Sunflower: Tough guys in backcourt
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.
Kris Daniels, G, 2021, Free State
Daniels is a strong guard for his size who adds another weapon from three-point range for Free State. Daniels doesn’t need much space to get his shot off. He has good form and can score with a hand in his face. Also a player who can stay in front of the ball and direct opponents to use their weak hand and does a good job collapsing on the ball and rebounding.
Tommy Dreyer, 6’1, G, 2021, Shawnee Mission East
An underrated performer who has great off ball movement and the range to connectcar from several feet beyond the arc from several sweet spots on the floor. Dreyer is an intelligent player who understands his game and how to contribute in big moments. He’s comfortable in a variety of positions, defending quick ball handlers, getting back in transition and playing with and without the ball in his hands.
Jake Whitehead, 5’9, G, 2021, Olathe East
A fast break specialist, Whitehead is a quick, energetic guard who has good strength and control. He can adjust his shot around the basket and always seems to find enough space to get his shot off. Whitehead has good range as well, able to knock down shots several feet beyond the 3-point line. Whitehead is also a terrific lead defender at the top of the key. He is good at getting a hand on the ball and can jump passing lanes and tip away passes.
Valdez White, 5’10, G, 2020, Lawrence
A solid three-point shooter who has great form and a nice touch. White can find his shot quickly and when he does opponents have to keep an eye on him. He moves well off the ball. White takes good chances on the defensive side of the ball as he applies strong pressure and looks to be active wherever he can.
Cooper Whitley, 6’1, G, 2022, Olathe South
A strong scoring option for Olathe South who can connect from a distance in a variety of spots behind the 3-point arc. Whitley was a stock riser over the summer with team KC, showing leadership, control and strong handles for his age. Whitley can operate as the lead ball handler and also plays well as a scoring option and catch-and-shoot 3-point sniper. He’s a consistent scorer but has a pass-first mentality.
Luke Williams, 5’10, G, 2021, Olathe South
A quick and nimble guard who has good control and a knack for making plays in transition and around the 3-point range. Williams has good speed and looks to get out ahead of the play and score in transition if he has the look. He is also good at kicking off the fast break and can find teammates and hit them in stride for a bucket. Williams has great hands and can force turnovers, block shots in transition and time plays perfectly on both ends of the floor.