Fall Kick-off at Drive 5: Top Performers
Fall is upon us but the summer time grind couldn’t be shinning brighter. This diverse group including guards, wings, and posts players stood out most at the Drive 5 Fall Kick-off tournament. Thatcher Ahlers, G, Olathe West- Jr. One…
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Continue ReadingFall is upon us but the summer time grind couldn’t be shinning brighter. This diverse group including guards, wings, and posts players stood out most at the Drive 5 Fall Kick-off tournament.
Thatcher Ahlers, G, Olathe West- Jr.
One thing you notice watching Thatcher play is his GRIT. He plays with a passion and a drive that gets him involved in every play. It gets him rebounds he wasn’t supposed to get and loose balls that no one else wants to dive for. Not only that, but he has a smoothness offensively that leads to straight buckets. He plays hard and crafty on both ends, all while making good decisions and staying in control. He shoots well and will hit the three if left open. Makes good passes to keep his teammates involved.
Hunter Burkhart, G, Olathe West- Frosh
Shooter Alert! Let’s just say Hunter is hunting for his shot and his teammates know that’s a good thing. He’s very aggressive for a freshman and has a quick trigger if left open for a split-second. Very exciting to watch him run off screens and rain threes. He stays aggressive and ready to shoot with a good handle on the ball when attacking the basket.
Maurice Davis, G, Shawnee Mission Northwest- Soph
Maurice is just relentless in his style of play. He’s a very athletic two-way guard with a quick first step looking to get all the way to the rim. When left open he will hit the three in rhythm. Defensively, he’s in every play getting steals and creating turnovers.
Hobbs Herlihy, 6’0 SF, Lawrence Free State- Jr.
Playing bigger than what he is, Hobbs was noticeably one of the best players on the court. Offensively, he’s a nightmare to guard because he can catch and shoot and score off the dribble. Gets downhill fast with good ball handling and at the basket he’s versatile in ways that lead to finishing with either hand. He’s looking to break you down in every way.
Pearse Long, 6’4 PF, Lawrence High- Jr.
If you’re a couple courts away then you might not notice the highlights from a player like Pearse. But, if you’re truly watching his game then his work is undeniable. He’s a must needed glue guy that holds everything together by doing the dirty work. An athletic forward with length that will rebound, block shots, dive for loose balls, and take a charge. Not only that, but he will knock down mid-range shots and hit the three consistently.
Jaron Lashley, 6’3 PF, Blue Valley North- Frosh
Jaron is a big freshman that dominated his competition over the weekend. He runs the floor very well, which keeps him active and involved in almost every play. There is no stopping his drive when he puts his head down and gets downhill. In the air, he’s taking the contact and looking to finish strong at the rim. I assume those strong finishes at the rim will become emphatic dunks above the rim in a matter of months. He moves well on defense and is quick off his feet for rebounds for a freshman.
Brody Casson, 6’4 C, Olathe South- Jr.
Casson puts the “C” in the word Center. Wow, he was the biggest player in the gym over the weekend and I’m pretty sure he’s taller than 6’4. He’s a traditional big man that plays with heart and soul in the post. He works hard to get the ball and when he had a player on his back, it was usually a bucket or a foul. With a strong upper and lower body it’s hard to match his stature. He rebounds well and protects the paint.