Midwest Kansas Bigs Standing Out

<p>Summer gives Western Kansas players an opportunity to match up with those they don’t get a chance to see during the high school season.</p> <p>Not everyone from a midwestern school is an unknown obviously. [player_tooltip player_id="1075931" first="Jace" last="Linenberger"] from Hays, [player_tooltip player_id="1080178" first="Britton" last="Dutton"] from Ellinwood, and [player_tooltip player_id="946262" first="Seth" last="Madron"] from McPherson are all-staters who need no introduction.</p> <p>Here are a few wings and posts from the midwestern part of the state who are showing what they can do against elite competition (in alphabetical order):</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1195611" first="Nathan" last="Adams"], 6-foot-2 forward, 2022, Pratt-Skyline, Western Kansas Elite:</p> <p>Adams has played well against top-level competition this summer, impressive for a player from 1A Div. 1. He has shown he can be tough to guard on the perimeter, finding spots to pull the trigger from deep, and able to put the ball on the floor to penetrate for jumpers. Adams is well-built, powerful and quick for his size.</p> <p><strong>Bryce Beisner,</strong> 6-foot-5 forward, 2024, Beloit, SSA Hoops Elite:</p> <p>An up-and-comer to watch in north-central Kansas is the lanky Beisner. He is strong in the post and quick to turn and score with either hand. He draws a lot of fouls because he’s so tough to stop in the lane. His agility lends to scores on the move, as well as blocked shots at the defensive end. He’s expanding his repertoire playing against bigs who are adept on the perimeter. Beisner has the foot speed and agility to defend away from the goal.</p> <p><strong>Wesley Oakley</strong>, 6-foot-3 forward, 2022, Hays, SSA Hoops Elite:</p> <p>Oakley is long, but plays a guard/wing role. He can really shoot and is playing well this summer against high-level competition. Oakley was one of the top reserves for a top-flight Hays team last year. He should be ready for an even bigger role next year. He provides a perimeter threat who can get into the lane off the bounce, rebound at both ends and guard multiple positions.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1139918" first="Charlie" last="Russell"], 6-foot-4 forward, 2022, Wakeeney-Trego, Western Kansas Elite:</p> <p>Russell earned honorable mention 2A last year, and he is showing in the club season that his game translates against top-flight competition. Russell out-hustles and out-works opponents, particularly on the glass. He has good moves and fundamentals in the post. In high school action, Russell is a well-rounded stat stuffer: 15.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.4 steals as a junior.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1080163" first="Eli" last="Sawyers"], 6-foot-6 forward, 2023, Southeast of Saline, Oz Elite and PGU Hoops (pictured in black):</p> <p>Sawyers is a guy who really jumps out on the club circuit. He’s long and athletic, and really versatile. And he plays with infectious enthusiasm that stands out. He is developing as a perimeter threat and is a willing and creative passer. Sawyers earned 3A honorable mention in his first two years of high school, and is developing into one of the states best big men.</p>