Sunflower: A look at underrated performers
With the season nearing its mid-way point, Prep Hoops Kansas takes a look at several players raising their profile in the Sunflower Conference this season. SUNFLOWER Gardner-Edgerton, Lawrence, Lawrence Free State, Olathe Northwest, Olathe East, Olathe North, Olathe South, Olathe…
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Continue ReadingWith the season nearing its mid-way point, Prep Hoops Kansas takes a look at several players raising their profile in the Sunflower Conference this season.
SUNFLOWER
Gardner-Edgerton, Lawrence, Lawrence Free State, Olathe Northwest, Olathe East, Olathe North, Olathe South, Olathe West, Shawnee Mission East, Shawnee Mission North, Shawnee Mission South, Shawnee Mission Northwest, Shawnee Mission West.
Ethan Bentzinger, 5’10, G, 2020, Lawrence
A scrappy guard who has good speed and the ability to finish around the basket. He is a thin player, but has a nice combination of speed, toughness and a strong defensive mindset. Bentzinger just knows how to be physical and make plays.
Ty Black, 6’1, G, 2021, Shawnee Mission Northwest
Another active guard for Northwest who can create for himself and operate as a catch-and-shoot scorer. Black has good hands and a high release point to a shot and solid mobility regardless of the defensive matchup. He is active on both ends of the floor and can create problems for opponents through his perimeter play on defense. He has a nice 3-point shot and can move inside and connect from the free-throw area and around the glass.
Kameron Byers, 6’1, G, 2021, Olathe East
A scrappy defender who has a nice combination of speed, mental toughness and scrappy play. He is an active player who doesn;t have to fill out a stat sheet to make an impact. He can rebound some and stays with the ball and looks to force opponents to use their weak hand and can move them into a trap. He can also connect as a shooter, someone who can find his shot around the glass and from the perimeter.
Christian Carlstedt, G, 2020, Olathe Northwest
Carlstedt is it nice senior guard for Northwest who has a soft touch to a shot. He looks to extend plays with his three-point range and let it fly sometimes five feet beyond the three-point line. He is a solid defensive pressure as well, looking to jump out quickly in a full court press and stay with his man the entire length of the floor. A seasoned player who has a high IQ.
Jason Cullen, 5’11, G, 2021, Shawnee Mission North
Another guard for SMN who looks to run the floor and contest shots on the defensive end. He’s a scrappy player who can come away with the ball and even get up and block shots in transition. Cullen looks to use the offense to find open shots and can score in a variety of ways. He looks too put everything he has into the game and plays strong and physical for a player his size.