PREVIEW: Kansas’ top senior bigs (2019)
As part of its 2018-19 preview series, Prep Hoops Kansas takes a look at some of the state’s top players in a variety of positions in the senior class.
Below are some of the state’s rising senior bigs in the 2019 class.
Joshua Earley, 6’7, PF, 2019, Bishop MIege, KC Run GMC
The Northern Kentucky commit is the state’s top ranked big man and could be a steal for the Division I program. At 6’7, Earley is a strong, powerful interior player who can dominate around the basket with monster slams, put backs and general garbage buckets in the paint. At 6’7, Earley plays bigger than his listed height due to his athleticism and size. He has an emerging post-up game, but can also face up and score as well. He showed an emerging perimeter shot in July and the ability to knock down 3-pointers.
Jarrett Hensley, 6’7, F, 2019, Leavenworth, MoKan Elite
Hensley brings a lot of physical attributes to the floor that college programs are looking for — including good size and length, athleticism and a lot of bounce in his step. He is an intriguing defender with the ability to block shots and move his feet, and at the offensive end he has a developing skill set as he can handle it a little, face-up and attack the basket, and knock down 3-pointers.
Kael Kordonowy, 6’6, F, 2019, Maize South, River City Hoops
One of the state’s premier returning shot blockers, Maize South big man Kael Kordonowy is a double-double machine who can impact a game at both ends of the floor. He averaged a team-high 13.4 points for a well-balanced Mavericks team last season, and added 10.9 rebounds and four blocks per game last season. He has a long, rangy frame and plenty of bounce in his step. He’s a player with some upside at the next level with potential due to his length and ability to defend.
Mason Thiessen, 6’8, PF/C, 2019, Inman, WCS Team Driven
For the second consecutive weekend, Thiessen is one of the state’s better small school prospects as he is blessed with a strong, physical 6’8 frame and a game to match. He likes to bang in the post, has an array of moves to free himself around the basket and has soft hands and a soft touch. This summer he showed he can play on the perimeter and knock down baskets from the 3-point arc as well.
Siler Tschirhart, 6’8, PF, 2019, Blue Valley, KC Spurs
Tschirhart combines toughness, size and skill to form one of the state’s premier big men. He is a strong post player with the ability to score in the paint and is a terrific rebounder. Also a football standout, Tschirhart brings a physical brand of play to the hardwood.
Ethan Vlasic, 6’7, F, 2019, Blue Valley North, KC Spurs
One of the state’s premier rising seniors, Vlasic is coming off a big offseason running with the KC Spurs. He brings a physical style of play to the floor despite his lean build and is willing to score in the paint, rebound and challenge opposing players in the paint as a shot blocker.