February Check In: Under the Radar 2021s
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Continuing the “Check In” series, we will be checking out some of the class of 2021 prospects that are having successful seasons but have been someway or another flying under the radar. These are real quality players that we will…
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Continue ReadingContinuing the “Check In” series, we will be checking out some of the class of 2021 prospects that are having successful seasons but have been someway or another flying under the radar. These are real quality players that we will dive into detail on below.
Kash McPhail, 5’10 Forward, Ashland: Kash is “cash” from distance and the lefty has a great looking shot from deep. He is really good at catch and shoot threes and popping off of screens. McPhail has a great frame and is really strong and hold great position on the floor. His ability to flash, back cut, and post at with his strength makes him really hard to keep out of the paint and he finishes through contact really well. McPhail is averaging 19.5 points and 8.9 rebounds per game for Ashland.
Will Rau, 6’4 Guard, Veritas Christian: Rau is a great all around guard who impacts the game for Veritas in every aspect, but his scoring ability is what really stands out. The Veritas guard hits tough shot after tough shot and he gets to his spots on the floor off the bounce, with his pull jump jumper game being deadly. In the new age of the 3 ball, Rau actually really stands out in the mid range game which can be seen as a ’lost art”. Rau is averaging 21.9 points, 4.6 assists, 8.9 rebounds, and 5 steals per game.
Miles Blandi Miles Blandi 6'4" | SG Blue Valley | 2021 State KS , 6’4 Guard, Blue Valley (Pictured Above): When it comes to Blue Valley hoops, deservedly so, a lot of the coverage revolves around stand out Aidan Shaw Aidan Shaw 6'7" | SF Blue Valley | 2022 State #40 Nation KS but Blandi is putting together a high quality season for Blue Valley and has been a tremendous running mate for Shaw. Blandi is averaging 15.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, and is a do it all type of guard with great length and shooting ability. He is shooting 40% from the 3 point line and shoots it off the catch and shoot at a high level. He can attack close outs well too off the catch while playing well on straight line drives.
Josh Jordan Josh Jordan 6'3" | CG Salina South | 2021 State KS , 6’ Guard, Salina South: Creating a great back court with Devon Junghans Devon Junghans 5'9" | PG Salina South | 2021 State KS , Jordan is helping lead an extremely successful Salina South squad this year. Jordan in his earlier years in high school was mainly a standout athletic monster and dominated games off of pure athleticism. This year, he has grown his game tremendously and showing off the great skill he has developed over his career. Currently with only 1 loss in the season, Jordan has been part of a tremendous back court duo averaging 14.4 points, 2.7 assists, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game. Still has the athletic chops to be a great defender and explosive in transition, but now he has the skill and savvy to play really well in the half-court as well.
Brock Merz, 6’3 Guard, Arkansas City: Down in Arkansas City, Merz has been quietly putting together a great season averaging 13.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.7 steals per game. Merz plays with a ton of energy both on the offensive and defensive sides of the floor. He gets after loose balls, gets deflections, and has games of upwards to 5 steals in a game. I really like how Merz moves along the perimeter, always having his body in position to either attack or catch and shoot. He shoots the 3 ball well and has a nice shooting pocket and gets his shot off quick.
Kris Daniels Kris Daniels 5'10" | PG Free State | 2021 State KS , 5’10 Guard, Free State: An athletic blur of a guard over at Free State, Daniels has been a really solid compliment to Mozae Downing-Rivers Mozae Downing-Rivers 6'3" | PG Free State | 2022 State KS . The energy, effort, and defensive ability will be there every night with Daniels and he can cause a lot of havoc for opposing teams and on the offensive side has the ability to create extra possessions through hustle and hard work. He is averaging 7 points per game as well, which is great compliment to what else he brings to the floor.