Plenty of Buzz at this years Kansas State Tournament

With players such as Clint McCullough (2012 St. James Academy), Gavin Thurman (2012 Wichita Southeast), Deonte Hooks (2010 Harmon) and AJ Spencer (2011 SM Northwest) missing from the Kansas state high school tournament, you would think some of the individual performances worth seeing might have been missing, too. In fact, this year may have been one of the more memorable on record.

The 6A tourney opened up with a quarterfinal OT battle between Shawnee Mission South and Blue Valley North with Will Spradling (2010 commit to Kansas State) finishing with 34 but falling short to North and its senior guard Sean McLarren, who ended with 21. It is fun to watch Spradling's command of the court and his effortless scoring, but in the end, he could not control the overtime as his high school career ended with over 1000 points and a place in KC's high school hall of legends. Blue Valley Northwest handled Blue Valley North in the next night's semi-final led by senior Tyler Brashears, who went for 25 points and 7 rebounds. Brashears is a whirling mix of slashing and finishing and carried the Huskies all season.

Another 6A quarterfinal saw Kansas State commit Nino Williams (2011) lead all scorers with 18 points as his Leavenworth team advanced over Maize. Williams is a tremendous athlete with shooting range and finishing ability, and with his team trailing most of the game, he came up with huge baskets and a block down the stretch to seal the game.

You can't talk about Kansas high school basketball without talking about top 10 national player Perry Ellis (2012) and Wichita Heights. Despite being double and triple teamed throughout the tournament, Ellis (the reigning 6A player of the year and only player in history to win the award as a freshman) was solid in all ways throughout the tournament finishing with averages of 18 points, 9 rebounds and three blocks. Teammate Evan Wessel (2011 commit to Wichita State) was also solid with big rebounding performances and perimeter shooting, The highlight of the tournament may have been the semi final match-up between Heights and Leavenworth, where two of the state's best players did battle. Ellis, who may be headed to KU, against Leavenworth's Williams was intriguing because they could hook-up in future Big 12 battles many more times. On this night, Williams was the better player and essentially kept his team close, but after fouling out in the fourth quarter, Heights went on to win the semi-final game. The next night, Heights handled Blue Valley Northwest easily behind Ellis's 20 and 11 to win the 6A state championship.

Other top performers in the 6A Final Eight:

Kyle Wiggins (2011) – 6'0 PG – Leavenworth – quick and can score as well as one of the better defenders in the tourney
Dreamius Smith (2011) – 5'11" PG – Wichita Heights – plays in the shadow of Ellis and Evan Wessel but solid at the point as well as big-time running back on football field
Wes Ehlers (2010) – 6'3" SG – Blue Valley North – a terrific scorer off the dribble, who had multiple 25 point games this year

Kansas 5A would best be described as Bishop Miege (ranked 31st nationally and undefeated) versus everyone else. And Miege was never really challenged as seniors Trevor Releford (2010 commit to Alabama) and Justin McCay (2010 commit to Oklahoma (ftbl)) dominated games on both ends. Complementing the two seniors, Curtis Okafor (6'4" junior) and Rodney Givens (2010 6'1" SG) made life difficult for Bishop Carroll, Gardner-Edgerton and Topeka West en route to Miege's state championship and undefeated season. Could be the best high school team in Kansas City history with three D1 players and a blue-chip football recruit. 6'6" Alex North (senior headed to Washburn University) led Topeka West into the finals with 24 points in semi-final upset of McPherson before falling to Miege.

