Top Returners: Frontcourts
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Taking one more look at top returners this school year, let’s focus on the big men. In this series, we’ve highlighted some of the best senior classes, one-two punches and backcourts Here’s a look at some of the top frontcourt…
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Continue ReadingTaking one more look at top returners this school year, let’s focus on the big men.
In this series, we’ve highlighted some of the best senior classes, one-two punches and backcourts
Here’s a look at some of the top frontcourt groups in the state:
Kapaun – Arguably the best collection of bigs is at Kapaun. Prep Hoops has had 6-foot-6 forward Will Anciaux Will Anciaux 6'6" | PF Kapaun Mt Carmel | 2023 State KS among its highest ranked 2023s for a couple of years. He earned first-team Wichita City League last year. 6-foot-5 Teagan Charles Teagan Charles 6'5" | SF Kapaun | 2024 State KS received honorable mention all-league. Capable of making a difference at guard or forward is another honorable mention recipient, 6-foot-2 Dominic Shibley. The Crusaders’ best big man from last year’s state team, Henry Thengvall, graduated. But his twinbrothers, Will Thengvall Will Thengvall 6'3" | SF Kapaun | 2024 State KS and Nate Thengvall Nate Thengvall 6'3" | SF Kapaun | 2024 KS are back as juniors. This group is stacked.
Manhattan – Standout 6-foot-6 senior Jack Wilson Jack Wilson 6'6" | C Manhattan | 2023 State KS (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 Cole Coonrod is athletic and likes to run, even pushing the ball upcourt himself trying to break down defenses. Collins Elumogo Collins Elumogo 6'4" | SF Manhattan Highschool | 2023 KS is a 6-foot-4 senior powerhouse. He crashes the boards with ferocity and is physical in the post. Sophomore Landon Knopp Landon Knopp 6'4" | SF Manhattan | 2025 State KS and junior Vincent Malone return with some experience and could contribute a lot this season.
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 Ryan Kuckelman Ryan Kuckelman 6'6" | PF Macksville | 2023 State KS , 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 Alexis Barron Alexis Barron 6'1" | SF Macksville | 2023 State KS 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.
Maize South – The Mavericks bring back a ton of talent. 6-foot-7 Tory Homan Tory Homan 6'7" | C Maize South | 2024 State KS 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 Deven Butler Deven Butler 6'3" | SF Victory Rock Prep | 2024 KS and 6-foot-4 Jeron Askren Jeron Askren 6'3" | SG Maize South | 2024 State KS 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.
Blue Valley Northwest – There are a ton of options at the Huskies’ disposal this year. Leading the returners are 6-foot-6 junior Joey Matteoni Joey Matteoni 6'8" | PF Blue Valley Northwest | 2024 State KS and 6-foot-5 junior Jaxon Klein Jaxon Klein 6'6" | SF Blue Valley Northwest | 2024 State KS , who experienced a run to the state title game. Landon Braun 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 Andrew Babalola and several returners who stand 6-4 or better like Aiden Behymer, Gavin Hoffman and Trey Ridley.