Sunflower: College Prospects making their mark
With the season nearing its mid-way point, Prep Hoops Kansas takes a look at several players raising their profile in the Sunflower Conference this season. SUNFLOWER Gardner-Edgerton, Lawrence, Lawrence Free State, Olathe Northwest, Olathe East, Olathe North, Olathe South, Olathe…
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Continue ReadingWith the season nearing its mid-way point, Prep Hoops Kansas takes a look at several players raising their profile in the Sunflower Conference this season.
SUNFLOWER
Gardner-Edgerton, Lawrence, Lawrence Free State, Olathe Northwest, Olathe East, Olathe North, Olathe South, Olathe West, Shawnee Mission East, Shawnee Mission North, Shawnee Mission South, Shawnee Mission Northwest, Shawnee Mission West.
Nick Arensberg, 6’1, G, 2020, Shawnee Mission East
A go-to playmaker who has a terrific feel for the floor, making waves as a 3-point shooter, ball handler, defensive standout and all-around scorer inside the paint. A YOBO standout over the summer, Arensberg took his game up a notch as he added confidence, control and strength to his game. He’s continued his trend of productive play and is one of the more productive junior guards in the area. A smooth guard with quicknees, bounce and slashers mentality. Arensberg recently had a game-winning 3-point shot against Shawnee Mission Northwest that showcased both his range and clutch playmaking skills.
Cougar Downing, 5’11, PG, 2020, Olathe West
A standout performer for KC Pacers over the summer who turned heads with his intelligence, strong handles and creativity at the point. Downing plays hard for Olathe West and takes chances and reaps the benefits of hard work and experience. He has a shiftiness to his game that keeps defenders on their toes and can get to the basket, finish from several feet behind the 3-point line and find teammates crashing to the basket.
Mozae Downing, 6’3, G, 2022, Free State
Downing had a strong summer with KC RUN GMC, showing off his polished handles and terrific vision. He is an impressive young guard for Free State who is continuing his productive trend as a leader, ball handler and scorer who can also shut down opponents asa defender. Downing’s game has been taken up a notch as he shows more confidence as a scorer and defender. His length makes him extremely difficult to game plan, bringing a shot blockers touch to the perimeter.
Branden Eckles, 6’6, F, 2021, Olathe South
A summer standout in the junior class, Eckles is a strong player who has good size and a well-rounded skill set for a big man. He is athletic enough to switch out and guard on the perimeter some as he brings a defensive versatility to the floor. Eckles is most comfortable at the offensive end of the floor in the paint, but has some skill and the ability to face up and play on the perimeter. An athletic player who can finish plays through the air in transition.
Antwaun Massey, 6’7, F, 2021, Olathe East
A player who has an ability to dominate either end of the floor when he’s locked in. Massey is a rising junior prospect with terrific size, athleticism and an emerging skill set that shows up on both ends of the floor. Massey has the ability to run the floor and finish above the rim in transition and can also get up and pin shots off the glass. He is also an athletic rebounder on both ends and can secure the ball and kick off a transition play.