Summer recap: KC Premiere (17U)
Featuring several underrated prospects, KC Premiere 17U has put together a strong offseason and hopes to land several players with college programs before the summer is over.
Coached by Kristen Davis, Premiere has been in existence for 20 years and this year’s squad is led by Brad Hailey, Jaden Clark and several other talented performers.
“We have played as well together this month as we have all season long,” Davis said. “We have guys coming from a couple hundred mile radius that are used to being the man wherever they came from and now they are coming in and having to be a part of a team.
“Getting everyone to understand their roles and what they need to do has been a process but I feel we’re getting where we need to be.”
PrepHoops takes a look at some of the programs top players.
Jaden Clark (6’2, G, Belton): Clark is an athletic, strong wing player who is tough on the glass, slashes and finishes well around the basket. He has the ability to knock down the mid-range jumper.
Graham Cranshaw (6’1, G, Pembroke Hill): Crenshaw is an athletic, bouncy guard with good upside who is still honing his perimeter skills.
Jevon Crudop (6’6, F, Staley): A late bloomer with good upside, Crudop gets on the boards and needs to add strength.
Marcus Davis (5’11, PG, Olathe North): Davis has good handles and can get to the basket. He can shoot from distance and play either guard spot.
Jayce Dighans (6’1, G, Baldwin): A solid shooter, Dighans is a skilled and experienced guard with a strong work ethic.
Michael Engelbert (6’4, F, Park Hill): A long, athletic guard with solid handles, Engelbert can shoot the 3, runs the court well and can elevate for the dunk.
Elijah Graham (6’2, PG, Shawnee Mission West): Graham is often one of the toughest players on the court and has a scorers mentality. Can score in a variety of ways and is a fierce competitor.
Brad Hailey (6’6, F, Stanberry): Hailey has a college ready body and brings strength and a strong work ethic to the court. He is a versatile performer with the ability to score and is a past Class 1 state champion.
Dreschaun McCallop (5’9, PG, Blue Valley North): McCallop is a quick savvy guard who gets after it on defense. A floor general, McCallop is a leader who helps keep his teammates in line.
Jacob Powelson (6’3, G, North Andrew): A tough-nosed shooter, Powelson is an extremely hard worker who is a fundamentally sound player and a good leader.
Derionte Roby (6’1, G, Ruskin): An athletic guard who gets after it at both ends of the floor. Roby can run the point and has a scorers mentality.