PREVIEW: Kansas’ underrated 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 most underrated young guards in the 2021 class.
Sam Derning, 6’2, G, 2021, Shawnee Mission West
Derning impressed this fall at the Prep Hoops 250 Expo at Blue Valley West. He is a tough, physical player who takes pride in his defense and can lock up a variety of positions effectively. He moves well off the ball and brings activity to the floor, running the lanes in transition.
Jacob Hanna, 6’0, G, 2021, Maize, NLHA 15U
Hanna impressed this summer competing for NLHA 15U squad, showcasing the ability to get to the basket and finish through contact in traffic. He has a long, rangy build and plays bigger than his listed height due to his athleticism and length. He can live in the paint and is a good rebounder and defender. l
Devon Junghans, 5’8, PG, 2021, Salina South (SSA Elite)
One of the state’s best young players in transition, Junghans loves to push the tempo and is at his best in a fast paced contest. He is fast with the ball and combines his speed with an aggressive, attacking mentality and style of play. He gets to the free throw line a lot, can knock down shots on the perimeter and plays with a lot of toughness.
Isaac Patterson, 6’4, G, 2021, Blue Valley North (MoKan Select)
Patterson is a well-rounded, skill wing who can can play above the rim, run the floor in transition and can play a variety of positions when necessary. He is at his best attacking the basket off the dribble but is also comfortable behind the arc.
Tank Young, 5’8, PG, 2021, Aquinas (Kan.)
Young is one of the state’s quickest players and is poised for a breakout season at Aquinas. He is a terrific athlete who brings speed, quickness and toughness to the court at the point guard position. He has terrific strength for such a young player and has the ability to get into the paint, finish plays or kick the ball to the open man.