PREVIEW: Sunflower Rising Forwards (2021)

<p>Prep Hoops Kansas takes a look at the upcoming season in the Sunflower League.</p> <p><b>Sunflower<br /> </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">Shawnee Mission East, </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Gardner-Edgerton, </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lawrence, </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lawrence Free State, </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Shawnee Mission North, </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Olathe East, </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Olathe North, </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Olathe Northwest, </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Olathe South, </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Olathe West, </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Shawnee Mission Northwest, </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Shawnee Mission South, </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Shawnee Mission West</span></p> <p><b>Max Close, 6’4, F, 2021, Shawnee Mission South</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Close moves well and is good at using his frame and physicality. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">He feels around for space with his shoulders and can finish around the basket through contact around taller players. He runs the floor well and can block shots and get to the basket and finish through contact. He also brings good movement inside. </span></p> <p><b>Branden Eckles, 6’6, F, 2021, Olathe South</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A player with good size for a big man, Eckles is an intelligent baller on both ends of the floor.  He’s someone who can defend the post positions but is athletic enough to switch and defend guards on the perimeter. He can do whatever is needed and shows he can scorer both inside and out. </span></p> <p><b>Antwaun Massey, 6’8, F, 2021, Olathe East</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Massey is a rising junior prospect with terrific size at 6’8, athleticism and an emerging skill set. Massey has the ability to run the floor and finish above the rim in transition. He is a strong player with a lot of upside to his game. Massey is also a terrific shot blocker and rebounder on both sides of the floor. </span></p> <p><b>Will Townsend, 6’7, F, 2021, Shawnee Mission East</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">An athletic big man, Townsend has a good upside as a two-way player. He’s listed at 6’7 and uses every inch to his advantage. He is a strong rebounder and post defender makes plays that sometimes go overlooked. He runs the floor well and finishes well in transition and can stretch the floor a little with his outside shooting. </span></p>