Unlike the guard position, where there are clearly five senior guards who stand above the crowd, there aren’t really any wings in the small school ranks who are just simply better than the rest (unless, that is, you call Jaxson…
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SubscribeUnlike the guard position, where there are clearly five senior guards who stand above the crowd, there aren’t really any wings in the small school ranks who are just simply better than the rest (unless, that is, you call
Jaxson Brandl
Jaxson
Brandl
6'2" | CG
Greeley County | 2023
State
KS
and
Alec Carlson
Alec
Carlson
6'1" | CG
Pawnee Heights | 2023
State
KS
“wings.”)
This lack of returning stars will make it fun to see who rises to the top at the wing position this year. Will it be one of the five listed below, or someone else who wins the all-state honors and leads his team to glory.
Here are five small school wings to watch (in alphabetical order):
Bailey played a big role on a deep and talented club that won back-to-back 1A Div. I titles. While he hadn’t been the leader of the team, Bailey stepped up big in last year’s state tournament, scoring 19 in the semifinal game against Macksville, then tossing in 12 in the championship against South Gray. Bailey can shoot it and brings back a ton of experience.
Macksville finished third in the state in 1A Div. I last year and is loaded with returning talent. Barron will be one of the leaders. He is an athletic and rangy wing who accounted for 11 points and 6 rebounds last year. He can dish out opportunities to others as well, which will bring out the talents of his teammates.
Beckman is a big guy who is a matchup problem for smaller guards and for less-athletic bigs. He puts the ball on the floor and physically overwhelms defenders in the paint. He scores off misses and can chase down plays in transition. He is a tough rebounder and a workhorse in the paint.
Bible is a sharpshooter who comes back with a lot of experience. He has been known to go off for high-point nights on occasion. He is a multi-sport competitor who understands how to find soft spots on the perimeter. He has a smooth release and deep range.
Biggs (pictured) helped Lyndon to third place in the 2A state tournament, hitting for 17 points in of the Tigers’ wins. He is long and angular and is a mismatch for a lot of wings. He can run and produce in transition, play in the paint, and shoot it from deep.
Keller is long and disruptive on defense, getting into passing lanes and anticipating passes that hang in the air. He has the length to block shots and to hit the boards. He handles the ball and has a smooth release from deep. Keller plays with energy and doesn’t tie up the ball at the offensive end.
