Back on the courts: NE KS bigs

<p>Northeast Kansas has got teams up and going for the summer. Bigs are finally able to work against top competition as tournaments are starting to happen.</p> <p>Here are some updates on some northeast Kansas bigs:</p> <p><strong>Garrett Athon, 2021, Jefferson West:</strong></p> <p>The considerable shadows cast by 2020s <strong>Bryce Clements</strong> and [player_tooltip player_id="885569" first="Quinn" last="Neuenswander"] will no longer obscure the talent returning to Jeff West. The 6-foot-4 Athon was the third wheel last year, providing a powerful post presence. He had some highlight performances of his own, including the 15 he put up in the season-ending loss to Perry-Lecompton. Athon is guarding some physical specimens in the post this summer. He never stops hustling, chasing rebounds and drawing charges on the defensive end.</p> <p><strong>Josh Broxterman, 2021, Jefferson West:</strong></p> <p>The 6-foot-2 Broxterman is a well-built yet smooth athlete who gets off the floor nicely. This summer he’s challenged to guard a lot of quick forwards. He’s an active defender who has the ability to box out bigger men. He’s got a nice mid-range jumper and nice touch from the line.</p> <p><strong>Adrian Dimond 2022, Mill Valley:</strong></p> <p>The 6-foot-7 Dimond missed the recent Kansas City Classic, but the Kansas Hoggs U16 coach said he might be the best of that talented squad. The lanky rising-junior can absolutely gobble up shots, so he disrupts anything the opponents do offensively. He’s got a great inside-out game and will be a player to watch develop this summer.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="889500" first="Nate" last="Hawk"], 2021, Valley Falls:</strong></p> <p>Hawk was second-team all Northeast Kansas League a year ago, so he’s no newcomer. He’s tall and lean and his athleticism makes him ultra-versatile. At 6-foot-4, he can guard bigs, battle in the lane and score in the post. But he also shows he can defend point guards as well. Hawk really took a leading role late last season for Valley Falls. He put up 21 in the regular-season finale against Oskaloosa, then had 24 in a playoff win over Troy.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="891923" first="Mason" last="Thomas"], 2022, Royal Valley:</strong></p> <p>Thomas may not get all the headlines that his teammates do. Royal Valley returns three all-leaguers from the Big Seven League. But the 6-foot-3 workhorse should not be overlooked. Playing for the Kansas Hoggs U16 club, he’s not going to get the ball in his hands a lot. But he plays with unselfishness and doesn’t seem to mind playing a supporting role. He’s a long, rangy player who makes the right decisions and does the dirty work.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>