KC (Mo.) basketball standouts star on football field
KC (Mo.) basketball standouts star on football field
Who said the days of two-sport athletes are dead?
The 2017-18 basketball season in Kansas City features a host of players who are both elite football and elite basketball players and likely could play either sport at the next level. Here we look at some of the best two-sport players in the KC area.
Daniel Parker Jr., 6’4, PF, 2018, Blue Springs
The University of Missouri football recruit has helped lead Blue Springs to the Class 6 state championship game on the football field as a two-way lineman, competing at tackle and defensive end. On the hardwood, he is a strong, tough inside-out forward who is an underrated defensive player capable of defending players much taller than himself.
Mario Goodrich, 6’2, PG, 2018, Lee’s Summit West
The University of Nebraska football recruit put together a strong season on the football field for the Titans and could help lead West back to the Class 5 Final Four this winter. He is a dynamic point guard with elite speed and quickness and the ability to break down defenders off the bounce and get to the bucket.
Cartez Crook-Jones, 6’4, PF, 2018, Grandview
Yet another high major football recruit as Crook-Jones has committed to play at Kansas. He is an above the rim forward able to throw down huge dunks as well as get on the offensive and defensive glass. He is an impressive athlete who can defend in the post and moves his feet well enough to chase guards off the pick-and-roll as well.
Elijah Farr, 6’7, PF, 2018, Lee’s Summit North
Farr had an injury plagued senior season as a tight end and defensive end for the Broncos but is a talented football player who will likely earn an opportunity to play at the next level. On the basketball court he is a talented inside-out player who can shoot the 3, handle the ball and has the size and strength to mix it up in the paint as well.
Ethan Swanegan, 6’5, F, 2018, Blue Springs South
Swanegan is likely headed to play college football at the FCS level as a hybrid tight end/wide receiver type. He has good size and an athletic frame. On the basketball court he is a versatile wing player who can handle the ball, shoot from the outside a little and is a terrific high post type player at the offensive end.
Phillip Brooks, 5’9, PG, 2018, Lee’s Summit West
A terrific three-sport athlete, Brooks brings elite athleticism, speed and quickness to the football field and the basketball court for the Titans. He is a pest at the defensive end for West and is a solid ball handler.
Diego Bernard, 5’11, PG, 2018, Lafayette
The Northwest Missouri State basketball program got a steal when they got a commitment from Bernard, an elite athlete at the point guard position who can go end-to-end with elite speed, gets to the basket and finishes through contact. On the football field this season, he was an explosive athlete at the QB position who made things happen with his arm and feet. Bernard was one of the KC area’s most entertaining and exciting players this season.
Ronnie Bell, 6’2, G, 2018, Park Hill
The Missouri State basketball signee could have easily been a big time football recruit as well. He put together a POY type performance on the football field as a WR this season. He is poised for a big season on the basketball court as well where he combines a smooth 3-point jump shot with the ability to get to the bucket and finish. He is a shot creator who also can run the point.
Others
Somaj Brewer, 6’3, G/F, Lee’s Summit
Eli Dowis, 6’4, G/F, 2019, Maryville
Devin Drew, 6’4, PF, 2018, Raytown
Mason Fair, 6’5, PF, Raytown
Latroy Harper, 6’1, G, 2018, Hamilton-Penney