Other top performers in 5A Final Eight:

Bubba Starling - (2011) – 6'5" SF – Gardner-Edgerton – had 25 points and 14 rebounds in 3rd place game
Connor Langrehr - (2010) – 6'3" SG – Gardner-Edgerton – son of the coach and plays like it; solid and hard-working with two double-doubles in tourney
TreVaughn White - (2011) – 5'10" PG – Washington – a pure scorer who would be a find for teams looking for a transition PG

In Kansas 4A, prohibitive favorite Sumner Academy needed OT to beat Topeka Hayden in the first round and then cruised to the state championship behind a collection of athletes. It was not only Reese Holliday (2010 commit to Wisconsin GB) that came up big but also 5'6" Bennie Parker (2012) who used his speed and unrelenting defense to score 20 points in the first round win. Holliday, who at 6'5" and 210 pounds was the most dominant athlete in 4A this year, had some nice games in the tourney including 22 and 10 in the final, but Parker and 6'5" Eli Alexander (2011) also made great contributions. Sumner easily beat Ottawa in the final, a team that features three fine players: 5'10" Adam Hasty (2011) is a nice PG with great court awareness and a terrific shooting touch; Kevin Barber (2010 who is likely headed to Butler CC) is 6'3" and extremely athletic; and freshman 6'6" Semi Ojeleye, who has turned heads all year and recently made a trip to Iowa to workout with Harrison Barnes. Kurt Walker (2011 PG) of Topeka Hayden impressed in semi-final game versus Sumner with balance of scoring and playmaking, and although only 5'11" could be nice D2 player.

One of the big questions of the tournament was about 6'10" sophomore Willie Cauley and his 2A Spearville High School squad. Cauley, who was just featured in SLAM Magazine as one of the nations "best unknowns" plays on a small stage in western Kansas. And, we wondered if the smaller, less equipped competition could control his size and athletic ability. Well, the 22-1 Lancers had that question answered in the first round as 13-9 Nemaha Valley upset them 52-48. Cauley struggled from the field against double and triple teams and was unable to control the game from the post, even with 13 rebounds and 9 blocks. Cauley, who is soft-spoken and not yet ready to assert himself physically, says he is currently leaning to Oklahoma State in his recruiting process.

There is nothing like high school playoff basketball, and the Kansas tournaments in 2010 offered great performances and some teams that will go down as some of the best in recent memory.
 

In June, the would-be blue chip prospect got his chance when he joined Matt Suther's MOKAN Elite 15s team and made an immediate impact at a high level. "I don't think we would have won the LA {Double Pump} tourney without him," says Coach Suther. In the championship game alone, he probably had seven blocked shots and 20 rebounds." In fact, those of us who saw him at the Hoops City Classic and then again in Los Angeles recognized real progress in his game in just a matter of weeks. Clearly he is not currently as prolific a scorer as Ellis or Gavin Thurman (another top player from Wichita), but as he grows into his body and learns more about the post skill-set, he can be a scorer at the next level. And, he already runs the floor extremely well, with good feet and hands. "Yeh, I have a lot to learn offensively and I need to play hard all the time," admits Cauley. Coaches who have now seen him play tell us that if he works on his physique, he has a

chance to be a big impact player at the next level.

