Top Returners: Frontcourts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Taking one more look at top returners this school year, let's focus on the big men.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In this series, we've highlighted some of the best senior classes, one-two punches and backcourts</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at some of the top frontcourt groups in the state:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kapaun – Arguably the best collection of bigs is at Kapaun. Prep Hoops has had 6-foot-6 forward [player_tooltip player_id='1080159' first='Will' last='Anciaux'] among its highest ranked 2023s for a couple of years. He earned first-team Wichita City League last year. 6-foot-5 [player_tooltip player_id='1270303' first='Teagan' last='Charles'] received honorable mention all-league. Capable of making a difference at guard or forward is another honorable mention recipient, 6-foot-2 <strong>Dominic Shibley</strong>. The Crusaders' best big man from last year's state team, Henry Thengvall, graduated. But his twinbrothers, [player_tooltip player_id='1270287' first='Will' last='Thengvall'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1270288' first='Nate' last='Thengvall'] are back as juniors. This group is stacked.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Manhattan – Standout 6-foot-6 senior [player_tooltip player_id='1080174' first='Jack' last='Wilson'] (pictured) has plenty of company on the Manhattan frontcourt. Wilson is ultra-skilled to play the 5 or 4, so there's some flexibility in the way they will line up. 6-5 senior <strong>Cole Coonrod</strong> is athletic and likes to run, even pushing the ball upcourt himself trying to break down defenses. [player_tooltip player_id='1490020' first='Collins' last='Elumogo'] is a 6-foot-4 senior powerhouse. He crashes the boards with ferocity and is physical in the post. Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2321581' first='Landon' last='Knopp']</strong> and junior <strong>Vincent Malone</strong> return with some experience and could contribute a lot this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Macksville – 1A Macksville will be a team to watch this season. The Mustangs return a ton of athletes who gained experience at state a year ago. They will be led by 6-foot-3 senior [player_tooltip player_id='1213186' first='Ryan' last='Kuckelman'], one of the best bigs in the small school ranks the past couple of years. He grabbed 9 rebounds per game to go with his 11 points. 6-foot-2 senior [player_tooltip player_id='1378395' first='Alexis' last='Barron'] led the team with 11.4 points per game and added 6 boards. Paired with a bunch of dynamic guards, these bigs will make Macksville tough to beat this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Maize South – The Mavericks bring back a ton of talent. 6-foot-7 [player_tooltip player_id='1378442' first='Tory' last='Homan'] is a towering figure at the back of the defense who blocks shots and bodies up opponents. He's an efficient scorer who will produce more as a junior. 6-foot-3 [player_tooltip player_id='1378445' first='Deven' last='Butler'] and 6-foot-4 [player_tooltip player_id='1173415' first='Jeron' last='Askren'] should see their roles expand this year as well. They can play just about any position on the floor, but with a couple of talented guards running the show, Butler and Askren will see plenty of action on the frontcourt.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Blue Valley Northwest – There are a ton of options at the Huskies' disposal this year. Leading the returners are 6-foot-6 junior [player_tooltip player_id='1461338' first='Joey' last='Matteoni'] and 6-foot-5 junior [player_tooltip player_id='1270297' first='Jaxon' last='Klein'], who experienced a run to the state title game. <strong>Landon Braun</strong> is a versatile and skilled 6-foot-5 senior forward who made a solid contribution. But the Huskies can look to 6-foot-8 sophomore <strong>Andrew Babalola</strong> and several returners who stand 6-4 or better like <strong>Aiden Behymer</strong>, <strong>Gavin Hoffman</strong> and <strong>Trey Ridley</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->