Standout Small School Bigs

Earl Austin January 17, 2023 @ 03:47 PM

Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at a group of bigs from the small schools in Classes 1-3 who have been putting in a lot of work throughout the season. Their teams have been very successful so far with these players making things happen inside.   [player_tooltip player_id='1440688' first='Roman' last='Phillips'] (Atlanta): A 6'8 2023 forward who I was impressed with when I saw him at the Truman State Elite Camp late in the summer. He's led Atlanta to a No. 7 ranking in Class 1. He works hard to establish his position and he has a nice jump hook over the left shoulder. He can also finish with either hand. He has been a consistent double-double this season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1433310' first='Jay' last='Ball'] (Thomas Jefferson): A 6'7" 235-pound 2023 forward who is one of the top players in the Class 1 ranks. The big lefty is a force around the basket as he is converting nearly 70 percent of his field goal attempts. He is averaging about 24 points and 15 rebounds a game while leading TJ to a No. 7 ranking in the latest state polls. Another impressive number that he can boast about is his score of 32 on the ACT.   [player_tooltip player_id='1160826' first='Jacob' last='Lafferty'] (Sparta): The 6'5" 2024 forward has been a force in the middle for Sparta since he entered the high school ranks. He is big and strong and very explosive around the basket. He is one of the most impressive power dunkers in the state as he can threw them down in traffic or on tip-dunks. He can also put the ball on the floor and beat defenders off the dribble and knock down the 15 footer. He has also spearheaded Sparta's program to excellent success as he led them to the semifinals of the Blue & Gold Tournament during the Christmas holidays.   [player_tooltip player_id='1606855' first='Stephen' last='Okoro'] (Principia): The 6'9" 2023 forward has led the revival of the Panthers program with his powerful play on the interior. He is one of the best rebounders in the state as he plays with a high motor and a strong desire to get the ball off the glass. He is currently averaging 12 points and 12 rebounds a game as the Panthers are currently ranked No. 7 in Class 2.   [player_tooltip player_id='1161302' first='Langden' last='Kitchen'] (Westran): A 6'7 250-pound 2023 forward is a physical force inside. He's led his team to a No. 2 state ranking in Class 2. He's a horse in the paint as he can catch the ball in heavy traffic and take defenders up with him along with the ball. He moves people around like furniture inside as he finishes well with a nice touch. If he misses, he can clear the space to get his own rebound.   [player_tooltip player_id='1161295' first='Lucas' last='Lyons'] (Lone Jack): A 6'8 2023 forward who is currently averaging a double double despite seeing sagging zone defenses on a nightly basis. He holds his position well inside and he can score in a variety of ways. He has the jump hook, the drop step and the 3-point shot. He is also very mobile as he also scores on rim runs.   Kemper Cline (Albany): The 6'5" 2023 forward has been putting up some impressive numbers in Northwest Missouri as a low post threat. He has a solid build at 210 pounds and he uses his strength very well around the basket. He is currently averaging 26 points a game while shooting 68 percent from the field. He recently had a high game of 45 points a couple of weeks ago.   [player_tooltip player_id='1440491' first='Curtis' last='Davenport'] (College Heights): The 6'5 2023 forward played a big part in College Heights' run to the Class 2 state quarterfinals last season. He has solid moves inside and he can also hit the 3-pointer. He plays good position defense as he can hold his ground with his strength.   [player_tooltip player_id='1160844' first='Joseph' last='Graves'] (RUSH): The 6'6 2024 forward has been putting in work since his freshman year. The big lefty surpassed the 1,500-point mark last week at the Crane Tournament. He has good footwork and sound fundamentals inside. When he gets to his dominant left hand, he's going to score. He also hustles down the court on rim runs to get transition buckets   Jojo Mitchell (Drexel): A 6'6 Class 1 standout who plays a tough game around the basket that is very effective. He's a strong finisher inside and he doesn't mind the contact with his big body. He just joined the 1,000-point club for his career. His strong play has led the zBobcats to a 16-1 record.   John Fleeman (Kingsville): One of the biggest players in the 2026 class plays at Class 1 Kingsville. He's checks in at about 6'8 and 245 pounds and he has good skills and fundamentals to go along with his size. He has good footwork and a nice touch inside. He will also step out and make an open perimeter shot. He is also a good passer who will find the open cutter.

Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at a group of bigs from the small schools in Classes 1-3 who have been putting in a lot of work throughout the season. Their teams have been very successful so far with these players making things happen inside.