Seniors in the KC-area Taking it to the Next Level

Prep Hoops Staff

December 20, 2023 @ 05:58 PM

There are always some seniors who have been waiting for their chance to shine. Some are developing physically, others have improved their skills, while a large number have just been limited by older players in front of them.   For whatever reason, here is a handful of seniors who are raising their profiles. We're trying to cover the state, highlighting these risers. Here's a look at some from the Kansas City area (in alphabetical order):   [player_tooltip player_id='2314773' first='Jeter' last='Purdy'], 6-foot-4 forward, 2024, Atchison:   Man has this guy taken his game to the next level. He's demonstrating offensive firepower and physicality, getting to the bucket and scoring at a much higher rate. He's gone over 20 several times, including 32 in the latest win over Wyandotte.   [player_tooltip player_id='2317399' first='Talan' last='Torrez'], 6-foot-1 guard, Baldwin:   Baldwin suffered some graduation losses from last year's state team, so some people needed to step up. One of the guys who is leading the 6-0 Bulldogs is slick shooter Torrez. He was a defense stretcher last season and he's taken it to another level, averaging 13 points so far this year.   Matt Corrales, 6-foot-3 guard, 2024, Olathe South:   Probably one of the best seniors who was left out of the most recent Prep Hoops rankings update, Corrales isn't going to let that happen again. He's a deadly shooter who nailed a buzzer beater to give Olathe South a win and he's gone for 20 or more several times.   Gregory Ballard, 6-foot-4 forward, 2024, Blue Valley North:   Ballard waited his turn while the senior-dominated Mustangs ran to the 6A Final Four last spring. He was a reserve who battled a group of high-quality bigs every day in practice. This year, he's stepped into a big role and is thriving. He's scoring in double figures nearly every game, including 12 in the Mustangs' latest game against Barstow. He helps move the ball and is a threat from the perimeter, and he gets to the line.   [player_tooltip player_id='2314770' first='Jackson' last='Bonczynski'], 6-foot-1 guard, 2024, Blue Valley Southwest:   The Timberwolves returned several good players from their 5A state team tournament team, and they're off to an impressive 4-1 start to this season. Bonczynski is stuffing the stat sheet, giving 18 points, 4 rebound and 4 assists per outing. He's been hot from deep, hitting nearly 40% so far this season.

There are always some seniors who have been waiting for their chance to shine. Some are developing physically, others have improved their skills, while a large number have just been limited by older players in front of them.