Under the radar Big Men to check out in February
In this article:
Taking a look at some of the under-the-radar big men that have stood out and are keeping their teams afloat. These players are not getting all of the attention but are doing everything in their power to produce! Grant Mielak…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingTaking a look at some of the under-the-radar big men that have stood out and are keeping their teams afloat. These players are not getting all of the attention but are doing everything in their power to produce!
Grant Mielak Grant Mielak 6'5" | SF Lincoln Southwest | 2022 State NE | 6’5 F | Lincoln Southwest/Nebraska Select 17U Nannen
The Silver Hawk forward is one of the main parts of the team’s success this season. Fourth on the team, averaging 7.2 points, the 6-foot-5 forward gets his on his points on off plays. Second, on the team in rebounds, Mielak is averaging 3.5 boards a game for the Silver Hawks. Attacking the boards is something the Silver Hawks do well, together Mielak and teammate Aidan Welch are averaging more than 10 rebounds. A big man that is able to shoot, the senior is averaging 35 percent from downtown. Silver Hawks are heading into the districts with four games on left on their schedule to improve their 11-7 record. The senior has a handful of games to leave an impact hitting a few threes in his last two games he can be get into his shooting form heading into districts
Zane Schwarz Zane Schwarz 6'2" | PF Fort Calhoun | 2022 State NE | 6’4 F | Fort Calhoun
The Schwarz brothers are playing outstanding this season for the Pioneers. Zane one half of the duo turned in some big games this season averaging 10.3 points per game, he’s third best behind his brother and another. Zane, the defender of the two brothers leads the teams in blocks 0.7 per game and second in steals 1.1 per game. The 6-foot-4 senior best game this season was in a lost against Howells-Dodge, he was able to drop 22 points on 58p percent shooting, hitting eight free-throws. Best defensive game for the senior came against Sandy Creek, the big man swatted away four shots. The Pioneers are on a three-game winning streak with two games left before district start.
Carsen Schwarz Carsen Schwarz 6'4" | PF Fort Calhoun | 2022 State NE | 6’5 F | Fort Calhoun/Sal Elite 17U
The second half of the Schwarz brothers is also having a great season. Carsen is playing big for the Pioneers this season, second on the team averaging 12.4 points per game. A capable shooter, 38 percent from downtown hitting five this year and 64 percent from the field. Carsen lives on the boards, leading the team in rebounds at 8.8 per game. The 6-foot-5 forward is averaging 1.6 offensive boards giving the patriots multiple second chances this season. The big man has six double-doubles for the Pioneers. Highlight games for the senior this season, against Sand Creek 18 points season-high, 13 rebounds against Louisville and three steals snatch from Douglas West County. Along with his brother he and the Pioneers have two games left for districts and to make an impact.
Preston Burbach Preston Burbach 6'5" | SF Norfolk Catholic | 2022 State NE | 6’5 F | Norfolk Catholic
More of a point forward the senior gets his teammate involved rather than scoring. For the Knights this season Burbach is leading his team assists, dishing out 4.3 assists per game. Not much of a shooter, 6.0 points per game for the year. He does the little stuff that matters on the floor averaging 4.0 rebounds and 1.9 steals for the Knights, the senior forward is utility player that put the team first. The 6-foot-5 forward had a huge game early season, facing off against Pierce. Dropping in 16 points on 56 percent shooting with four assists and three steals. When needed to score the senior is capable. Burbach and the Knights are 17-3 for the season, last game today against Aquinas. Next up preparing for districts after.
Carter Mann Carter Mann 6'4" | C Burwell | 2022 State NE | 6’4 C | Burwell/Nebraska Select 17U Luger
The Longhorn big man has been key piece for their season’s success. The senior is averaging 15 points a game, second on his squad. The big man is leading the Longhorns in rebounds and blocks at 9.4 boards a game and 1.9 blocks a game. Mann came up huge in a few games this season posting 20 plus points more than a couple times. Best game this season came against Burwell, dropping season high 25 points and 18 rebounds, the senior put on a show. A great rim protector, the 6-foot-4 center posted a seven-block game against Arcadia/Loup City, swatting shots left and right at the basket. Two games left on the schedule have the Longhorns going into the districts clicking on all phases.
Will Vanderbeek Will Vanderbeek 6'4" | C Kearney | 2022 State NE | 6’6 F | Kearney
The Bearcats have had an up and down season so far, but the one thing that has been consistent is the play of their senior big man Vanderbeek. Will is leading the team in scoring 13.2 points and 6.0 rebounds per game. Very comfortable around the basket the senior is shooting 56 percent from the floor while hitting 40 percent from behind the arc. A natural big man with good footwork and very good at spacing. Able to pull down six offensive boards against the Huskies, Will has a knack for being in the right place. Having good games all season, he was able to have a great game against Grand Island, dropping in 18 points and seven rebounds in a close win. With three games left time left to finish strong and improve their rankings heading into districts.