In any case, the star of Spearville High School, enrollment 100, should be on many more recruiting radar screens. Although NY2LA has placed him in their top rankings, Scout.com has no mention and Rivals.com has only a listing with no photo or rating. Even astute basketball fans in close-by Kansas City have very little knowledge of his basketball talents. "I haven't seen him play and really don't know much about him" has been a common refrain among AAU and high school coaches here. But Coach Suther sees a star emerging. "Once he gets the confidence that he can take over games, he has a chance to play at a very high level." And programs have started to notice. Schools such as Arizona, Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas State, Notre Dame, Oklahoma and Purdue have recently ratcheted up the attention for Cauley. "I have heard from at least ten schools in the last six weeks," says Suther. "Willie has so much upside and the fact that he is incredibly coachable makes him all the more valuable." Kansas State offered the big man in recent weeks.. In addition to averaging 22 points, 17 rebounds and 7 blocks for the Spearville Lancers thus far in 2009-10, Cauley makes a lot of time for pursuits outside of hoops. "I really like hanging with my friends and listening to music," Cauley says. And being around him, you get the sense that his quiet, calming presence allows him to play without much bothering him on the court. "My teammates have been really supportive and excited for me," he quickly points out. In our recent rankings of Kansas City area players, we placed Cauley ahead of Perry Ellis and heard a lot of negative feedback from fans and some coaches. Based on his upside and ability to make an impact at the collegiate level, we continue to believe he has the potential to be a big-time player (as does Ellis), and we like his size as the real differentiator. It's still early in the basketball life of Willie Cauley, but his raw talent, desire and coachability tell us he should be considered one of the top centers in the 2012 class. In early 2009, about as many people had heard of sophomore WIllie Cauley as had heard of his hometown, Spearville, KS. This despite his father being a collegiate star at Pittsburgh and even though his natural athletic gifts and seven foot wingspan seem quite obvious. Perhaps his relative anonymity can be explained by the fact that Cauley comes from western Kansas or maybe it is because he hails from the same state as Perry Ellis, one of the top five players nationally in the same class. Or, just maybe, it's hard to evaluate a 6'10" 15 year-old without seeing him against top-shelf competition. In June, the would-be blue chip prospect got his chance when he joined Matt Suther's MOKAN Elite 15s team and made an immediate impact at a high level. "I don't think we would have won the LA {Double Pump} tourney without him," says Coach Suther. In the championship game alone, he probably had seven blocked shots and 20 rebounds." And in fact, those of us who saw him at the Hoops City Classic and then again in Los Angeles recognized real progress in his game in just a matter of weeks. Clearly he is not currently as prolific a scorer as Ellis or Gavin Thurman (another top player from Wichita), but as he grows into his body and learns more about the post skill-set, he can be a scorer at the next level. And, he already runs the floor extremely well, with good feet and hands. "Yeh, I have a lot to learn offensively and I need to play hard all the time," admits Cauley. Coaches who have now seen him play tell us that if he works on his physique, he has a chance to be a big impact player at the next level. In any case, the star of Spearville High School, enrollment 100, should be on many more recruiting radar screens. Although NY2LA has placed him in their top rankings, Scout.com has no mention and Rivals.com has only a listing with no photo or rating. Even astute basketball fans in close-by Kansas City have very little knowledge of his basketball talents. "I haven't seen him play and really don't know much about him" has been a common refrain among AAU and high school coaches here. But Coach Suther sees a star emerging. "Once he gets the confidence that he can take over games, he has a chance to play at a very high level." And programs have started to notice. Schools such as Arizona, Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas State, Notre Dame, Oklahoma and Purdue have recently ratcheted up the attention for Cauley. "I have heard from at least ten schools in the last six weeks," says Suther. "Willie has so much upside and the fact that he is incredibly coachable makes him all the more valuable." Kansas State offered the big man in recent weeks.. In addition to averaging 22 points, 17 rebounds and 7 blocks for the Spearville Lancers thus far in 2009-10, Cauley makes a lot of time for pursuits outside of hoops. "I really like hanging with my friends and listening to music," Cauley says. And being around him, you get the sense that his quiet, calming presence allows him to play without much bothering him on the court. "My teammates have been really supportive and excited for me," he quickly points out. In our recent rankings of Kansas City area players, we placed Cauley ahead of Perry Ellis and heard a lot of negative feedback from fans and some coaches. Based on his upside and ability to make an impact at the collegiate level, we continue to believe he has the potential to be a big-time player (as does Ellis), and we like his size as the real differentiator. It's still early in the basketball life of Willie Cauley, but his raw talent, desire and coachability tell us he could become one of the top centers in the 2012 class.

After seeing summer play, making open gym rounds this fall and talking to the area’s coaches and prep reporters, here is our look at the top players in the 2011 and 2012 classes.

CLASS OF 2011

1. Nino Williams – Leavenworth High School – This transfer from St. Louis made his mark as a sophomore and continued his rise over the summer playing for MOKAN Elite. At 6’5”, he can shoot and attack the basket from 20 feet, and he is among the better athletes from KC since Jaron Rush. As a small forward, he has excellent mid-range skills and shows no fear in mixing it up. He has committed to Kansas State and may be off to prep school as a senior next year.

