Sunflower: Forwards making their mark

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With the season nearing its mid-way point, Prep Hoops Kansas takes a look at several players raising their profile in the Sunflower Conference this season.</span></p> <p><b>SUNFLOWER</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Gardner-Edgerton, Lawrence, Lawrence Free State, Olathe Northwest, Olathe East, Olathe North, Olathe South, Olathe West, Shawnee Mission East, Shawnee Mission North, Shawnee Mission South, Shawnee Mission Northwest, Shawnee Mission West.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span><b>Jon Boyer, 6’7, F, 2020, Olathe South</b><b><br /> </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">A good defender for Olathe South who looks to use his length and height to his advantage inside. Boyer is a tall post option for Olathe South can block shots and force teams to deal with his height inside and around the paint. He can rebound some and looks to score when he has an opening near the basket. </span></p> <p><b>Max Close, 6’4, F, 2021, Shawnee Mission South</b><b><br /> </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">Close has a nice feel for the wing and post spot as he has good athleticism, a strong frame and good bounce around the basket. He runs the floor well and is good in space and when pressure is strong and he has to make a play for himself. Close can score off jumpers, glass hook shots and in transition. He connects from the free throw line and is a strong rebounder and basket protector. </span></p> <p><b>Miles Cole, 6'9, C, 2021, Shawnee Mission North</b><b><br /> </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">A center for SMN who has good height, length and the ability to secure rebounds and force turnovers and block shots. He has a soft touch around the basket and can score well when he’s looking to contribute offensively. </span></p> <p><b>Andrew Piper, 6’5, F, 2021, Free State</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Piper came on our radar this summer with his strong, two-way play for Grandstand Elite. He has a strong frame and wide shoulders and can rebound on both ends and play the low and high post. He has good movement in the paint and is quick to get back on defense and also can recover from plays and get a hand on the ball. Piper showcases range on occasion.</span></p> <p><b>Andrew Sonner, 6’5, F, 2020, Olathe East</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A terrific forward prospect who is mobile around the glass. He is quick to collapse on the ball and can chase down opponents and contest shots at a high level. Sonner is quick to run the lanes and can finish in transition and connect from 3-point range. Sonner has a lot of experience and everything seems to be clicking in his favor on both ends of the floor. The game is starting to slow down and his plays are coming easy to him when he's looking to block shots, protect the basket and connect from the floor.</span></p> <p><b>Will Townsend, 6’7, F, 2021, Shawnee Mission East</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Another wildly productive Mission East player who had a strong summer rolling with Team KC, Townsend brings size, speed and hops to the floor. He’s listed at 6’7 and he plays like it on both ends, swatting shots, forcing turnovers and then sprinting down the floor for an open two-handed jam. Townsend is a playmaker around the basket who has a collection of post moves and a hook-style shot that looks good off the glass. </span></p>