Western Kansans Underclassmen Standing Out
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Summer gives Western Kansas players an opportunity to match up with those they don’t get a chance to see during the high school season. Here are a few 2023s and 2024s from the farthest western part of the state who…
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Continue ReadingSummer gives Western Kansas players an opportunity to match up with those they don’t get a chance to see during the high school season.
Here are a few 2023s and 2024s from the farthest western part of the state who are showing what they can do against elite competition (in alphabetical order):
Emmett Gaskill, 6-foot-2 forward, 2024, Hugoton, SSA Hoops Elite (pictured):
Gaskill plays the role of ‘tweener’ for SSA. He is a solidly built and long guy who could play forward, but also has the ball skills to have the ball in his hands from end to end. He works hard to battle when in the lane, but he spends a lot of time helping bring the ball up the court and move it on the perimeter. He’s a team-first player who screens, passes, and makes sure his teammates have opportunities. But he also has some scoring ability that will help Hugoton out next year.
Griffin Heger, 5-foot-9 guard, 2024, Hugoton SSA Hoops Elite:
A tough and active guard, Heger really gets after it at the defensive end. He also attacks with the ball in his hands, handling it well and getting in the lane to create opportunities. He is capable of hitting the perimeter shot, and he moves the ball well to his teammates.
Alexis Jimenez, 5-foot-10 guard, 2024, Hugoton SSA Hoops Elite:
Jimenez is a team-first point guard who makes good decisions and gets the ball to teammates on time. On-ball defense doesn’t bother him, and he pushes the ball in the open court. Jimenez is a quick, athletic guy who can get in the lane to score.
Jake Underwood, 6-foot-3 forward, 2023, Garden City, Western Kansas Elite:
Toughness and attitude. Underwood brings those attributes by the truckload. He is a team guy who works in the lane with the kind of athleticism that makes him a multi-sport standout. He rebounds, screens, and outlets effectively.
Caleb Wiese Caleb Wiese 6'4" | SF Garden City | 2023 State KS , 6-foot-3 forward, 2023, Garden City, Western Kansas Elite:
A calm leader, it’s no wonder he’s a standout quarterback for Garden City. The multi-sport star has athleticism and toughness that stands out on the court too. He doesn’t do anything flashy, but he is solid in the post and a force at the defensive end. He runs the court and can make plays in transition, particularly following plays.