Players in the 2023 class might be categorized as combo guards for a variety of reasons. It might be that they played with other talented guards on their club teams and shared ball-handling duty. It might be they were paired with an older, more experienced guard and played off him. Or, as in most cases, they were the most talented player on their team and could fit multiple roles.
For whatever reason they are considered ‘combo’ guards, these guys can do it all – handle the ball, run an offense, drive to the hole, and score from distance. It’s no coincidence that, with 10 guys in the group, they are the second biggest position group in the rankings behind point guards.
Here are the ten small forwards in the first edition of the Kansas 2023 Player Rankings:
9 Jack BachelorJackBachelor6'0" | CGWashburn Rural | 2023StateKS, Washburn Rural:
Playing time was tough to get for the top-ranked team in 6A last year. Yet there was the freshman Bachelor getting called off the bench in some crucial moments. Aside from his considerable talent, Bachelor showed he had high basketball IQ, could be trusted to do the right thing, and wouldn’t crumble under the pressure. Rural
Players in the 2023 class might be categorized as combo guards for a variety of reasons. It might be that they played with other talented guards on their club teams and shared ball-handling duty. It might be they were paired with an older, more experienced guard and played off him. Or, as in most cases, they were the most talented player on their team and could fit multiple roles.
For whatever reason they are considered ‘combo’ guards, these guys can do it all – handle the ball, run an offense, drive to the hole, and score from distance. It’s no coincidence that, with 10 guys in the group, they are the second biggest position group in the rankings behind point guards.
Here are the ten small forwards in the first edition of the Kansas 2023 Player Rankings:
9
Jack BachelorJackBachelor6'0" | CGWashburn Rural | 2023StateKS, Washburn Rural:
Playing time was tough to get for the top-ranked team in 6A last year. Yet there was the freshman Bachelor getting called off the bench in some crucial moments. Aside from his considerable talent, Bachelor showed he had high basketball IQ, could be trusted to do the right thing, and wouldn’t crumble under the pressure. Rural returns a ton of the players on last year’s elite squad, so Bachelor may still play a supporting role. But he has every tool in his toolbox, and will be ready when his number is called. He can shoot from anywhere, handle the ball, and finish with either hand.
11
Kobe SmithKobeSmith6'1" | CGWichita Southeast | 2023StateKS, Wichita Southeast:
The 6-foot-1 Smith is a hard working, athletic and physical guard. He can get in the lane and score, and he has the ability to rebound from the guard spot. He is versatile, with many ways to contribute, starting at the defensive end.
13
Cameron CarrCameronCarr5'10" | CGManhattan | 2023StateKS, Manhattan:
There was no room for a freshman on the senior-dominated Manhattan varsity last year. But Carr isn’t far off from seeing the floor for the Indians. The son of a former NBA star and brother of a women’s college player, Carr has talent and height in his family. He was just 5-foot-11 last season, but is sure to keep growing.
15
Avery JohnsonAveryJohnson6'2" | CGMaize | 2023StateKS, Maize:
Like so many other top ballers in the 2023 class, Johnson is an elite football player as well. The Maize quarterback is leading his team deep into the state playoffs. But come basketball season, the 6-foot-2 guard has a diverse set of skills and tons of athleticism to show off on the court.
23
Wesley FairWesleyFair6'2" | CGWichita Collegiate | 2023StateKS, Wichita Collegiate:
The 6-foot-1 Fair is athletic and excels at the defensive end. He has a speed/strength combination that makes him a tough matchup for a lot of guards. He gets up and down the floor to be involved all the time, and he can drive the ball to the hole with effectiveness.
Other shooting guards in the rankings:
29
Brady StrauszBradyStrausz6'2" | CGAndover | 2023StateKS, Andover
32
Zion YoungZionYoung6'2" | CGCampus | 2023StateKS, Campus
34
Makaen HastingsMakaenHastings5'8" | PGSolomon | 2023StateKS, Solomon
37
Jaxson BrandlJaxsonBrandl6'0" | CGGreeley County | 2023StateKS, Greeley County
38
Braxton LaffertyBraxtonLafferty5'11" | CGLittle River | 2023StateKS, Little River
