PREVIEW: Kansas’ top young guards (2021)
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 rising sophomore class.
Below are some of the state’s top young guards in the 2021 class.
Tamar Bates, 6’3, G, 2021, Piper, KC Run GMC 15U
Bates has a long, rangy build with long arms and a well-rounded skill set for a young player. He started his freshman season slow, coming off the Piper bench, but by the end of the season was playing a key role for the Pirates. He has a smooth, repeatable shooting stroke and is especially strong shooting out of the corners. Bates can create off the bounce, get to the basket and has a good feel for scoring the ball.
Joe Berry, 6’1, G, 2021, Washburn Rural, KC Team Rush
Berry put together a terrific offseason for KC Team Rush after getting some varsity run last season at Washburn Rural. He has a terrific outside shooting touch and is able to consistently knock down perimeter shots from behind the 3-point arc, but has also added other elements of his game, including the ability to get to the free throw line and drive the ball to the bucket.
Sterling Chapman, 6’4, PG, 2021, Campus, Pray N Play
Chapman is a smooth guard with terrific size and length who got some varsity run a year ago at Campus. He has the ability to knock down open 3-pointers, but also has the ability to drive to the bucket and finish tough chances at odd angles. He has a nice floater game that he can use from 10 feet out and is comfortable using the glass.
Jack Johnson, 6’1, G, 2021, Andover
Johnson is coming off a terrific freshman season at Andover where he averaged 12 points, three rebounds and nearly two steals per game while leading the Trojans in 3-point shooting. Johnson knocked down a team-high 56 3-pointers, while shooting 42 percent from behind the arc. He is more than just a shooter however, able to create off the bounce and get to the basket and is also a strong defender.
Zeke Mayo, 6’2, G, 2021, Lawrence (KC Run GMC)
Mayo has a smooth, quick release from distance and is terrific perimeter shooter with range. He showed this weekend he can handle the ball a little and get to the basket as well as he took the ball the length of the floor in transition and created some offense off the bounce. He is long and slender and still has room to grow physically.