Top 250 Expo: Top youngsters who raised their profile (2022)
YOUNGSTERS
6-Kaleb Becker, 6’4, F, 2022, Abilene (Kan.)
A post player who can keep opponents in front of him. Becker is a strong forward who plays good defense and can finish plays around the basket. He is always contesting shots and can handle contact on offense. He plays through it well and he finished several plays that would have been and one.
45 — Damien Hatten, 6’1, G, 2022, Sedan (Kan.)
Hatten is from one of the state’s smallest schools at Class 1A Sedan but has big potential and was one of the top rising freshmen at Sunday’s event. A terrific athlete who is well ahead of his age, Hatten is already making an impact this fall on the football field for his high school, earning a spot at quarterback. At Blue Valley West, he showed the ability to handle the ball and make plays throughout the 250 Expo.
70-Kobe McKinley, 6’0, G, 2022, Basehor-Linwood (Kan.)
An athletic two-way player who passes out well and gets his teammates open from behind the line. He can shoot for himself and take the ball to the rim. He has nice footwork in tight spaces and can wear opponents out who are trying to stay with him. He lets his game do the talking. He keeps his head down and works on defenders up top.
75 — Emmett Pearce, 5’9, PG, 2022, Barstow (Mo.)
Pearce had a terrific showing for his team handling the ball, passing and making plays. He isn’t very big, but is quick and is a tough competitor. He and 2021 PG Stevie Strong went head-to-head in one of the early match-ups we watched and the younger Pearce held his own.
85-Noah Simmons, 6’6, F, 2022, Valley Center (Kan.)
An old-school playmaker at the block who likes the fade and the offensive rebound. Simmons stays after plays, moves his feet well on defense and works hard to keep a hand in the air. He is very comfortable in the paint. He can knock down shots near the free throw line and work his way back to the glass. His defense is physical. Someone who uses his body to knock opponents off their intended path.