New Guards Added to 2023 Rankings

Taking a look at the new group of guards who have earned their way on to our 2023 rankings list. A really fun group to follow and see how the rest of their career develops over time as some of these names started to really hit their strides late in the season.   #34- Keller Hurla Keller Hurla 5'9" | CG St. Marys | 2023 State KS , 5’9 Guard, St Marys: Hurla exploded on to the scene this year taking on a bigger role for a very successful St Mary’s team this year that saw itself get a league title and make the sub state championship game. He is an elite level shooter, attacks closeouts off the dribble and has a nice floater game to compliment his shooting. He is continuing to get better as a playmaker as well getting guys great shots off of his ability to suck defenders over. Last 7 games of the year he was over 17 points per game and put up some big time numbers in huge games.   #35- Brian Hawthorne Brian Hawthorne 6'1" | PG St. James | 2023 State KS , 6’1 Point Guard, St James: Hawthorne helped formed one of the better guard duo’s in the KC area with 2021 Guard Michael Cahill Michael Cahill 5'11" | PG St James | 2021 State KS , and the young Hawthorne really helped give the Thunder a great option in the back court. He hovered around 10 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3 assists per game on the year with highlight performances against Free State and Shawnee Mission East on the season, especially in the East game scoring 16 points, grabbing 7 rebounds, and dishing out 3 assists. He has great size and court vision and he is someone who is going to get even better as time progresses.   #41- Daron Davis Daron Davis 5'10" | PG Caney Valley | 2023 State KS , 5’9 Point Guard, Caney Valley (Pictured): Packing a lot of punch in his frame, Davis is a strong physical guard with great passing and play making ability. He also does a great job at creating space with the ball in his hands and is a knock down pull up jump shooter. He is good at attacking gaps as well. His teammates love him as he is really good at hitting guys in tight spaces leading to assists or great scoring opportunities.   #42- Landon Kaufman Landon Kaufman 5'9" | PG Moundridge | 2023 State KS , 5’9 Point Guard, Moundbridge: Coming off a really successful freshman campaign, Kaufman showed a great improvement in his game. He scores the ball extremely well and is capable of getting his shot off in a variety of ways. As of last checking, he was averaging roughly 20.4 points per game and 4.2 assists per game.    #55- Hunter Vaughn Hunter Vaughn 5'11" | CG Colby | 2023 State KS , 5’11 Guard, Colby: A really solid all around guard out at Colby. Plays well in their system out there and has some skill with the ball in his hands. Handles pressure well and is crafty with his drives to the rim and has a nice package of moves to play with. Good passer and finds open teammates extremely well and also can really guard other teams lead guards. Can get under guys and really cause some problems for offensive players.   #59- Jack Wright Jack Wright 6'2" | CG Wellington | 2023 State KS , 6’2 Guard, Wellington: Has great size and length and plays well in transition whether it is running wide or initiating the break on his own. Also a great shooter especially on catch and shoot situations and does a great job of making extra passes and not settling or forcing the issue on offense. He is someone who I think could take a pretty big jump next year.   #60- Eli Oliver Eli Oliver 6'1" | SG Wabaunsee | 2023 State KS , 6’1 Guard, Wabaunsee: The Chargers season turn around and state tourney run came with a big spark in play by Oliver. The lanky guard has shot the ball from 3 extremely well, has played much more aggressive, and confident. He has had a big second half to the season and if they make noise in the state tournament, he should be a big reason why. He can guard multiple positions on defense, and at the time of checking stats, he had jumped his scoring to over 12 per game in a 6 game stretch.   #62- Kyler Keller Kyler Keller 6'1" | SG Syracuse | 2023 State KS , 6’1 Guard, Syracuse: Has good size, shoots the ball well from the outside, and a really smart defender. He plays really aggressive on both ends of the floor, especially playing in passing lanes. Does a good job of putting pressure on defenses and getting to the foul line.   #63- Kade Harris Kade Harris 5'11" | CG State KS , 5’11 Guard, TMP: A really athletic multiple sport athlete who moves well on the basically court. His athleticism makes him really tough to guard in transition. He is quick on the defensive end as well and does a good job of guarding good guards. TMP has put together a solid season and Harris has played a pivotal role in the campaign.