2. AJ Spencer – Shawnee Mission Northwest – Playing for KC Pump ‘N Run, Spencer had a terrific summer and returns to the Cougars with a talented supporting cast. The 6’5” Spencer can shoot, is extremely long and as a lefty presents problems for defenders when he faces the basket. Most of the Missouri Valley as well as schools such as Santa Clara are interested.

3. David Kravish – Lee’s Summit North – At 6’9”, Kravish was raw as a sophomore but has greatly improved over the summer with markedly better feet and ability to post-finish around the basket. He still is thin-framed but can run and jump, and he should be primed for a big season, especially as the Broncos welcome 6’8” frosh Tory Miller as a bookend in the lineup. Schools such as Iowa State are now on his trail.

4. Jevon Lyle – O’Hara – At one point in his early career, Lyle was considered one of the Top 40 players in the country and has had an up and down high school career. However, his summer circuit play for KC Pump N Run cemented his place as a talented point guard who can run the floor and attack offensively and defensively. He has committed to Northern Iowa.

5. Tyler Rambo – Grandview – After the Bulldogs produced standout Alec Burks (Colorado) last year; they are set to graduate another outstanding guard in Rambo. At 6’4”, 195, he is hard to guard and has a slashing game that harkens to a bigger version of Burks. He has Colorado, Iowa State and Nebraska in the hunt.

6. Evan Wessel – Because he will play along side Perry Ellis at Wichita Heights, we like this young point guard to have an outstanding season. Already offered by Wichita State, he is also being followed by a number of Big 12 and Missouri Valley schools, and at 6’3” is an athlete with opportunities to play at the next level in football and basketball.

Sleeper Alert – Rozell Nunn, a talented combo guard at Schlagle High School, missed his sophomore season because of injury and has flown beneath the radar for many recruiting services. But this kid can really go and will score in transition as well as in structured offense. Once he is widely seen, he will turn heads at the mid-major level. We also like a point guard that no one is talking about – Derek Cole at Olathe South. He is extremely quick and can move a team up and down in transition with tremendous savvy. Relegated to a small role as a sophomore because of South’s deep talent, he will play a major role this year and could command some attention from mid-majors.

Other players from the 2011 class to keep tabs on:

· Avery Dingman – 6’4” SF – Branson

· Corey Hillard – 6’1” SG – Raytown

· DJ Jackson – 6’0” PG – O’Hara

· Tyler Kalinowski – 6’2” SG – Olathe East

· Justin Miller – 6’1” PG/SG – Columbia Rockbridge

· Curtis Okafor – 6’4” SF – Bishop Miege

CLASS OF 2012

1. Willie Cauley – I’m sure most insiders will think it’s crazy, but we actually think Cauley has more upside than Perry Ellis. At 6’10”, he is a natural shot blocker and can run the floor as well as any young big man we saw this summer. His skills and body are just starting to really mature, and his AAU coaches at MOKAN Elite love his work ethic and mental makeup. He has already been offered by Kansas State and San Diego State, but he will get much more high major interest this year.

2. Perry Ellis – Not much more you can say here that has not already been said, and as the only freshman to ever be 6A player of the year in Kansas, Ellis is a true talent. But, he must develop a better mid-range game, and some are questioning his true size as a four. Either way, he will definitely be one of the best high school players in the history of the area.

3. Nathan Jackson – At 6’5” and still growing, this Wichita East wing is extremely athletic, long and tough-nosed. He was not in our 2012 top five six months ago, but watching him this fall, we get the sense that he will continue to get better, stronger and more skilled. Wichita State and Oregon State are among the teams watching closely.

4. Clint McCullough – This St. James Academy sophomore is one of Kansas City’s best power forwards. At 6’6” and growing, he has a solid mid-range game and is extremely gritty inside. He is also a top-notch student with an ACT score in the 30s. Stanford, Vanderbilt and Kansas are interested and Kansas State has already offered.

5. Gavin Thurman – Thurman is 6’6” and can really shoot from 12 feet and in. As another talented Wichita Player (Southeast), he has the attention of the Shockers as well as KU, Kansas State and Tulsa. Still too early to know whether he will be more effective as a three or four.

