Grind Finals: Top KS Bigs (17U)

<p>WICHITA, Kan. — Several of the state's top interior players were on display throughout last weekend's Grind Regional Finals in Wichita, Kan. Here, Prep Hoops takes a look at several "Bigs" that stood out from the Kansas' side in the 17U division.</p> <p><b>30 — John Boyer, 6’7, PF, 2020, Olathe South, KC Pacers</b></p> <p>Boyer brought terrific size and strength to the court for the Pacers throughout the weekend, showcasing a willingness to mix it up in the paint. He showed a good feel for high-low post play often teaming up with fellow big man Paul Otieno to form a difficult line-up for opposing teams. He is a good defender who can get physical on the block and has a good feel for scoring himself in the post.</p> <p><b>35-Zach Davidson, F, 2020, Augusta, NLHA Gaddis</b></p> <p>Davidson had a two-handed jam to start the first game and he didn’t look back after that. He boxed-out, fought for position and sacrificed his body for his team. He has great height and terrific awareness under the basket. He also has good length and shows the ability to block shots across the floor.</p> <p><b>31 — Braydon Gray, 6’8, PF/C, 2020, Valley Center, NLHA Silmon</b></p> <p>Gray is something of a throwback, an old school interior player who likes to mix it up in the post at both ends of the floor. He has a good post up game, can score easy chances in the lane and is a hard worker on the boards. At 6’8, Gray has good size and length and brings good mobility to the floor for a big.</p> <p><b>34 — Paul Oieno, 6’7, F, 2020, Sunrise Christian, KC Pacers</b></p> <p>An imposing physical player, Otieno is a strong presence on the block who is difficult for teams to match-up with. He works hard in the post for position, yet plays an unselfish game, often letting the game come to him without forcing the issue. Otiero is capable of throwing down powerful slams in the lane or stepping out and making open 3-pointers. On Saturday, he showed the ability run the pick-and-roll to perfection as he finished several tough chances off the roll as the Pacers won a hard fought contest against the Missouri Flight.</p> <p><b>25 — Jacob Owen, 6’9, PF/C, 2020, Blue Valley, Team KC</b></p> <p>Owen is still something of a work in progress, but shows good physical attributes with good size, length and athleticism. He runs the floor exceptionally well, provides his team with a last line of defense shot blocking ability and can stick the occasional put-back or easy basket. For now he mostly lets the game come to him and rarely tires to play outside of his abilities.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>