PREVIEW: A look at underrated wings (2019)
As part of its 2018-19 preview series, Prep Hoops Kansas takes a look at some of the state’s top players in a variety of positions in the senior class.
Below are some of the state’s most underrated athletes in the 2019 class.
Payton Cantrell, 6’5, F, 2019, Pittsburg (Kan.)
Cantrell hasn’t gotten a lot of hype just yet, but he brings a versatile, well-rounded skill set to the floor and combines his skill set with good size, frame and athleticism. He likes to play on the baseline where he is an effective catch-and-finish guy, but can also step out to the perimeter and handle the ball a little or knock down outside shots. He is poised for a big junior season at Pittsburg, a team that advanced to the Class 5A state championships in Topeka.
Jarin Koehler, 6’6, F/G, 2019, El Dorado
Koehler impressed this summer running with the River City Hoops squad. He is a versatile inside-out wing player who can do it all.Koehler has good size at 6’6, can rebound, defend multiple positions, handles it well and can stretch a defense with his outside shooting. Koehler is a competitor who doesn’t back down from a challenge and likes to compete against other good players.
Keenan Miller, 6’4, G/F, 2019, Wichita South, River City Hoops
Miller is a talented wing player who can play guard or small forward and can do a little bit of everything well. He handles it well, can create offense off the dribble and does a good job of attacking the basket off the bounce. Miller can knock down outside shots and brings good athleticism to the floor. He impressed this summer running with River City Hoops and has likely earned a spot at the next level.
Dale Talley, 6’3, G/F, 2019, Shawnee Mission Northwest, KC Spurs
Talley is a long, rangy wing player with a smooth game who handles the ball well, can create his own shot off the bounce and plays bigger than his listed height due to his length. Talley showed this summer he can be counted on to knock down perimeter shots off the catch, or by creating his own shot off the bounce. He has become an all-around player capable of impacting a game in multiple ways.
Zeth Unruh, 6’6, F, 2019, Jefferson West, WCS Team Driven
One of the state’s unsung talents, Unruh has a lot of tools that need some polish, but has a lot of potential. He has good size and length at 6’6, runs the floor well and has some athleticism, and has an emerging skill set. He can handle it a little, can knock down outside shots, and is a willing rebounder. With added consistency he could find an opportunity to play at the next level.