STATE RECAP: Class 4A top big men
SALINA, Kan. — The Kansas 4A state championships saw a host of players make a name for themselves on the state’s biggest stage in Salina. Here, Prep Hoops takes a look at several of the top big men who raised…
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Continue ReadingSALINA, Kan. — The Kansas 4A state championships saw a host of players make a name for themselves on the state’s biggest stage in Salina.
Here, Prep Hoops takes a look at several of the top big men who raised their profile in Salina.
Zach Davidson, 6’7, F, 2020, Augusta
Davidson is a skilled big man with long arms and the ability to stand his ground defensively in the post as a shot blocker. At the offensive end, he finishes well around the basket and has a good feel for passing the ball. He can also step out and knock down an outside shot with range out past the 3-point arc. He had 14 rebounds and three blocks in a semifinal win over Chapman, helping protect the basket against Chapman standout forward Izek Jackson who had a big game in the quarterfinal round and added 10 points and eight rebounds in the championship against Piper.
Andrew Davis, 6’6, F, 2019, Wichita Trinity
A strong, physical interior player, Davis has an inside-outside game and is comfortable attacking out of the high post. He scored six points on 3 for 5 shooting while adding five rebounds in a win over Chanute, and later added eight points in a semifinal loss to KC Piper on Friday in Salina.
Mason Fairchild, 6’5, PF/C, 2019, Andale
A Kansas football recruit, Fairchild is a bruising 6’5, 250-pound big man who brings strength and a physical style of play to the court, whether it’s getting on the boards, scoring in the lane or playing tough defense in the post. He was all over the glass on Wednesday as he attacked and pursued the ball well, using a big motor and good quickness for a big man. Fairchild finished with nine boards in 23 minutes, including five at the offensive end, giving Andale some much needed second chance opportunities.
Brandon Jackson, 6’6, F, 2019, KC Piper
Jackson is the consummate garbage player who works hard at both ends of the floor. He cleans up on the boards at both ends of the floor and is capable of making plays defensively around the basket, challenging opponents when they get in the lane. He’s not a big scorer, but his presence on the offensive glass gave the Pirates several second chance opportunities. He went for seven points and 10 rebounds to lead Piper on Wednesday, including a key offensive board and three-point play late in the fourth quarter to help the Pirates rally for a comeback victory in the quarterfinals.
Kel Stroud, 6’5, PF/C, 2020, Chapman
At 265-pounds, Stroud is a strong, physical big man who plays much bigger than his listed height would suggest. Also a standout offensive lineman on the football field, Stroud is a good compliment to 6’5 forward Izek Jackson, able to work inside-out basketball with the fellow forward. He has good hands, works hard in the paint and can step out and shoot from the perimeter, even able to knock down 3-pointers. He has good feet and quickness on and moves well for a big man.