Topeka-area End of Summer Risers – Guards
Some top-flight guards return to the Topeka ranks for 2020, headlined by all-city selections Tre Alexander, Elijah Brooks, Jahi Peppers, Juan’Tario Roberts, Jalen Smith, Jack Hutchinson Jack Hutchinson 6'1" | CG Washburn Rural | 2021 State KS , and Isiah…
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Continue ReadingSome top-flight guards return to the Topeka ranks for 2020, headlined by all-city selections Tre Alexander, Elijah Brooks, Jahi Peppers, Juan’Tario Roberts, Jalen Smith, Jack Hutchinson Jack Hutchinson 6'1" | CG Washburn Rural | 2021 State KS , and Isiah Johnson.
But some up-and-coming guards got a lot of experience on the club circuit this summer and are ready to contend for varsity action this fall.
Here is a look at some of the Topeka-area guards who were the top risers this summer (in alphabetical order and with club and high school and grad year listed):
Jack Bachelor, SSA Black 15U, Washburn Rural, 2023:
Watch for the 6-foot Bachelor to provide some dynamic perimeter shooting to the Junior Blues offense. With a lot of talent returning, Bachelor can work his way into minutes without a ton of pressure. He played some as a freshman, and as he physically matures and he develops his overall game, he will be more than just a three-point threat.
Kaeden Bonner, Kansas Hoggs 16U, Seaman, 2023:
Like Bachelor, Bonner played varsity as a freshman, he carved out a niche as a perimeter shooter. He’s fearless from deep and has a unique stroke. He played up this summer with the 16U version of the Hoggs. Like Bachelor, as Bonner grows physically, he will round out the rest of his game. He applies himself to be a scrappy defender, not backing down from the older competition.
Pearse Bowen, Kansas 94×50 Elite 15U, Washburn Rural, 2023:
A 5-foot-11 sophomore, Bowen will join Bachelor as a backcourt candidate at Rural. He can handle the ball full court, beat defenders off the dribble and create in the lane. He can score in a variety of ways, including from deep. His quickness and determination can make him a good defender.
Jayden Leesman, Kansas Hoggs U17, Topeka High, 2021:
The Trojans were so loaded, the athletic Leesman had trouble getting on the floor. They will need him this year, and his ball handling may be essential to free up the returner Smith. Leesman can shake a defender with his ball creativity and drive to create scoring opportunities for himself and others. His lack of varsity experience will be alleviated somewhat by his time against top competition with the Hoggs.
Jake Muller, SSA Black 15U, Hayden, 2023:
Muller will try to add to his resume which he began with the Hayden varsity as a freshman. With Hayden rebuilding, several sophomores may be in the mix this fall. Muller is a versatile guard/wing who can shoot, penetrate and work the offense. With his quickness and wingspan, the 6-footer can be a contributor on the glass and on defense as well.
Tre Richardson, Kansas 94×50 Elite 15U, Highland Park, 2023:
With Roberts, Peppers and company returning for Highland Park, Richardson may have some trouble cracking the lineup as a sophomore. The Scots are going to be loaded – nothing like when Roberts and Peppers were thrust into the fire as freshmen. But Richardson’s ball-handling skills and quickness will put him in the mix. He’s best on defense, where he combines headiness with quick hands. The 5-foot-11 athlete can facilitate and offense and is trustworthy with the ball in his hands.
Zane Wech, KC United 16U, Washburn Rural, 2022:
Wech will provide the Junior Blues with another shooter. He may not have the ball-handling skills of pure point guard, but he’s a solid dribbler and heady and versatile threat. He will go after rebounds with toughness and savvy, making him a player to get minutes at a variety of spots.