Stock Risers: Look at state’s top freshmen
With the season nearing the home stretch, Prep Hoops Kansas takes a look at some of the state’s premier players in the 2021 class, which has proved to be among the better incoming freshmen classes in recent years.
Freshmen
Jackie Johnson III, 5’10, PG, 2021, Wichita North
Johnson is a dynamic point guard prospect that is at a little different level than most freshmen around the region. He has a terrific feel for the game, has terrific speed, can get to the basket and finish, knock down long distance 3-pointers or create mid-range shots. But part of what makes him special is his quickness off the bounce and ability to change directions quickly and shake defenders. He is a special talent with a bright future.
Danair Dempsey, Wichita Heights
At 6’6, Dempsey has good size and length for a 14-year old freshman who runs the floor exceptionally well, finishes chances around the basket and is content to simply let the game to come to him for now. He is productive and efficient as he makes himself available around the basket and along the baseline and has put together a terrific freshman season so far for Heights.
Jack Chapman, 6’5, G, 2021, Blue Valley Northwest
Blessed with good size and a big frame, Chapman has tremendous upside as a guard prospect. He has some all-around skill, can shoot from the outside and handle the ball a little. Chapman might be at his best on the break where he is a terrific finisher for his age and has a good feel for finishing through contact.
Luke Adams, 5’11, PG, 2021, Blue Valley North
Adams has been big for a Mustang team that has been starved for offense this season. He is a solid ball handler who can handle the point guard duties, but can also score the basketball. Adams is a standout 3-point shooter who has the ability to score at various levels. He can knock down mid-range shots and is smooth off the bounce.
AJ Johnson, 6’3, F/G, 2021, Salina South
A 6’3 2021 wing player, Johnson can do a little bit of everything — he rebounds, handles the ball a little, can throw down a dunk on the break and is comfortable doing the little things.
Devon Junghans, 5’9, G, 2021, Salina South
He’s not very big, but Junghans has proven to be a solid point guard for the Cougars this season, playing the game under control and helping get Salina South into its offense. He can shoot a little from the outside, but mostly lets the game come to him. Salina South has struggled through a tough season this year, but with Junghans and AJ Johnson there is a brighter days ahead.
Jack Johnson, 6’1, G, 2021, Andover
Johnson is an athletic 6’1 guard who can do a little bit of everything. He is at his best moving without the ball as he stays in constant motion, can shoot the ball a little from the outside and can get to the basket off the dribble. Defensively, he is a ball hawk who does a good job moving his feet for a player his age.
Lonell Lane, 6’0, G, 2021, Harmon
A terrific athlete, Lane is putting together a big freshman season for xx, averaging more than 16 points and 4.8 assists per game. Lane is a good ball handler who has the ability to get into the lane and finish acrobatic chances around the basket. He also has a floater than he uses to his advantage and plays the game with poise. Lane has a lot of upside but still has some work to do on his outside shot to take his game to the next level.
Alston Mason, 5’10, G, 2021, Olathe West
A smooth ball handling guard, Mason has largely flown under the radar as a freshman this season but has put together a solid season for West. He is a terrific 3-point shooter and has the ability to shoot off the dribble as well.
Zeke Mayo, 6’2, G, 2021, Lawrence
Armed with a versatile, well-rounded skill set, Mayo has a long, rangy build with fluid athleticism. He is capable of making plays off the bounce, setting up his own shot or getting the basket. Mayo shows the ability to make plays for others, is a willing and capable passer and is also a terrific outside shooter.