PREVIEWING KC: Underrated bigs (2019)
PREVIEWING KC: Top dunkers
With basketball practice a month away, Prep Hoops takes a look at several players to watch this upcoming season, starting with some of the Kansas City area’s premier shooters in the rising senior class.
*Anthony Bell, 6’5, F, 2019, Park Hill
Bell is a solid player from Park Hill who can defend the basket and work some magic in the paint. Bell has good size for a forward at 6’5 and can put a body on opponents and play tight defense. Bell is at his best on offense, a player who is great at rebounding and finishing plays around the basket.
*Da’Rius Brewington, 6’5, F, 2019, Belton (Mo.)
A transfer from Grandview Christian, Brewington is a nice modern forward who is comfortable playing around the basket and behind the arc. He can shoot from deep and has a soft jumper and good instincts in the paint. He has good size and length and the explosiveness to make opponents pay if he’s given space. Players like Brewington who can play above the rim are always going to find ways to play above the rim.
*CJ Lee, 6’3, PF/C, 2019, Park Hill South
Lee is a talented forward who can overpower opponents who have a few inches on him. He has a nice frame and the strength to dominate the game from inside. He moves well on the block and can play with his back to the basket and straight ahead as well. Lee is also difficult to stop on the boards. He can collect rebounds when he’s out of position and even more when he has the correct positioning.
*AJ White, 6’5, F, 2019, Rockhurst (KC Spurs)
White is an intelligent forward who brings power and strength to the floor. He has good footwork for the position and can use his shoulders to find an opening around the basket. He’s a talented player who works hard around the basket. He can play physical basketball and jam it over opponents in transition play. White can also handle the ball well for his position and has proved very versatile on offense.
*Jermaine Yarbrough, 6’6, PF, 2019, Grandview (KC Magic) @JaayNotJay
Yarbrough is athletic forward with good speed that translates on both sides of the floor. He’s a fine defender that is constantly looking for a steal and fast break opportunity. Yarbrough can be limited at times when he’s away from the basket but he has all the tools to take his game up a notch. He can run the floor well and can finish at the rim like few others in the area.