2024 Class Rankings Adds Six Small School Seniors

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fifteen players were added to the Prep Hoops 2024 Class Rankings at midseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We separated out the players from the 3A-1A classes for a special article to give them their due. Here are those six small schoolers added to the ranks:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#81 - [player_tooltip player_id='2314796' first='Adrian' last='Hernandez'], 6-foot-3 forward, 2024, Hesston:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was possible to overlook Hernandez' contribution to the Swathers' title run a year ago as he averaged 7 points per game in the tournament. But for a team that tended to play low-scoring games, that contribution was significant. Graduation claimed a lot of talent from that team. Hernandez has since taken his production to another level, averaging 17 points and 4 rebounds for a team that jumped to a 6-0 start in search of another title. He is a powerful player who is stretching defenses with 60% from deep so far this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#82 - [player_tooltip player_id='1461343' first='Jonathan' last='Hamel'], 5-foot-9 guard, 2024, Osborne:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This guy has been really good for a long time – he just topped the 1,000 point threshold. He's been the ringleader of really good teams the past couple of seasons, and the Bulldogs are off to a 7-1 start this year. The versatile playmaker racks up assists, steals and rebounds in addition to buckets. As a junior, he was second-team all-1A Div. II according to KSHSAA and is one of the best guards in the small schools this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#92 - [player_tooltip player_id='2314802' first='Jaden' last='Nuss'], 6-2 forward, 2024, Hill City:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nuss has lifted his production each season, having really strong sophomore and junior years. Now as a senior, he's taken it up another notch, approaching the elite 20 points/10 rebounds territory. He is a battler in the paint and midrange for a 2A team to reckon with off to a 5-1 start.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#99 - [player_tooltip player_id='1403300' first='Roman' last='Hauser'], 6-foot-4 forward, 2024 Norton:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A physical athlete who produces in unique ways, Hauser probably deserves more respect than he gets as a multi-sport star. He was recently named to KSHSAA's Top 33 football team. He's very skilled and coordinated for a big man. He doesn't just bang in the post as you would expect from a football star. He handles the ball and loves to find scorers. He's currently recording a ridiculous 8 assists per game, which isn't an anomaly. He averaged about 5 assists the previous two seasons. He can shoot from deep, crash the boards and run the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#101 - [player_tooltip player_id='2314831' first='Pablo' last='Bermudez'], 6-foot guard, 2024, Cheylin:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The studs in the Cheylin senior class have thus far been left off the state rankings, but it's time we fix that. We will start here by recognizing Bermudez, a standout since his freshman season. He pops on defense, creating havoc and turning steals into offense. He's been part of a lot of winning in his career, including helping lead the Cougars to the 6-man state football title. On the court as a senior, he's gone of 20 points numerous times, and topped 30 twice. He does it all for a team off to a 6-2 start and seeking to add to its trophy case.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#102 - [player_tooltip player_id='2314835' first='Isaac' last='Briar'], 6-foot-1 forward, 2024, Sterling:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A team leader for the always solid Black Bears, Briar is a shooter and playmaker. He averaged 11.5 points as a junior and earned lots of post-season awards. He's running the show as a senior for a 6-1 team that hopes to be a player on the 2A state level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->