Topeka-area End of Summer Risers – Wings
City Player of the Year Joe Berry Joe Berry 6'4" | CG Washburn Rural | 2021 State KS undoubtedly leads all returning wings in Topeka. But Berry won’t stand alone in 2020. Some up-and-coming wings got a lot of experience…
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Continue ReadingCity Player of the Year Joe Berry Joe Berry 6'4" | CG Washburn Rural | 2021 State KS undoubtedly leads all returning wings in Topeka.
But Berry won’t stand alone in 2020. Some up-and-coming wings 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 wings who were the top risers this summer (in alphabetical order and with club and high school and grad year listed):
Wyatt Conklin, SSA Black 15U, Washburn Rural, 2023:
Conklin can get in the lane and mix it up. he’s got a mature build and is physical. The 6-foot-2 sophomore gets after the boards and can provide some toughness on the defensive end to the Junior Blues. But he also can shoot it from deep and has confidence to let it loose. He is athletic enough to drive the ball and score in traffic.
Trent Duffey SSA White, Hayden, 2022:
Scrappy and intense are words that come to mind when you think about the 6-foot junior. He’s got a versatile game and plays effectively in the lane. He drives relentlessly to the goal, but can kick to open teammates as well as go all the way to the hole. He can knock down midrange and 3-point shots and handle the ball. On defense is a non-stop force, creating trouble for dribblers and passers.
Mason Gomez, Kansas 94×50 Elite 15U, Topeka West, 2023:
The 6-foot-2 Gomez is a versatile offensive performer. He can handle the ball end to end and create mismatches and openings for teammates. He can shoot and is tough enough to work inside. His size make him a tough matchup for opposing guards, and his athleticism will be a challenge for bigger men to match.
Kaden Ireland, Kansas Hoggs 16U, Seaman, 2022:
Ireland is sort of an anomaly. He plays the game like a wing, but at 6-foot, he is built more like a guard. But he is athletic and physical enough to get it done inside, which makes him tough for opponents to figure out. He is solidly built and can be a demon on defense with his quickness and leverage. He can shoot from the perimeter, but will make most of his impact by rebounding, getting out in the open floor and taking the ball to bigger defenders.
Quincey Kidd, KC United 16U, Washburn Rural, 2022:
Though he plays a similar position to Berry, Kidd saw some action on varsity last year. His role should grow this season. He’s smooth and versatile as a 6-foot-2 wing that can put in on the floor end to end. He can shoot from the perimeter or take the ball inside. His versatility should open doors for more playing time, and his ability to defend and rebound will determine how the Junior Blues will use him.
Tre Morris, Kansas 94×50 Elite 15U, Washburn Rural, 2023:
Yet another candidate for playing time at Rural, Morris is an athletic 6-foot-1 sophomore who might contribute this year. He can handle the ball and score in the midrange, on the run, or from deep. He moves well, catching the ball in the lane and making things happen.
Casen Stallbaumer, Kansas Hoggs 16U, Seaman, 2022:
The rebuilding Vikings have a lot of good options at guard. But they need someone to rebound and defend and provide some athleticism. Stallbaumer might fit the bill. He can shoot it from deep, but Seaman has plenty of shooting. He can handle the ball, but Seaman has ball handlers. With his long arms and toughness inside, the 6-foot-2 Stallbaumer can create a spot for himself by doing the dirty work. His versatility will be what makes him a fit with the bevy of guards returning for the Vikings.