Kansas Player Rankings : What You Need to Know (FREE)

As we begin heading toward wrapping up year two of the Prep Girls Hoops Kansas site with releases of rankings refreshes for the classes of 2021 through 2023 and the launch of an initial class of 2024 watch list, it is a good time to step back and share what factors go into the ranking process.  Steve Quattrocchi released a terrific post in March, 2019, about what goes into ranking decisions for Prep Girls Hoops Kentucky.  Drawing upon his work, shortly thereafter I wrote a similar post to share what goes into ranking decisions for Prep Girls Hoops Kansas.  This article offers a fresh take on what goes into the rankings process. #1. While building the lists I draw information from a substantial number of sources.  Players are seen by other scouts including those located in other Prep Girls Hoops states.  Their reports are very valuable.  Information is also gathered from coaches at different levels, reports from other media sources and members (especially local news sources), social media reports and announcements, and from players.  Among the best sites to follow is the Sunflower Smack Show.  It provides a substantial amount of support and exposure for Sunflower League teams and players. #2. Recommendations, nominations, feedback, and player information from parents, other players, coaches, and etc are always welcome. I do not pretend to know a great deal about every single player included. Players can be overlooked and not included. Others can be inappropriately ranked. Others move into or out of the state and their status is not reflected. For some, not enough information is available to include them so they remain on a candidate list.  Like with what Steve mentioned, the nomination process does help to get players on the radar. #3. I watch as much basketball as I can in person but I also watch free live-streamed contests broadcast by school-based programs on their own website, YouTube, and other avenues.  Parents and coaches occasionally send me recorded games.  Highlights on HUDL and MaxPreps are also useful.  I watch as much to see the highlighted team and/or players as it is to see opponents.  Because I live in Hutchinson, during the high school season I primarily travel around the central region of the state. In the summer I primarily target Wichita regional events.  Occasionally I venture to the eastern and western portions of the state or even out of state. #4. This list is about college potential but does factor in current performance. Statistics matter!   More because that they exist and are updated as opposed to seeing big numbers. Updated statistics reflect the work high school coaches put into helping their girls get attention. The numbers can reflect the caliber of competition the team is facing, which also contributes to college potential.  I consistently mine MaxPreps for data and feel coaches providing accurate, updated data helps players gain exposure. #5. I mine for data and information beyond updated statistics. All-state and all-league lists, rosters on notable club teams, box scores, articles in magazines and newspapers (and their sites), noise and information shared on Twitter (find me at @RobertPGHKansas). I communicate with coaches, referees, players, parents, and other media people as well.  Club coaches, YES it matters to put player numbers, schools, heights, and position on tournament rosters.  Unless a player is already known, people like me rarely go out of their way to hunt for the information they need about your entire roster.  I hunt as best as I can because my work is about the players. #6.  This list is about college potential, not current performance. A top ten, 6'0", power forward may get ranked higher than a top five, 5'5", point guard because of their level of play potential in college.  Much like a 5'6" libero in volleyball, there are far more strong, shortish, point and shooting guards than there are strong 6'0" power forwards.  Players who could play a stretch four position are even rarer. #7. Inevitably I look at players as if I am a coach and I am scouting an upcoming opponent. I look at a great deal of sub-areas within ball handling skills, passing ability, half- and full-court vision, speed with and without the ball, quickness on both ends of the floor, rebounding and boxing out, foot work, ability to score including creating their own shot, leadership, toughness, motor, competitiveness, team player, build and use of the body, creativity and athleticism, jumping skills and elevation, ball and court sense, playing style, how they protect the ball, body language after a screw up, how hard they play up or down 30 points, and etc. There are a couple players I probably think lower of than others because I have recognized serious flaws in their games or attitude. For instance, I downgraded a player in the July 2020 rankings release because they glare, frown, roll their eyes, and shake their head everytime they mess up or a teammate does.  Also, this player has at best plateaued since last year.  They have been bypassed by other players.  Another, a notable 2021 player, was owned on both ends of the floor by a player I did not expect to have much success against them.   Her, and the player that whupped her, ranking reflects those performances. #8. Playing travel ball or attending quality skills camps are extremely important. What does not happen is players being slighted in the rankings because they are not playing. Players improve their games in the summer not during the school year if for no other reason than they get in more games and more coached reps.  Also, it is a way for players to connect with college players and coaches.  In other words, it helps to become known.   Rankings are all about the potential to play at the next level. #9.  Players are not penalized because they may be generating more interest in another sport or have verbally committed to play another sport.  Life happens.  Players change their minds.  Parents get irrational and make their daughter pursue the sport they want them to play.  Coaching changes at the collegiate level happen.  In 2020, Covid-19 concerns shut down programs.  Again, the rankings are about potential to play basketball at the next level. Watch for ranking updates as they will be refreshed in the upcoming week or two. The 2021 has posted.  The 2022 class should appear Monday, August 17.  The 2023 class should appear the following Monday.  Last to appear will be the initial 2024 watch list.  Again, I welcome nominations. Contact me via twitter (@RobertPGHKansas), RPGHKansas@gmail.com, or post in the comments.