PREVIEW: Class 6 Sub-State 1 (Forwards)

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With Sub-State Regionals set to begin across the state next week, Prep Hoops Kansas takes a look at teams and players to watch.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Here, we take a look at several forwards to watch in Sub-State 1.</span></p> <p><b>Class 6 Sub-State 1</b></p> <ol> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Blue Valley Northwest (17-2) 8. Olathe South (10-9) 9. Olathe West (10-9) 16. Olathe Northwest (6-14) 17. Wyandotte (4-14)</span></li> </ol> <p><b>Jon Boyer, 6’8, F, 2020, Olathe South</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A center who makes use of his size and frame well. Boyer has elite height and can utilize it to his advantage under the basket. He rebounds, blocks shots and can clean up plays. He fights hard for loose balls and can come away with steals and force opponents to use their weak hand and make a bad decision with the ball. He also can extend his game on the perimeter. </span></p> <p><b>Matt Chapman, 6’7, F, 2019, Blue Valley Northwest</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">One of the most underrated big men in Kansas, Chapman is a confident player who can run the floor and protect the basket. He can play outside some or with his back to the basket. His footwork is good and he has a tough nature and a lot of fight to him. He has a good jumper and can put the ball on the floor and create his shot inside. </span></p> <p><b>Branden Eckles, 6’7, F, 2021, Olathe South</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A strong, athletic big who can run the floor and score off second chance looks. He brings speed and strength to the position. He can score in a variety of ways. He stretches the floor with his shooting and can find his rhythm facing the basket and away from the basket. Also a strong defender who protects well and is good at keeping opponents away from his area on the floor. </span></p> <p><b>Markell Hood, 6’5, G/F, 2020, Blue Valley Northwest</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A versatile guard/wing  with size, speed and strength to overpower his opponents. Hood is a do-everything kind of player who shoots, drives and finishes at the rim. He’s a bucket machine who jumps passing lanes on defense in search of a wide open transition bucket. A physical player that is comfortable with the ball and playing some without it. </span></p> <p><b>Mike Peake, 6’7, F, 2020, </b><b>Blue Valley Northwest</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A well-rounded player with skill and terrific athleticism. He has great size and is capable of guarding the perimeter as well as he does inside. He can also score from outside making him that much more difficult to stop on offense. He leads by example and can put up big numbers as a rebounder, shot blocker and scorer. An athlete who plays with a lot of heart.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>