6. Bennie Parker – He is, no doubt, undersized but Parker’s speed with the ball and ability to guard made him one of the city’s most dangerous guards as a freshman. At 5’6”, programs may have to take a leap of faith, but Parker is a game changer in the open court and will have a big soph year.

Sleeper Alert – Anthony Buffalomeat, a smooth 6’4” two/three from Lawrence, has a chance to be extremely good. He is long, quick and presents real match-up problems for defenders. As a three-sport athlete, he does not spend as much time in the summer basketball spotlight but should see a lot of varsity time at Lawrence High this year. Bubba Starling at Gardner-Edgerton is also a quality player receiving little attention, but he will likely sign with a big-time football or baseball program.

Other players from a very deep 2012 class to watch:

· Zach Large – 6’3” SG – Truman

· Ryan Murphy – 6’5” SF – Basehor

· KJ Pritchard – 6’2” SG – Lawrence

· Davis Reid – 6’2” PG/SG – Olathe Northwest

· Shavon Shields – 6’4” SF – Olathe Northwest

· Dominique Wilson – 6′9″ PF – Piper

If you thought the last two years were good for Kansas City’s production of collegiate talent, the next two should be even better.

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So on the eve of the new prep season, let’s take a look at the players and teams that should play a big role in the city.

Top Players in the KC Metro

Senior Trevor Releford (Bishop Miege) should lead the discussion. Not only is the point guard considered to be one of the best in the country, but also his summer performance with KC Pump N Run has started a recruiting war between Alabama, Arizona and Oklahoma. With a very different style of play, Will Spradling (Shawnee Mission South – 2010) has to be among the finest guards the city has ever produced. Already committed to Kansas State, his combination of deadly shooting and court savvy has produced a player that is a must-see for high school purists. Senior Frank Williams (Raytown) had a breakout summer with MOKAN Elite and as a result was invited to the prestigious Paul Pierce Nike Skills Camp. The 6’5” Williams is extremely long, athletic and can shoot the lights out. Though just a junior, Nino Williams (Leavenworth), will be one of the city’s major impact players. Great range, an unbelievable finisher, and as athletic a two guard as you will find, he already has Big 12 and Pac 10 offers. 6’8” Dillon Starzl (Kearney) and 6’7” Steve Carver (SM Northwest) lead the class of big men. Starzl is a hard-edged finisher while Carver has a great mid-range game and soft hands. And 6’4” Mark Braden (transfer from O’Hara to Center) may be the best combo guard in Kansas City and is most likely to make highlight reels at the next level. Bret Comer, who transferred to Winter Park, FL, signed with Florida Atlantic after his sophomore season at Blue Valley Northwest, and although Perry Ellis (Wichita Heights) only plays his summers in Kansas City, we must note his ranking at the top of many 2012 lists as he continues to be pursued by Kansas, North Carolina and others.

Additional Players to Watch

• Maurice Holliday, Jr. – 6’4” SG – Sumner Academy (2010)
• Joey Quigley – 6’8” PF – Staley High School (2010)
• AJ Spencer – 6’6” SF – Shawnee Mission Northwest (2011)
• Dylan Robinson – 6’1” PG – Northeast (2010)
• Deontae Hooks – 6’4” PG – Harmon (2010)

Unknown Players that could Emerge as Stars this Season

Grandview’s Tyler Rambo (2010) had a phenomenal summer for MOKAN Elite and at 6’5” can play the two or three. He, along with Releford, may be the best defender in the city. Look for Rozell Nunn (Schlagle 2011) to have a breakout season after blowing a knee his sophomore year as he will shoot and attack in the wide-open Stallions offense. David Kravish (Lee Summit North 2011) is 6’9” and still growing thanks to a late growth spurt and Jon Williams (transfer from Hickman Mills to Park Hill South) is a 6’7” junior who coaches say has big upside.

