Kemper Johnson
Twitter and IG: @kingkemp_09
6’0, 170lb , Class of 2027
Olathe South HS, KS
Kemper is explosive with the rock in his hands and crafty in the half-court, the kind of player who ignites energy into a game the moment he steps on the floor. A dynamic three-level scorer with a fearless handle, Kemper plays with extreme confidence. Whether he's threading a slick bounce pass through traffic or burying a deep three with a defender on his hip, there’s a certain electricity in his approach that’s hard to ignore. His ability to break down defenses and elevate the guys around him makes him a dangerous playmaker in every sense of the word. Fierce under pressure and steady in chaos, Kemper can handle traps, double teams, and high-speed defenses without flinching. His feel for the game allows him to anticipate openings before they even develop, creating opportunities for his teammates while still getting his own shots. That blend of unselfishness and scoring ability sets him apart—and it’s only the beginning of what he’s capable of.
This past season, Kemper averaged 11 points, 4 assists per game, and hit at a 38% clip from beyond the arc while shooting 75% from the free-throw line for a strong 13-5 squad. He took a major leap on the defensive side, growing into a scrappy, relentless presence who doesn’t back down from physical matchups. His battles in practice against seasoned varsity players, some already headed to DI programs, only added more edge to his already gritty game.
But Kemper is not settling. Kemper’s determined to evolve into a 40/50/90-type shooter, a model of efficiency and confidence from every level. He’s focused on consistency, especially with his jumper, and is constantly working on his defensive positioning to become more complete on both ends. That hunger to evolve his game is what separates the good from the great, and Kemper’s aiming for greatness.
This spring and summer, Kemper will be playing with KC Grit n Grind, and the name fits. He’s looking forward to making noise across the region and catching eyes during the NCAA live period tournaments in Kansas City. His goal is to showcase his game, prove his worth, and earn that offer. He wants coaches to walk away knowing he’s not just good but built for the next level.
Off the court, Kemper enjoys unwinding and staying sharp mentally, whether it’s film study, working on his handle, or just being a student of the game. But what really fuels his fire is a momentum-shifting play like a steal into a fast break dunk, a deep three at the buzzer, or a beautiful dime that lights up the gym. Those moments light him up and raise the level of everyone around him.
When facing adversity, Kemper stays grounded. He doesn’t panic. He leans on his belief in his game and the work he’s put in. The best advice he’s ever taken to heart is “Hard work will always beat talent if you want it bad enough.” That has become his motor. He’s betting on his grind.
I assess that Kemper is an impact-ready guard with a fluid scoring game, high basketball IQ, and fierce confidence under pressure. His ability to read defenses, beat them off the dribble, and find teammates in stride makes him a dual-threat offensive option. With improved defensive awareness and increased shooting consistency, he has the potential to evolve into a versatile two-way guard who can immediately contribute to a college program. For programs that value playmakers who can thrive in pace-and-space offenses while also guarding the perimeter, Kemper checks the boxes. His instincts, quick first step, and feel for the big moment make him a player who can swing momentum and elevate the team around him. His confidence isn’t cocky but earned.
Expect Kemper to make a serious varsity push next season and embrace a bigger role at Olathe South. His AAU campaign is set to be his loudest statement yet. Don’t be surprised if he emerges as one of the top guards in the region. With his skill set, work ethic, and belief in himself, his potential is sky-high. College coaches should keep their eyes locked. Kemper, who is ready to prove he belongs. Buckle up.
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