NE Kansas End of Summer Risers – Posts
Emporia’s Charles Snyder Charles Snyder 6'5" | PF Emporia | 2021 State KS leads the top posts returning in northeast Kansas for 2020. Some other top returners include Koen Hula and Drayton Logan. But some up-and-coming posts got a lot…
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Continue ReadingEmporia’s Charles Snyder Charles Snyder 6'5" | PF Emporia | 2021 State KS leads the top posts returning in northeast Kansas for 2020. Some other top returners include Koen Hula and Drayton Logan.
But some up-and-coming posts got a lot of experience on the club circuit this summer and are ready to make a mark this fall.
Here is a look at some of the northeast Kansas-area posts who were the top risers this summer (in alphabetical order and with club and high school and grad year listed):
Cole Coonrod, SSA Hoops Elite White 15U, Manhattan, 2023:
The depleted Manhattan program will need a boost, and the 6-foot-4 Coonrod should get a long look. He’s versatile enough to play on the perimeter, but the Indians will probably need help in the post. He’s solid and strong for his age, and is willing to battle in the lane. He’s a good rebounder who kicks the ball out to start the offense. He blocks shots and is a tough defender in the post.
Fred Criqui, SSA Hoops Elite Black 16U, St. Marys, 2022:
The 6-foot-7 Criqui has the size and skills to be a force in 3A. He is athletic and has good coordination, catching the ball well and running the court. He has diversity to his game, able to dribble, drive and get open for mid-range jumpers. His height alone could make him dominant for St. Marys, but Criqui has a well-rounded game.
Samuel Gros, SSA Hoops Elite White, Frankfort, 2022:
Gros is a 6-foot-3 post, which is good sized at 1A Frankfort, but he’s not limited to just play in the post. Gros is an athletic junior who runs well and moves through the lane for openings. He has good moves in the post and gets a lot of opportunities off missed shots. He’s physically strong and tough.
Cooper Hajek, SSA Hoops Elite White 15U, Nemaha Central, 2023:
Watch for the 6-foot-2 Hajek to round out his game for the high school season. He played a lot in the post during the club season, but he will have the opportunity to develop more versatility. He is strong and solid, and is especially tough putting the ball on the floor to get to the goal. His power causes defenders to foul him frequently.
Aden Meracle, SSA Hoops Elite Black 15U, Manhattan Chief, 2023:
The small school standout has already made a name for himself in private school circles. He’s just too good of an athlete not to stand out at that level. He’ll follow in the footsteps of senior brother Cody Meracle. At 6-foot-4 he is willing to battle in the lane, but Aden is really more than a true post. He has a well-rounded game and explosive capabilities. This is a player that won’t get much notoriety, but will prove on the club circuit to be a standout.
Cole Watson, SSA Hoops Elite Black 15U, Lawrence, 2023:
Watson is in sort of the opposite position of summer teammate Meracle. Watson is in the Lawrence program that is crowded with standout ballers. So he may have to wait his turn to get varsity action. But Watson is a strong 6-foot-4 post who is a real handful in the lane. He passes well, and really goes after rebounds. His skills aren’t strictly limited – Watson can handle the ball, shoot it, and make things happen on the drive.