Grassroots update: who’s hot (guards)
Here, Prep Hoops Kansas takes a look at several guards playing at the 17U and 16U level from the state that have started the spring grassroots campaign strong.
Caleb Grill, 6’2, G, 2019, Maize, NLHA
There might not be a better all-around guard in the state in the 2019 class than Grill, who has a scorers mentality, elite athleticism and is a knock down perimeter shooter. Grill has good athleticism, is capable of throwing down impressive slams, can create his own shot and has a nice mid-range game.
Zach Harvey, 6’5, G, 2019, Hayden, KC Run GMC 17U
A 6’5 wing player, Harvey is a shot creator who can handle it, get to the basket and has the ability to slither his way to the basket and make tough chances in the lane look easy. He currently holds numerous high major offers and is off to a big start with KC Run GMC as he is averaging nearly 20 points per game through the team’s first four games on the UAA circuit in Dallas, Tex.
Jackie Johnson, 5’11, PG, 2021, KC Run GMC 16U
Johnson is off to a good start to the grassroots season playing up an age group for the KC Run GMC 16U squad. A lightning quick, left hander point guard, Johnson is a dynamic ball handler, can get to the basket, shoot from the outside and can make plays for those around him. He is the team’s leading scorer through the first four game at 16 points per game, shooting 51 percent from the field and made nine 3-pointers in the team’s first four games.
Jaden Okon, 6’4, G, 2019, Wichita Heights, NLHA
Okon is already off to a big start to this offseason as he was one of several top performers a few weeks ago in Tulsa. He is an elite athlete capable of throwing down dunk after dunk, but can also handle the ball, attack the basket and has an emerging perimeter jumper.
Ty Berry, 6’2, G, 2019, Newton, KC Run GMC 16U
An athletic, and well-rounded wing player, Berry can create off the dribble, can shoot from the perimeter and get to the basket. He averaged 12 points through the team’s first four games on the UAA circuit in Dallas and got to the free throw line a team-high 15 times.
Armani Williams, 2019, KC Schlagle, Marcus Denmon Elite
A strong, physical interior player, Armani Williams is a 6’3, 200 pound forward who helped lead Marcus Denmon Elite to a successful opening weekend in Dallas, Tex. He is a tough offensive rebounder, capable of dominating a game in the paint against taller players, but also shows a smooth, left handed shooting stroke out to 17 feet.