition and forcing a lot of turnovers. Cole is a smart and competitive senior who brings intelligence and leadership.
Kyler Keller Kyler Keller 6'1" | SG Syracuse | 2023 State KS , 6-foot-2 forward, 2023, Syracuse, Western Kansas Elite:
Keller is sweet shooting wing who has quickness to find open shots. He is long, making his release tough to stop. He is also a long defender who works hard all the time.
Ace Martinez, 5-foot-9 guard, 2023, Sublette, Western Kansas Elite:
There’s a lot of talent around on his club team, but Martinez tends to stand out for his athletic playmaking. The lefty is a tough and crafty guard who gets to the goal or creates space for his jumper in the lane. His quickness and hops make him a tough defender. He sneaks in behind shooters to block shots, and he moves his feet to draw charges and cut off drivers.
Jake Underwood, 6-foot-3 forward, 2023, Garden City, Western Kansas Elite:
Underwood is ready to break out for the Buffaloes after playing a supporting role the last couple of years. He’s a big and powerful rebounder who scores a lot by cleaning up garbage. He is showing some really nice moves in the paint this summer, including a spin dribble to get to his jump shot. He commands attention and makes effective passes to shooters from the post.