2023: Proving Grounds (Guards)
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We will be looking at guards in the 2023 class who will be looking to prove their stock elevation, back from injury, or ready to make a leap into another level. These guys play with a chip on their shoulders…
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Continue ReadingWe will be looking at guards in the 2023 class who will be looking to prove their stock elevation, back from injury, or ready to make a leap into another level. These guys play with a chip on their shoulders and have a lot of skill, talent, and ability to make things happen on the basketball court.
Eli Oliver Eli Oliver 6'2" | SG Wabaunsee | 2023 State KS , 6’2 Guard, Wabaunsee, SSA Elite 16 White: Oliver was tremendous down the stretch for the surprising state runner up Chargers. He really got his shot going from deep and spaced the floor out tremendously for them and gave them a much needed scoring punch. Oliver has great length out on the perimeter and can be an active and versatile defender. He will looking to prove that the late hot run in the high school season is something that is hear to stay. The 3 point shooting percentage, more aggressive mindset he has, and athletic traits should get him there.
Brian Hawthorne Brian Hawthorne 6'2" | PG St. James | 2023 State KS , 6’1 Point Guard, St James, RUN: Hawthorne blew up this season as being a tremendous piece to the St James program. He helped run the show from the one spot, commanded the offense, pushed with great tempo and made plays in transition, and was extremely strong with the ball and put defenses in tough spots. He has great physical tools for the point guard spot that he backs with a strong IQ. Hawthrone is a solid scorer of the ball, but what he brings elsewhere in his game as a point guard is what really stands out with me and will be fun to see he can do it on a huge stage this grassroots run.
Kellan Simoneau Kellan Simoneau 6'2" | PG Rose Hill | 2023 State KS , 6’2 Guard, Rose Hill, Buddy Buckets: A great catch and shoot guard and tough shot maker off the bounce, Simoneau was an effective guard for the high octane Rose Hill squad this season. He was good in the iso game getting into the mid range and hitting tough jump shots. When he moved on the perimeter and knocked down open 3’s he could really change ball games. The Rose Hill guard is really craty with his handles getting into positions to score. He is a guard who can have a huge momentum swing in his stock this spring and summer.
Kobe Smith Kobe Smith 6'1" | CG Andover Central | 2023 State KS , 6’1 Guard, Wichita Southeast Oz Elite: Smith is an electric playmaking guard who can do a bunch of terrific things with the ball in his hands. His tempo and pace in transition with the ball make him really hard to stop or contain once he gets going, and he has an array of crafty athletic finishes with either hand to finish plays off. He should be a guy that proves he is in that top tier of guards in the 2023 class this spring and summer. Coming off a really solid sophomore campaign for Wichita Southeast where he averaged 9 points, 2 assists, and 4 rebounds per game.
Brian Perry Jr Brian Perry Jr 6'3" | SG Andover Central | 2023 State KS , 6’3 Guard, Andover Central, Oz Elite: A perimeter guard/wing piece I have had my eyes on all season, and this spring and summer he should be out to prove why he is primed for a huge rise in stock. Perry has all the athletic traits to be a terrific two way wing on the perimeter, with active hands, quick feet, and burst off the floor. He is really steady and solid across the board in terms of skill level on both ends of the floor. With an increase in aggressiveness, open floored nature of the grassroots scene, and a high work load, expect Perry to have a big time Grass Roots campaign.