The Final Four: Stat Sheet Stuffers
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The NCAA tournament has narrowed its field to four remaining teams – the illustrious Final Four. In recognition of that theme, Prep Hoops will announce a series of “Final Fours” this week. This will be four players selected for their…
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Continue ReadingThe NCAA tournament has narrowed its field to four remaining teams – the illustrious Final Four.
In recognition of that theme, Prep Hoops will announce a series of “Final Fours” this week.
This will be four players selected for their demonstration of a specific trait, regardless of school size and graduation class.
Here are Kansas’ Final Four Stat Sheet Stuffers (in alphabetical order):
Jaxson Brandl Jaxson Brandl 6'2" | CG Greeley County | 2023 State KS , 6-foot guard, 2023, Greeley County:
Nobody stuffed the stat sheet this season like Brandl. He led Greeley County to the 1A Div. II championship, primarily with his scoring. His 76 points were six more than anyone else scored in any level of the state tournaments. But during the season, he did everything. Brandl racked up 22.6 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 3.6 steals, and even 1.2 blocks.
Bailey Sides Bailey Sides 6'0" | CG Northern Valley | 2022 State KS , 6-foot guard, 2022, Northern Valley:
Sides did everything possible at both ends as the senior leader of the Huskies. He got his teammates involved with an impressive 5.9 assists per game, and he ripped off a crazy 5.1 steals per outing. Add that to his 14.1 points and 6.5 rebounds and you’ve got one versatile guard.
Aidan Shaw Aidan Shaw 6'7" | SF Blue Valley | 2022 State #40 Nation KS , 6-foot-7 forward, 2022, Blue Valley (pictured):
We got two from small schools. Let’s get a couple from the big schools. Shaw averaged a near double-double with 19.7 points and 9.6 rebounds. But those facts don’t tell the story of his versatility. Check out these stats: 3.2 blocks and 2.9 3-pointers per game. The Mizzou commit’s combination of length, explosiveness and ball skills make him a guy who might just stuff the stat sheet at the SEC level too.
TJ Williams TJ Williams 6'5" | SG Wichita Heights | 2024 State #176 Nation KS , 6-foot-4 guard, 2024, Wichita Heights:
Arguably the best non-senior in the state, Williams wore every hat for the Falcons this year, and it was on display at the state tournament, where he defended the post, but also played the top of a 3-2 zone, jumping into passing lanes and running out on shooters. When the Falcons wanted to control the tempo, the ball was more often than not in this guys hands like a point guard. His stats may not jump out at you, but the diversity of his contribution to the best team in the state should. As a sophomore he averaged 13.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.8 steals, 1.3 blocks. In the semifinal game against Olathe West, he led the team in rebounds and assists.