Grassroots Team Preview: SSA Elite
Coached by former Kansas State guard Will Spradling, SSA Basketball is
earning a reputation as one of Kansas’ up-and-coming programs with
several teams in a host of age groups.
The squad will opening this weekend at the Prep Hoops Spring Kick Off in Denver.
SSA 17U Black
Mikey Wycoff, 6’1, G, Link Prep, Mo.
After putting together a big season at Bishop Seabury, Wycoff plans to attend Link Prep in Branson, Mo. He was one of the premier all-around players in the state last season.
Zach McDermott, 6’2, PG, 2018, Bishop Seabury
A strong, athletic guard, McDermott is a play maker who will help make SSA Elite go.
DeShawn Hanika, 6’5, F, Topeka Hayden
Hanika spent much of the season focused on playing inside for his high school squad, but brings a versatile skill set to the court and is capable of playing on the perimeter as well. He is an athletic player
with the ability to knock down perimeter shots and runs the floor well.
Gabe Pieschl, 6’2 G, Marysville
Averaged nearly 23 points per game and led Marysville to a 3A state championship. A 6’2 wing player, Pieschl is a consistent player who has some athleticism and long arms. Is a good shooter who can also put the ball on the floor and is a solid arll-around player.
Jack Hamilton, 6’1, SG, 2018, Washburn Rural
A strong, physical player that can guard any position due to his strength. Is a glue-guy who gets on the boards and is willing to dive on the floor.
Tyler White, 6’4, F/G, 2018, Shawnee Heights
A terrific outside shooter who had several 30-point games last season for SSA Elite last season for the 16U. White is a player who can get hot and light up the scoreboard.
John Ostermann, 6’0, SG, 2018, Manhattan
Also a terrific outside shooter, Ostermann is another hustle player who gets after things on defense. Also has a good pull-up jumper and utilizes head fakes well to create mid-range shots.
Nate Aubrey, 6’1, SG, 2018, Manhattan
Finished the season strong for Manhattan and enters the spring slate with SSA with a lot of confidence in his game. Has a good change of pace in his game, handles the ball and can get in the paint.
Xavier Cason, 6’5, PF, 2018, Junction City
A football player-type power forward, Cason brings size and strength to the paint. He is a good finisher around the basket and clears out the paint and will serve as an anchor for the SSA defense.
SSA 17U White
Jay Wilson, 6’3, PG, 2018, Emporia
A talented point guard type that has a lot of upside. Is a solid all-around player who controls the tempo well. Can knock down shots when open and is a good distributor. Defensively he is long and athletic and gets into players.
Kendall Sutton, 6’0, G, 2017, Topeka Hayden
An unsigned senior that is a terrific athlete who shoots it well and gets after opponents defensively.
Anthony Enneking, 6’3, SF, 2018, Clay Center
Is a good shooter who brings defensive versatility to the court. He averaged a team-high 12.4 points and 7.5 rebounds this past season for Clay Center. Will play some guard and post this spring. Can get the bucket and finish with both hands.
Carter Wildey, 6’2, SG, 2017, Abilene
Also headed to the prep school route with plans to go to IMG Academy. Is a good shooter that brings some size to the court and is a lock down defender.
Deandre Eaves, 6’2, G/F, 2018, Junction City
A physical player with the ability to mix it up in the paint and defensively. Able to post up or face up and drive past his man. Is also good passer and distributor.
Hayden Federico, 6’4, F, 2018, Topeka Hayden
A terrific interior player who is very physical and can defend in the post, even against bigger players. Can also knock down outside shots as well.
Michael Wiggins, 6’1, G, 2018, Manhattan
A terrific leaper with a strong frame, Wiggins is raw at the offensive end but is a good defender and rebounder and runs the floor well in transition.
Caleb Jordan, 5’9, PG, 2018, Sacred Heart
A first-team all-state selection in 2A, Jordan averaged 18 points per game this season at Sacred Heart.Is an undersized guard, but has a high basketball IQ and is a good outside shooter. Pushes the ball in transition and has a nice floater game in the lane.
Bonzi King, 6’1, SG, 2018, Bishop Seabury
A terrific outside shooter.
Raymond Swopes, 6’0, G, 2018, Washburn Rural
Another terrific outside shooter for SSA Elite.
SSA 16U Black
Levi Braun, 6’2, SG, 2019, Topeka Hayden
Has grown over the past year and is a bouncy athlete. Is a good ballhandler and can play either the point or shooting guard position. He is a terrific outside shooter and finishes well around the basket.
Brett Chapple, 6’4, SF, 2019, Lawrence
A walking double-double who is a terrific rebounder and garbage player who gets a lot of points off offensive rebounds and basket cuts.Is a versatile defender who works hard at both ends of the court.
Armahn Downing, 5’11, PG, 2019, Washburn Rural
Quick, athletic player who is a good defender and pressures the ball. Is good at pushing the ball in transition and finding open shooters.
Mason Griffin, 6’0, G, 2019, Silver Lake
Averaged 19 points per game as a sophomore this past season and has unlimited range. Will shoot from 5-6 feet from beyond the arc. Has added a pull up jumper to his game as well.
AJ Dickerson, 63, G, 2019, Junction City
Athletic player that can play either the 3 or 4, but also handles the ball and can guard a post player as well. Is a good outside shooter and capable of attacking the basket.
Dyelan Reed, 6’3, G, 2019, Concordia
A first-team all-conference performer this year, Reid is a glue-guy type player who can shoot the ball. Doesn’t force shots.
Lawson Monico, 6’2, PG, 2019, Manhattan
Has grown over the past year and is takes care of the ball. Has a good pull-up jumper and can shoot out to the 3-point line as well.
Aaron Hamilton, 5’9, PG, 2019, Junction City
One of the fastest players in the state, Hamilton can serve as a one-man press and gets after opponents.
Grant Cooney, 6’6, F, 2019, Shawnee Heights
A much improved player over the past year, Cooney is a physical player who can also step out and shoot 3-pointers. Is a consistent outside shooter.
Trey Duffey, 6’4, F, 2019, Topeka Seaman
A good post players with a high motor. Does a good job of fronting post players and frustrates opponents with his energy.
SSA 16U White
Savion Edwards, 5’8, PG, 2019, Washburn Rural
Trey Huslig, 5’10, G, 2019, Veritas
Quinton Donohoe, 5’11, SG, 2019, Veritas
Zane Moylan, 6’4, G, 2019, Holton
Jonah Artis, 6’3, G/F, 2019, Junction City
TJ Fritz, 6’3, F, 2019, Riley County
Charlie Roeder, 5’10, PG, 2019, Topeka Hayden
James Hall, 6’2, G/F, 2019, Junction City
Lozano Lovitt, 6’6. F, 209, Chapman
John Long, 2019, Junction City