Stock risers: A look at players who are raising their profile
Stock risers: A look at players who are raising their profile
Prep Hoops takes a look at several players who have raised their profile through the early stages of the 2017-18 season:
Charlie Bell, 6’5, F, 2019, Olathe East (Kan.)
East has several talented players, including K.T. Raimey and Luke Stuewe, but Bell might be one of the most important players on the Falcons’ roster. Bell is a strong, physical player who rebounds at a high level, finishes around the basket and defends the paint well.
Zane Meeks, 6’8, PF, 2019, Shawnee Mission East (Kan.)
One of the better young big men in the state, Meeks is an athletic 6’8 forward whose strength as a prospect might be his ability to stretch the floor for a big man. He has a strong frame, is athletic with the ability to block shots and play above the rim, and lets the game come to him. Meeks impacts the game without hoisting up a lot of shots or stopping the ball.
Jack Moellers, 6’2, G, 2020, St. James (Kan.)
Moellers can really shoot it with range all over the court. He has a quick release, can shoot out to the NBA line and can also create his own shot a little off the bounce. He is already putting together a strong season for a young Thunder team.
O’mar Stanley, 6’8, PF, 2020, Blue Valley West (Kan.)
There aren’t many bigger risers in the Kansas City area than Stanley who transferred from Hogan Prep to Blue Valley West for his sophomore season after getting limited varsity time a year ago. Stanley is an athletic rim protector and a strong rebounder and is an interesting prospect with a versatile game offensive game with the ability to handle the ball and shoot from the perimeter.
Ky Thomas, 5’11, PG, 2020, Topeka (Kan.)
Thomas has already earned quite a reputation for his play on the football field as a standout freshman a year ago, then followed with a terrific sophomore season this past fall. But Thomas he is also coming on strong as a basketball prospect. He is strong going to the basket and it often takes a team effort to keep him from getting to the rim and finishing in traffic. He shot a lot of 3-pointers a year ago, but he is relying on that part of his game much less this season.
Sam Ward, 6’2, PG, 2018, Blue Valley Northwest (Kan.)
Ward is drawing some interest from NCAA Division II schools and has the ability to knock down 3-pointers from NBA range, as well the ability to finish in traffic, create plays off the bounce and handle the ball under pressure. He plays with a creative flair and has the ability to make things happen.
Reece Williams, 6’6, PF, 2020, Leavenowrth (Kan.)
Williams is a prospect to watch as he is among the more skilled young big guys in the state. He mostly has a below-the-rim type game but can do a lot of different things. Williams has a strong frame, has good hands and a soft shooting touch around the basket, but can also handle the ball a little, can drive to the basket and get to the rim, operates well out of the high post and can shoot a little from the outside.