NE Kansas Bigs Who Impressed
We saw a lot of impressive performances in the weeks before the holidays. New faces, emerging players and noteworthy contributions merit attention as we head to the break (in alphabetical order): Malachi Berg, 6-foot-3 forward, 2023, Topeka West: The powerfully…
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Continue ReadingWe saw a lot of impressive performances in the weeks before the holidays. New faces, emerging players and noteworthy contributions merit attention as we head to the break (in alphabetical order):
Malachi Berg, 6-foot-3 forward, 2023, Topeka West:
The powerfully built Berg doesn’t just camp out in the lane on the offensive end, but he’s a load wherever he goes. He stepped into the limelight as a tough and athletic quarterback for the football team, and now he’s playing an important role for the highly-ranked Charger hoops team. He brings power on the glass and in traffic, and can go for double figures with his moves to the hole and solid midrange game.
Brock Howard, 6-foot-7 center, 2022, Washburn Rural:
Howard is a load in the paint for the Junior Blues. He has been a role player for really good teams the past couple of seasons, but sees his role growing this year. He’s scoring at a nice clip and matches up physically with any big man opponents throw at him. Howard is a standout with a bat in his hands and is headed to Barton Community College to play baseball next year.
Brody Lietz, 6-foot-2 center, 2022, Rossville:
An all-state lineman on the state football champs, Lietz is an enforcer and immovable force in the paint for the Bulldawgs. He’s got nice touch and scores around the goal in traffic. Lietz is a workhorse who bodies up opposing big men, but has the athleticism to play in the up-tempo action too.
Carter Olson, 6-foot-7 center, 2022, Shawnee Heights:
Olson is taking a big step forward to become one of the better big men in the region. His athleticism pairs with his toughness nicely. He’s a gritty workman in the lane who refuses to back down from contact. He’s got nice touch, particularly at the free throw line, where he winds up frequently on his powerful moves to the goal.
Jace Richards, 6-foot-4 forward, 2025, Atchison:
Here’s a big man to watch. Atchison isn’t a big team, so it has to rely on this freshman for minutes. Richards has got a ways to go offensively, but he has natural spring and athleticism. He is an instinctive shot blocker and disrupter when the ball comes in his area. He’s not a polished product at the moment, but he’s got a high ceiling.
AJ Wilane, 6-foot-6 center, 2022, Riley County:
Wilane is as long and wiry as you will find. He is quick off the floor and has long arms that he extends into passing lanes and to stuff shots. He’s a presence for the Falcons when they decide to go big. Wilane makes most of his contributions on the defensive end, where he can sky over the pack for rebounds or disrupt everything that comes in his vicinity.