Kansas Most Underrated (2018)
Kansas Most Underrated (2018)
Prep Hoops put the question to Twitter a few weeks ago — who are some of the state’s most underrated players?
Here we take a look at several of the players mentioned.
Dasani Giardina, 5’11, PG, 2018, Highland Park
Kid isn’t very big, but is tough as nails. He is a standout shooter from deep, gets to the bucket and finishes off the bounce, and gets to the free throw line. He is putting up big numbers, averaging 18 points per game.
Elijah Griffin, 6’1, G/F, 2018, Topeka West
One of the more unique players you’ll see, Griffin can do it all, from shooting the 3, creating off the bounce and taking his game to the paint where he is an effective post-up player despite his height. He is a good rebounder and defender and is putting together a terrific senior season for a West team that has put together a big season.
Hunter Lewis, 6’4, G, 2018, West Franklin
Lewis is one of the state’s premier small school players who has good size for a shooting guard at 6’4 and has a tough, gritty style of play. He is a standout shooter and shot creator and has a nice pull-up game in the mid-range off the dribble.
Garrett Luinstra, 6’1, PG, 2018, Free State
It’s hard to call a kid that has gotten the amount of press Luinstra has received in the past year underrated, but it is hard to put into context how good a player the 6’1 point guard is for Free State. He handles it, shoots it, gets to the bucket and makes big play after big play. He’s one of the state’s premier players.
Cameron Southern, 6’4, G/F, 2018, Shawnee Mission West
Southern is a strong all-around performer who has the ability to handle the ball, play point forward or take his game to the paint. He is a good outside shooters whose best attribute might be his versatility.
Kenny Stewart, 6’1, G, 2018, Highland Park
Stewart is putting up big offensive numbers this season averaging 19.5 points and 6.0 rebounds per game. He is tough to contain off the dribble, gets to the bucket well and finishes in traffic and around the basket.
Martin Vogts, 6’2, G, 2018, Rock Creek
A talented all-around guard, Vogts has helped lead Rock Creek to a 16-2 record this season, averaging more than 22 points per game. A terrific athlete, Vogts can create off the bounce, finish around the basket and brings a diverse skill set to the court.
Sam Ward, Blue Valley Northwest
We’ve written a lot about Ward’s all-around game as a lead guard but he probably still hasn’t quite gotten the recognition he deserves. He has a smooth 3-point stroke with good range, is a creative ball handler and a good athlete who finishes well in traffirc.
Larry White, 6’5, F, 2018, Topeka
A high flying athlete, White has the ability to play above the rim at both ends of the floor. He can throw down impressive slams, or block shots. Offensively, he is tough to keep off the boards, is a good finisher in traffic and has deep range well beyond the 3-point arc.
Bryce Yoder, 6’3, G/F, 2018, Piper
One of the state’s premier shooters, Yoder has good form and balance from beyond the arc and is a capable all-around scorer as well.