2023 Rankings All Star Second Team

<p>As we did for the 2022 class, we put together an all-star team using the rankings for the 2023 class. It is the collection of all the players ranked by the six positions Prep Hoops utilizes in its rankings.</p> <p>We realize that many of our ranked players could play several different positions. And we realize that some players, guys like [player_tooltip player_id="1080163" first="Eli" last="Sawyers"] and [player_tooltip player_id="1080185" first="BJ" last="Redic"], defy positions.</p> <p>Thus the 2023 Rankings First Team was not a list of the top six players. That team consisted of: PG [player_tooltip player_id="1080161" first="Marcus" last="Zeigler"], CG [player_tooltip player_id="1080176" first="Avery" last="Johnson"], SG [player_tooltip player_id="1080165" first="Will" last="Rost"], SF [player_tooltip player_id="1080162" first="Caleb" last="Wiese"], PF [player_tooltip player_id="1080159" first="Will" last="Anciaux"], and C [player_tooltip player_id="1080174" first="Jack" last="Wilson"].</p> <p>Now here’s the 2023 Rankings Second Team, the #2 player at each of our six positional classifications (listed by position, name, state ranking, size and high school):</p> <p>Point Guard: [player_tooltip player_id="1080166" first="Jordan" last="McGowan"], #9, 5-foot-10, Shawnee Mission West HS:</p> <p>McGowan has already played a ton of varsity ball, and is a classic point guard. He takes care of the ball, even while pushing the tempo. He gets the ball to scorers, particularly on the drive. He’s a solid shooter who can get his own shot when necessary.</p> <p>Combo Guard: [player_tooltip player_id="1080170" first="Kobe" last="Smith"], #8, 6-foot-1, Wichita Southeast HS (pictured):</p> <p>Smith is a big guard who is athletic enough to do some of everything. His successful sophomore year saw him contribute 9.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists. He’s a natural scorer who is working on his other abilities. He hits from deep, can score off the bounce, and is super-athletic in transition.</p> <p>Shooting Guard: [player_tooltip player_id="1080189" first="Eli" last="Shetlar"], #14, 6-foot-4, Andover HS:</p> <p>One of the biggest risers in the state, Shetlar really hit it out of the park this summer. He had a solid season in the rotation for a really talented Andover team last year. But he showed with Team Buddy Buckets Kansas that he is poised for a lot more. He is a brilliant shooter who is developing physically into a well-rounded performer. He jumped to #14 in the latest ranking update, and could shoot up even higher soon.</p> <p>Small Forward: [player_tooltip player_id="1080163" first="Eli" last="Sawyers"], #6, 6-foot-6, Southeast of Saline HS:</p> <p>Sawyers is rated the top small-school baller because of his performance on a variety of club teams the last two summers. He’s versatile and has the length to do just about anything on the court. He is smooth and coordinated, capable of playing on the wing, making plays in transition, and impacting the game in the lane. He’s played a ton of varsity already, so watch for to add to his 13.9 points and 7.4 rebounds from a year ago.</p> <p>Power Forward: [player_tooltip player_id="1080164" first="Tyler" last="Little"], #7, 6-foot-5, Galena HS:</p> <p>A long and powerful forward, Little does the dirty work and mixes it up with all comers. He helped Galena to a second-place 3A state finish, and was big in the playoffs. Galena comes back ready for another run, so Little’s name will be one to remember this year.</p> <p>Center: [player_tooltip player_id="1080186" first="Will" last="Mlynek"], #23, 6-foot-9, Shawnee Mission South HS:</p> <p>One of the biggest big men in Kansas, Mlynek will be a force this school year. He garnered a lot of attention for his work with Drive 5 and the Kansas Hoggs this summer. For his size, he moves well and makes plays at every level. But he’s at his best on the blocks, showing a mature feel for the position and polish on his moves to score.</p>