Freshmen Making an Impact Across Kansas

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Recently, we took a look at some freshmen who are making already making waves in the KC area. But there are plenty more ninth graders across Kansas who are making an impact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Start with<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='2205722' first='Luke' last='Henderson']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2205715' first='Jaylen' last='Phillips-Grey']</strong> from Wichita Independent. The slick ballhandler and the massive post. The Panthers had to replace pretty much everyone from last year's state team, and these two freshmen are leading the way</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are some other 2027s from across the state who are already making a name for themselves (in alphabetical order):</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Aiden Aschenbrenner</strong>, 2027, Ellis:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This rookie is knocking down multiple threes every time out, averaging 15 points per game. He also feeds his teammates and creates turnovers on the defensive end. The Railers are running out a young team, so the experience they are gaining should pay dividends down the road.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2816224' first='Jalen' last='Batiste']</strong>, 6-foot-2 guard, 2027, Maize:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another athlete to add to the Maize mix is Batiste. The varsity game hasn't been too big for him so far. He contributes in a variety of ways, including occasionally getting double figures in the scoring column.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mason Becker</strong>, 5-foot-9 guard, 2027, Hayden:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Wildcats suffered some injuries at the guard spot and needed Becker to carry a large burden early. The freshman accepted the challenge and has had some impressive outings. He plays at high speed and is fearless taking the ball to the defense. He opened eyes with 16 points against Washburn Rural earlier this season and has had several double figure outputs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2205716' first='Kamari' last='Jennings']</strong>, 5-foot-5 guard, 2027, Arkansas City (pictured):</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We had a feeling watching Jennings at the 2027 Showcase in KC back in September that he might be ready for the varsity game. His speed, handle and ability to create opportunities was impressive. But we had no idea he was going to blow up like he has. He went for 31 in a game and was had plenty of other big nights. This guy is fun to watch and is going to be a great leader.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cameron Ross</strong>, 6-foot-2 forward, 2027, Shawnee Heights:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shawnee Heights has a lot of good players to run out. So the fact that Ross is playing a significant role tells you something. He's a springy athlete who can get on the glass and defend several spots on the floor. While he's got room to grow, he's pretty well developed for a freshman, and he's not afraid to mix it up with the older players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->