Kansas Rankings: Biggest Risers (2018 Guards)
Kansas Rankings: Biggest Risers (2018 Guards)
Prep Hoops Kansas takes a look at some guards who have raised their stock since last season.
Cooper Kaifes, 6’4, SG, Mill Valley (MoKan Elite)
There haven’t been many players see their stock take off quite like Kaifes over the past several months. A strong, physical guard that can shoot lights out from distance as well as handle the ball, Kaifes put together a standout spring and summer competing with MoKan Elite after missing much of his junior season to injury. He has added offers from Missouri State, Loyola, Northern Iowa, North Carolina at Greensboro and Drake.
Garrett Luinstra, 6’1, PG, 2018, Free State (MoKan Select)
There might not be a bigger all-around riser in Kansas than Luinstra who combines a crafty handle with good playmaking skills. He is a terrific outside shooter, but can get all the way to the basket and finish as well. He shows terrific leadership skills and the ability to lead a team at the point guard position.
Ezekiel Lopes, 6’2, G, 2018, Bishop Miege (Team Carroll)
There is going to be a lot riding on the shoulders of Lopes after Miege graduated several key players a year ago, but he is more than up to the task. A terrific athlete, Lopes is a good all-around ball handler and shot creator and is tough to contain when he
Sam Ward, 6’2, G, 2018, Blue Valley Northwest (Team KC)
Ward was kind of buried last year in a deep and talented backcourt that featured a host of talented upperclassmen, but we look for him and rising 2019 guard Christian Bruan to form one of the state’s top backcourts this season. When Ward has it going from long distance, look out. He is a smooth ball handler who has the ability to shoot from distance.
Jeremiah Garrett, 5’11, PG, 2018, Bishop Miege (KC Pacers)
Much like Ward, Garrett was buried on the depth chart last season behind a deep and talented crew of upperclassmen, but he is an outstanding leader and solid all-around point guard. We give Garrett high marks for his leadership skills, but he is more than that … he is a terrific defender who brings intensity and a competitive edge and is capable of getting to the bucket and drawing fouls.