Spring Standouts: Wichita Bigs

<p>Spring tournaments gave us an opportunity to see some of the best from across Kansas together under one roof. The opportunity is especially meaningful to players from small schools and from the central part of the state that doesn’t get as much media attention.</p> <p>Now that we’ve slid into the summer team-ball season, let’s take a look back at some Wichita bigs who stood out in the spring:</p> <p><strong>Paul Bloomer</strong>, 6-foot-6 center, 2024, Kapaun:</p> <p>Kapaun was awesome this past school year, and they are returning a ton of talent next year. Bloomer will be ready for a bigger role after getting a lot of exposure this spring with the Wichita Padres. He’s a big man. He has the physique to be dominant on the block, or to move an opponent off his spot. He has good hands and some nice post moves. He also showed a solid midrange shot.</p> <p><strong>Sajavious Bowen</strong>, 6-foot-3 forward, 2023, Wichita Heights:</p> <p>A key bench option for the state champs, Bowen is a player to really keep an eye on. With all the loses at Heights, Bowen’s role may really expand next high school season. This long, lanky forward honed his skills with a really talented and deep PGUHoops club in the spring.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1426037" first="John" last="Hauserman"]</strong>, 6-foot-3 forward, 2024, Bishop Carroll (pictured):</p> <p>Hauserman got his feet wet with the Carroll varsity last year. He impressed with Team Dream in the spring, playing tough in the paint and showing athleticism at both ends. He is active on the glass, going hard after rebounds and making plays off misses at the offensive end. He gets up and blocks shots, particularly in transition. He can face the basket, or take a pass in the lane and do something with it, including a nice fadeaway jumper.</p> <p><strong>Gavyn Phillips</strong>, 6-foot-5 center, 2024, Wichita West:</p> <p>Phillips isn’t exactly a riser. He averages about 11 points and 6 rebounds as a sophomore for the Pioneers. But his team struggled and he didn’t get some of the recognition he deserved. He worked on his game and added to his resume this spring with Team Dream, impressing with his motor and relentlessness on the glass. He draws a lot of fouls by playing strong in the paint, and he runs the floor really well.</p> <p><strong>Marcus Pierce</strong>, 6-foot-5 forward, 2023 Wichita Southeast:</p> <p>Pierce hasn’t had a chance to really showcase himself on the high school level, but he looked real athletic and disruptive running with Wichita Magic this spring. He blocks shots and intimidates shooters. He’s big and athletic, and makes nice moves with the ball in the lane. He’s a heady defender who picks the ball off if passes hang in the air.</p> <p><strong>Maksym Svidersky</strong>, 6-foot-4 forward, 2023, Life Prep:</p> <p>A long, smooth wing for Hunt United, Svidersky can really light it up from deep. He has a silky touch and finds openings to get it off. He scores in transition and is a nice passer. This lanky forward has an array of skills.</p>