PREVIEW: Kansas’ top senior shooters
As part of its 2018-19 preview series, Prep Hoops Kansas takes a look at some of the state’s top shooters in the rising senior class.
Braeden Belt, 6’1, G, 2019, Andover Central, SSA Elite
Belt has a lean, thin frame, but plays much bigger than his listed size would suggest. He is an elite shooter with terrific form, balance and a repeatable shooting stroke from behind the arc. He is capable of scoring in a variety of ways and uses his quickness and agility to get to the basket and finish tough chances in the paint.
Levi Braun, 6’3, G, 2019, Topeka Hayden, SSA Elite
Braun has developed into an elite shooter from behind the 3-point arc and showed off his range and quick release throughout the summer while playing with SSA Elite. He is a capable ball handler who can slide over and handle some PG duties, but is at his best putting the ball in the basket. He is a crafty ball handler who uses good hesitation moves to free himself up for drives to the basket or open jumpers.
Cevin Clark, 5’11, G, 2019, Arkansas City, Heat
Clark is a terrific outside shooter, but took his game to new heights this offseason, showing the ability to create off the bounce, get to the basket, or pull up for mid-range shots. His calling card remains his ability to dial it up from long distance. He has a quick release, can shoot off the dribble a little and is comfortable from a few feet beyond the arc.
Caleb Grill, 6’2, G, 2019, Maize, NLHA
There might not be a better all-around guard in the state in the 2019 class than Grill, who has a scorers mentality, elite athleticism and is a knock down perimeter shooter. He has a quick release, can shoot from well beyond the arc, and is capable of pulling up off the dribble, or shooting off the catch. He is a strong athlete, capable of throwing down impressive slams, and uses his quickness and leaping ability to create his own shot.
Riley Sides, 6’1, G, 2019, Northern Valley, WKE Eddy (pictured)
Riley Sides is the state’s reigning Class 1-AA Player of the Year and it’s easy to see why. He rebounds, handles the ball and can shoot with range out past the 3-point arc. His calling card however might be his outside shooting and Sides displayed a smooth, repeatable stroke, terrific range out beyond the arc and the ability to get his shot off quickly and under duress. He averaged better than 17 points per game last season to lead Northern Valley, connected on 76 3-pointers in 25 games, and shot 44 percent from behind the arc.