Awards Time: Top Big Men

<p>It’s that time when all-state, all-league, all-area and all-city teams are announced. <em>Sports in Kansas</em> publication recently released its all-state team. A few interesting items stand out from the selection of the top players across all classes, as well as the teams chosen by classification.</p> <p>Here is a look at the best big men, 6-foot-7 and taller, from the all-state teams:</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="946226" first="Harlan" last="Obioha"], 7-foot senior, Hoxie:</p> <p>The biggest of the big men, Obioha is not just long, he’s solidly built – solid enough to be a top football recruit. He moves well for a big man and has dominant size. Named to the top 10 team, he averaged 23.0 points, 12.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 4.1 blocks per game.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="962473" first="Andrew" last="Orr"], 6-foot-8 senior, Blue Valley North (pictured):</p> <p>Also on the 1^st team, Orr was a leader on the loaded state champs. He shot 69 percent from the field and averaged 15 points and 7 rebounds. The recent Washburn University commit is a fundamentally sound post player who knows how to disrupt in the lane. He runs the floor and finishes with authority.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="891898" first="Aidan" last="Shaw"], 6-foot-8 senior, Blue Valley:</p> <p>One of two juniors on the 1^st team, Shaw has electric athleticism and makes plays that ignite his team and the crowd. He made the 1^st team by scoring 19.7 points and blocking 3.7 shots per game.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="787626" first="Mark" last="Mitchell"], 6-foot-8 junior, Miege:</p> <p>The other junior on the 1^st team, Mitchell’s combination of height, athleticism and skill are simply unmatched at the 4A level. As if his size wasn’t enough, he paired with 2^nd teamer Taj Manning to make an impossible front wall for Miege. They rolled to the state title without much of a threat.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="891902" first="Julian" last="Margrave"], 6-foot-9 junior, Louisburg:</p> <p>The second-tallest player on the <em>Sports in Kansas </em>all-classes teams, Margrave led his school to the state finals. He is a smooth post player who can convert with either hand in close, has clever post moves, and can move out to shoot a jumper. He averaged 16.8 points and 8.3 boards this year.</p> <p><strong>Taj Manning</strong>, 6-foot-8 senior, Miege:</p> <p>Manning was recognized on the 2^nd team for his work alongside Mitchell. He is long and athletic and gives a little bit of everything.</p> <p>Players listed standing 6-foot-7 or taller:</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="889454" first="Jack" last="Chapman"], 6-foot-7 senior, Blue Valley Northwest – 1st team</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1070222" first="Tyus" last="Wilson"], 6-foot-7 senior, Sterling – 2^nd team</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>