Additions to the 2024 Rankings: Bigs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bigs dominated the latest update of the Prep Hoops ranking of 2024s. Six forwards and a center were added this go round. Check out these new additions:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>13 [player_tooltip player_id='1633228' first='Savailio' last='Smith'], 6-foot-3 small forward, 2024, Bennington:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wow, did this guy impress Prep Hoops scouts at the Kansas Top 250 Expo in October. We couldn't believe such a good player we'd never seen before. And we really couldn't believe he was transferring from out of state to a small school like Bennington. Teaming him with big man [player_tooltip player_id='1270299' first='Eli' last='Lawson'] really didn't seem fair. Smith is a springy athlete who could adequately play all five spots on the floor. He's averaging 18 points and 7 rebounds for the 10-3 Bulldogs, who are ranked #6 in 2A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>31 [player_tooltip player_id='1756338' first='Dean' last='Markes'], 6-foot-3 small forward, 2024, Blue Valley:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Markes has made a huge leap from last year, when he played a supporting role behind senior Aidan Shaw. Markes busted out of the gate with a string of good games to help the Tigers to a 5-2 start. He and the team have since slowed down the pace, but there's not question Markes showed he can lead the team. He poured in 22 and grabbed 8 rebounds in an impressive win against St. James. Markes is a guy who can get hot from deep, get buckets on offensive rebounds, and find his teammates with the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>32 [player_tooltip player_id='1756339' first='Jeron' last='Lashley'], 6-foot-4 power forward, 2024, Blue Valley North:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lashley has stepped up to bolster a formidable front court for 6A's #2 ranked Mustangs. He was a backup for a senior-rich team last year, so the fact the team is 12-0 is impressive. Last week Lashley was named all-tourney at the Viking Classic. He's currently averaging 12 points and 3.5 boards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>35 [player_tooltip player_id='1756341' first='Gavyn' last='Phillips'], 6-foot-6 center, 2024 Wichita West:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Phillips is a scrapy, long-armed athlete who gets in passing lanes and protects the rim. He runs the floor excellently for the Pioneers, bringing a ton of energy. He has nice touch on the ball and is a matchup problem with his length, agility and speed up and down the floor. The junior is averaging 16 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>44 [player_tooltip player_id='1756342' first='Devin' last='Kerr'], 6-foot-4 forward, 2024, Piper:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Pirates are now 9-3 and climbing up the 5A ranks with some impressive mid-January wins over Bonner Springs and Topeka West. Kerr stood out over the summer as a tough guy who can stick the outside shot and be a presence in the paint. Piper is playing a very young lineup, and Kerr is providing some solid leadership. He's the team's leading scorer and rebounder with 13 points and 9.5 boards a contest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>47 [player_tooltip player_id='1756348' first='Owen' last='Reece'], 6-foot-3 power forward, 2024, Hodgeman County:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the best big men in the small school ranks, Reece is elevating the Longhorns into the conversation in 1A Div. I. His stats are certainly eye-popping: 26 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks. His stats were nearly as good as a sophomore.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>50 [player_tooltip player_id='1426037' first='John' last='Hauserman'], 6-foot-2 power forward, 2024, Carroll (pictured):</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Carroll has struggled against its challenging schedule, but picked up two wins at the Tournament of Champions last week. Hauserman is part of a potent one-two punch in the front court with [player_tooltip player_id='1385618' first='Mikey' last='Brand']. Hauserman is a versatile guy who is contributing 14 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists. He battles in the paint and can stretch a defense with his combination of skills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->