2022’s Men on the Block Preview: Centers

<p>As tryouts and first practices have began, let’s take a look at the big men down low who are poised to have big seasons for their high school programs this season. The more traditional center and roles have increased and expanded over the years so this is a very flexible group of players.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1075931" first="Jace" last="Linenberger"], 6’6, Hays: Averaged 16 points and nearly 8 rebounds per game last season and is poised to flirt towards the double double average mark this season. Hays is deep once again with really solid guard play who will find ways to get him involved often in ball games. The footwork, intensity, and finishing ability with both hands will take him a long ways this season. Big time force in and around the painted area and can stretch the floor.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1076411" first="Fred" last="Criqui"], 6’7, St Marys: No center/big man in Kansas had a bigger rise up the ladder than Criqui. Becoming a very physical force in the painted area and improving his hands quite a bit, he has turned into a primetime player from the Center position. Catches the ball well off rolls, is a great screener, solid jumper shooter out to the 3 point line, and has a wide frame that covers a lot of ground with much more explosiveness than last year. Is a Mid East League player of the year candidate. Averaged closed to 8 rebounds and 3 blocks per game last year, expect those numbers with a very high ppg number as well.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1076398" first="Noah" last="Simmons"], 6’8, Valley Center: Will have a much expanded role for VC this year with the departure of some key guard pieces. Already being a staple on the defensive end especially protecting the painted area, Simmons has the offensive skill set with the ball in his hands in and around the post to carry the load and put a ton of pressure on the opposition. Averaged 8.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, and nearly 2 blocks per game.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1139930" first="Trever" last="Quaney"], 6’8, Burlingame: Was a dominant force last year at the 1A level and will continue to do so this year. Has the physical presence, hands, athleticism, and finishing ability to really take advantage of his presence on the floor at the 1A level. Averaged 16.3 points and almost 12 rebounds per game last year and expect numbers to hover around that with another year of experience. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1076408" first="Noah" last="Hastert"], 6’6, Cair Paravel: Has seen a lot of success at the high school level in both football and basketball. Entering the high school season expect more of the stat stuffing performances we are accustomed to him putting up at Cair Paravel. With improved footwork, hands, athleticism, his ability to cover a lot o ground and be a force in the painted area should create some nice performances this season. Has the ability to stretch the floor and lead some breaks off rebounds in certain situations, and should post similar numbers to last years 15 points and 10 rebounds per game.</p>