PREVIEW: Kansas’ Top Defenders (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 and skills in the rising senior class.

Below are some of the players that bring it at the defensive end of the floor.

Prep Hoops Kansas takes a look at some of the state's most underrated senior bigs.

Kobe Bonner, 5’10, PG, 2018, Seaman

Bonner helped lead Seaman to the Class 5A state championships in hometown Topeka last season,. He is a tough, defensive-minded point guard who really competes at both ends of the court. He can get in up into opposing ball handlers and create problems with his ball pressure. At the offensive end of the court, he is a willing passer, good leader and a knock down shooter from 3-point range.

Spencer Jones, 6’6, G/F, 2019, Bishop Miege, KC Spurs

An athletic wing with terrific size and length, Jones was mostly known for his ability to simply fit in last year with Bishop Miege, a talented team that captured a state championship. However, Jones is poised for a breakout spring and summer as he brings a diverse and well-rounded skill set to the court. He has elite level athleticism, a strong, powerful frame and good quickness and anticipation at the defensive end. 

Kael Kordonowy, 6’7, F, 2019, Mazie South

Kordonowy is among the state’s premier returning shot blockers after averaging 4.0 blocks per game last season. He is a long 6’7 and is exceptionally quick off his feet. He does a good job holding his ground in the post and brings good timing as a shot blocker to the floor. He averaged 13 points and 10.9 rebounds a year ago and enters the upcoming season as one of the state’s premier big men.

Jared Remington, 6’4, F, 2019, Lansing

Remington is coming off a strong offseason competing fro Drive5 Eltie, a grassroots program based out of Kansas City. He is an athletic player who plays with a big motor and is seemingly all over the floor. He averaged 13.7 points and 4.2 rebounds per game last season at Lansing, but the number that stands out is his 2.1 blocks per game, an impressive number for a 6’4 forward.

Trey Sides, 6’2, G, 2019, Phillipsburg

Sides was a revelation this summer competing for Western Kansas Elite and raised his stock among college coaches and scouts and the attention has mostly been on his offensive skills where he is a terrific ball handler shooter and passer. But Sides also brings the ability to defend at a high level as he uses a combination of basketball IQ and terrific athleticism to lock up opposing players. Sides was among the state’s top leaders in steals last season averaging 3.7 per game.