Big 2024s Stepping Up For Bigger Roles

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Summer ball can be a launching pad for seniors to kick off their final season of high school. Summer tournaments and showcases gave them a chance to show off their talents and hone their skills for their moment in the spotlight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>James Allen</strong>, 6-foot-3 forward, 2024, Spring Hill, LTD Select:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An athletic big man who stood out this summer, Allen battled in the paint, rebounded at a high level and showed ability to make plays attacking with the ball in his hands. He runs the floor excellently and chases plays with good energy. Though a bit undersized, he is a rugged and committed defender. Graduations could force Allen into a more prominent role at the offensive end for the Broncos.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2147808' first='Ethan' last='Dillinger']</strong>, 6-7 Erie, 2024, Missouri 66ers:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was great to see what Dillinger can do this summer. A standout in 2A, Dillinger still has flown somewhat under the radar, partly due to his dedication to baseball. On the court, he showed ability to protect the rim, and the ability to hit from deep. He's got a smooth, effortless stroke and he has length to get shots off over defenders on the perimeter. He poses a problem because opposing bigs have to leave the paint to limit his shot opportunities. Erie was good last year. The Red Devils might take another step with Dillinger leading some returning talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1438363' first='Abe' last='Hilbert']</strong>, 6-foot-6 center, 2024, Nemaha Central, SSA (pictured):</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hilbert is another guy who stood out on the court this summer despite basketball not being his primary sport. The big football standout anchored the SSA team in the middle this summer. He works hard in the post, has good fundamentals, and demonstrates light feet and soft touch for a big man. He won't get pushed around by any opposing centers, and he runs hard to blend with SSA's stable of guards. Hilbert hasn't been a big star on the basketball court for Nemaha Central yet, but he is set to have a very productive senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sylvester Jackson</strong>, 6-foot-4 center, 2024, Junction City, SSA:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jackson has been a contributor for some really good Junction City teams, but this might be the year he gets an opportunity to really stand out. He's a hard worker who does all the little things the team needs. Jackson runs the floor well and chases down plays. He crashes the boards and works to close down the lane by helping off on drivers. He is a favorite of his SSA teammates because he puts the team first. Look for him to do the same for the Blue Jays next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1939448' first='Vincent' last='Nixon']</strong>, 6-foot-5 forward, 2024, Shawnee Mission Northwest, Taylor Made:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An energetic forward who combines nice athleticism and versatile skill, Nixon will be looking to make a bigger impact for the Cougars next season. He impressed this summer as a guy who can defend in the post or on the wing. His long arms and agility allow him to help off on drivers. He can score in a variety of ways in the post and midrange, and his hard work can lead to points on misses. [player_tooltip player_id='2209736' first='Ethan' last='Taylor'] will probably be the Cougars' top option in the center spot, so Nixon will need to be versatile to increase his minutes as a senior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->