2023 Rankings Update: Newcomer Big Men

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(141) C [player_tooltip player_id='1587384' first='Jackson' last='Newell'] (Madrid)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A 6-8 center, Newell's offensive game is still a work in progress, but he has been the best shot blocker in the state this season, averaging 6.9 blocks a night. He's a long big man who covers a ton of ground, and he has great timing and instincts on the defensive end. He's averaging 10.1 points and 12.6 rebounds on 52% shooting in addition to his shot blocking prowess. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(169) PF [player_tooltip player_id='1738647' first='Benton' last='Bixby'] (Dike-New Hartford)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bixby is a 6-2 power forward enjoying a breakout senior year for the Wolverines, averaging 20.1 points and 8.2 rebounds a game. He does a majority of his damage inside the painted area, but he can occasionally step out and stretch the floor. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(187) PF [player_tooltip player_id='1738660' first='Bryson' last='Zomer'] (Rock Valley)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Following the graduations of nearly everyone from last year's 2A championship roster, the Rockets needed someone to step up, and the 6-4 Zomer has done just that, averaging 14.6 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists a game. An athletic, physical forward who can score inside and out, he has also served as the team's best playmaking threat. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(191) PF [player_tooltip player_id='1738714' first='Zach' last='Mehmert'] (Crestwood)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mehmert is headed to play football at Northern Iowa, but the 6-4 forward uses many of the same qualities that make him a strong football player to dominate on the hardwood as well, averaging 13.5 points and 9.0 rebounds a game on 62% shooting. He has soft hands and a big, physical frame that he uses to bully smaller opposing players in the paint. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(274) PF [player_tooltip player_id='1738713' first='Brandon' last='Miller'] (Center Point-Urbana)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A lanky 6-5 forward who handles it fairly well for a young big man, Miller is averaging 12.2 points and a team-high 4.7 rebounds a game for the Stormin' Pointers on 50% shooting. He has good footwork and touch around the rim, and has shown that he can make plays for his teammates with his ability to put the ball on the floor. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->