Championship Showdown: Underrated Prospects

<p class="p2"><span class="s1">The 2019 Championship Showdown at Shawnee Mission East saw Blue Valley North capture the title, defeating host Shawnee Mission East in the finals. The tournament also featured Shawnee Mission West, Olathe East, St. James, Grandview Christian, Barstow and Pembroke Hill.</span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">Here, Prep Hoops takes a look at several underrated Kansas players who stood out during the action.</span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>Shawn Hendershot, 6’4, G, 2020, Blue Valley North</b></span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1">A standout football prospect at Blue Valley North, Hendershot is a talented wing player who excels at the defensive end of the court. He showed the ability to get up and down the court, finish in transition and can score in a variety of ways.</span></p> <p class="p1"><strong><span class="s1">Zach McKnight, 6’6, F, 2022, St. James</span></strong></p> <p>McKnight is a well-rounded forward with some inside out skills. He can grab a defensive board and go coast-to-coast, scores around the basket and can step out and play on the perimeter. He helps give St. James a lot of size and length along its front line.</p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>Isaac Patterson, 6’5, G/F, 2021, Blue Valley North</b></span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1">An athletic wing player, Patterson has good size at 6’5 with the ability to move away from the ball, slash to the basket and defend a multiple positions. He plays well off big man Andrew Orr and along with guard Shawn Hendershot gives the Mustangs terrific size and athleticism up front, Patterson is coming off a strong offseason running with MoKan 2020 and has seen that success carry over to the season.</span></p> <p class="p1"><strong><span class="s1">Sam Somerhalder, 6’6, F, 2022, St. James</span></strong></p> <p>A multi-demensional wing player, Somerhalder has good size, athleticism and an all-around skill set. He can handle the ball on the perimeter, shoot from the outside. He put together a strong offseason running with Team KC 15U squad and has taken his game to new heights so far this season with the St. James' varsity.</p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>Andrew Sonner, 6’5, PF, 2020, Olathe East</b></span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1">Sonner is a strong, physical 6’5, 225-pound forward who excels at the high post with his passing and feel for the game. He put together a terrific tournament showing the ability to score around the basket, rebound and had several blocked shots as he helped protect the basket. Also a standout football player, Sonner has some perimeter skills, can shoot from the outside and is a good passer.</span></p>