Top risers in 2021 class
Prep Hoops Kansas takes a look at several of the top players in the rising sophomore class.
Max Alexander, 5’10, PG, 2021, McPherson
Alexander has spent the offseason playing up an age group for Kansas Pray N Play and has more than held his own, showing a lot of the same skills as his older brother, Mason Alexander, who is set to be a freshman at William Jewell. The younger Alexander brings a smart, heady point guard play and is a knock down shooter from behind the 3-point arc. He and 2019 wing Jake Alexander figure to form a tough 1-2 punch this year for the Bull Pups.
Tamar Bates, 6’3, G, 2021, Piper
Bates is a super smooth guard with terrific size and length and the ability to play either guard spot. He is comfortable handling the point, able to lead a team, but shoots it well enough from the perimeter to run off the ball as well. He has put together a strong offseason with KC Run GMC and figures to be among the state’s premier young guards next year.
Jack Chapman, 6’5, G, 2021, Blue Valley Northwest
Chapman is set to be the next big thing for Blue Valley Northwest, a program that has been a basketball factory in recent years producing several NCAA Division I athletes. Chapman is a tough competitor who can do a little bit of everything, including handling the ball, rebounding and scoring in transition. He is a terrific all-around player with a strong skill set.
Danair Dempsey, 6’6, F, 2021, Wichita Heights
At 6’6, Dempsey has good size and length for a young player. He 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 offseason for MoKan Elite.
Keeshawn Mason, 6’6, F, 2021, Mill Valley
Mason is one of the state’s premier young big men, armed with a strong, athletic basketball frame, explosive leaping ability and good instincts at the defensive end of the floor as a shot blocker. He has an emerging skill set and is able to score in the paint, or face up a little on the perimeter and attack slower players.
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.
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.
Jackie Johnson, 5’11, PG, 2021, Wichita
Johnson is a dynamic point guard prospect that is at a little different level than most freshmen around the region. He has spent the offseason playing up an age group with KC Run GMC 16U squad. 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.
Lonell Lane, 6’1, PG, 2021, KC 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.
Zeke Mayo, 6’2, G, SG, 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.