Size Coming Back

Of the top players returning for next season, size stands out. Some of the best players across Kansas will have height, length and size.   Here’s a look at some of the big men who will have the spotlight next high school season:   Elite Talents:   All eyes will be on [player_tooltip player_id="787626" first="Mark" last="Mitchell"] and [player_tooltip player_id="891898" first="Aidan" last="Shaw"], two 6-foot-8 athletes who can do it all. Long-armed leapers with versatile games are coveted at the D1 level. Mitchell’s running mate, [player_tooltip player_id="787630" first="Taj" last="Manning"] is also 6-foot-8 and athletic and will dominate next season.   Dominant Bigs:   [player_tooltip player_id="891902" first="Julian" last="Margrave"], 6-foot-9 junior, Louisburg (pictured): Margrave isn’t just a post-up big man. He’s a top shooter from deep and his length makes him tough to defend on the perimeter. He moves well to get open for shots in space or off screens. When he rips down a rebound, he is athletic enough to put it on the floor himself. He is also a threat to post in the lane, or to cut inside from the perimeter to catch and score on the move. [player_tooltip player_id="1075931" first="Jace" last="Linenberger"], 6-foot-6 junior, Hays: A workhorse forward, Linenberger makes a ton of plays in traffic. His solid build and powerful post moves allow him to convert through contact. He hustles after plays and cleans up a lot of misses. Defensively, Linenberger bumps posts off their spots and harasses them once they catch the ball. Linenberger has showed he can fill it up regardless the level of competition. Easton Ewing, 6-foot-7 sophomore, Independence: A second-team 4A pick, Ewing is a rising star. He racked up impressive stats at a high level of high school competition, averaging 18.3 points, 13.5 rebounds and 2.6 blocks. With Mitchell, Manning and Margrave all in 4A, Ewing might get overlooked a bit, but he’s another big man who will make a mark. Small School Studs:   Jordan Fudge, 6-foot-9 junior, Fronteanc: Fudge is still working to take the lid off his game. He has all the potential in the world, and it’s on the club circuit that he will learn what he’s capable of. His physical gifts will allow him to dominate the 3A competition, as he did last season with 17.8 points and 11.7 rebounds a game. He is a man-child with a rare combination of height, power and grace. [player_tooltip player_id="1139930" first="Trever" last="Quaney"], Burlnigame;6-8;Jr. Quaney took off as a small-school big last season, and will be one of the best in the state next year. His 6-foot-8 frame allows him to dominate the paint, and his physicality and athleticism stands out in his size of body. His 16.3 points and 11.9 rebounds demonstrates his workhorse style. [player_tooltip player_id="1076408" first="Noah" last="Hastert"], 6-foot-6 junior, Cair Paravel: A long-limbed frame, athleticism and coordination has suddenly made Hastert a football prospect, but he’s been a basketballer to watch for a couple of years. He can do a lot of things to help his small school team, as well as his SSA Hoops Elite club. He rebounds and defends effectively. Offensively, he can face the basket and put the ball on the floor, shoot from distance, and has a good mid-range pull up. He’s not a ball hog, and he helps his teammates with good passes and screens. Big Guards: [player_tooltip player_id="946254" first="Kyle" last="Grill"], 6-foot-5 junior, Maize: The son of a coach and younger brother of a D1 player, Grill is a matchup nightmare. He can shoot from anywhere, take the ball anywhere on the dribble, and make highlight plays at the rim. He passes and handles like a point guard. No more really needs to be said than that Grill was the floor general of the 5A state champs. His contribution goes way beyond his stats. [player_tooltip player_id="891912" first="Nahcs" last="Wahwassuck"], 6-foot-5 junior, Royal Valley: Wahwassuck has been a star for three years now, and he has grown physically into a long-limbed guard who can do it all. He is lights-out from distance, can handle the ball and get it to open shooters, and attacks the rim with ferocity. His versatility makes him hard to negate. Wahwassuck will be one of the top big guards in the state next season.