Other sleepers

• Tyler Kalinowski – 6’2” SG – Olathe East (2011)
• Bubba Starling – 6’4” SG/SF – Gardner Edgerton (2011)
• Corey Hillard – 6’1” SG – Raytown (2011)
• Quantel Denson – 6’8” PF – Grandview (2012)
• DJ Jackson – 6’0” PG – O’Hara (2011)

The Youth Movement

One of the finest players in the city might actually be a freshman. Ishmael Wainwright (2013) will bring to Raytown South a 6’5” chiseled frame, toughness and the game to eventually be a high-major player. Ryan Murphy (2012) is 6’5” but moves more like a small guard. He and his twin brother Colin Murphy led Basehor to the 4A state championship as freshman. Zach Large (Truman 2012) hit a game-winning three to give MOKAN Elite’s 15s the Hoop City championship and showed incredible shooting touch as a freshman. He could lead the city in scoring. Sophomore Clint McCullough (St. James Academy) is one of Kansas City’s best power forwards. At 6’6” and growing, he has a solid mid-range game and is extremely gritty inside. In a contrast of size, Sumner Academy’s 5’5” Bennie Parker (2012) is probably the fastest point Kansas City has seen since Quinton Day. Willie Cauley (2012) hails from Spearville, KS and has turned heads with his 6’10” size and terrific shot blocking.

Other Youngsters to Watch

• Dominique Wilson- 6′9″- Piper (2012)
• KJ Pritchard – 6’2” SG – Lawrence (2012)
• Tory Miller – 6’8” PF – Lee’s Summit North (2013)
• Davis Reid – 6’2” PG – Olathe Northwest (2012)
• Conell Dooley – 6’0” PG – Hogan Prep (2013)

Best Teams in KC this year

Bishop Miege(KS) should be at the top of the metro based on Releford’s ability to control tempo and pressure offenses. Miege also returns shooter Rodney Givens and junior Curtis Okafur, who at 6’5” will provide inside strength. However, the Stags’ success could come on the decision of football recruit Justin McCay, and whether he decides to play basketball. Shawnee Mission Northwest(KS) is also poised for another great year. The Cougars return 6′8 Senior Steve Carver along with several starters including Spencer and junior Trey Fruehling. Olathe South(KS) returns outstanding players such as Marquis Addison, Derrick Cole and Charles McAllister while Sumner Academy(KS) will be looking to build on last years State run, returning leading scorer/rebounder Holliday, Jr. and lightning quick point guard Parker to go along with 6′5” Junior Eli Alexander. Leavenworth(KS), with Nino Williams and Alec Zeck, will be a force in the Sunflower League and expect Rockhurst(MO) to surprise people with no real standout players but a solid roster from top to bottom. Both Shawnee Mission South(KS), led by Spradling, and Blue Valley West(KS) will be in the mix in Kansas based on strong coaching foundations and deep teams.

The top team on the Missouri side of the city should be Kearney(MO) with Starzl and most starters returning. With Rambo and Denson, Grandview(MO) will challenge for a state championship, and Mark Braden’s transfer to Center(MO) where he will join Anthony Rule, will make the Hornets a powerhouse in the city league. Raytown South(MO) – with standout Hillard to go along with newcomer Wainwright – and Raytown(MO) – led by Williams and a new head coach as well as an athletic cast returning from the 2008 season – should both contend for District championships. Park Hill South may be the surprise on the Missouri side with transfer Jon Williams and a solid group of returners.

Top Teams on Both Sides of the State Line

Top 5 Kansas teams
1. Bishop Miege
2. Olathe South
3. Sumner Academy
4. Shawnee Mission Northwest
5. Leavenworth

Top 5 Missouri teams
1. Kearney
2. Grandview
3. Raytown South
4. Center
5. Raytown & Park Hill South

As Kansas City continues its rise as a prominent basketball community, 2009-10 should be one of the best years in recent memory. With a collection of excellent players and competitive programs battling it out for championships, the winter will be a time to see KC metro’s best.

To follow the season, join me on Twitter at KCPREPHOOPS