Big School Bigs on the Rise this Summer

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We saw some impressive young bigs this summer. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We looked at big school (5A and 6A) guards on the rise in a previous article. Here are some unranked 2025 and 2026 bigs who made a case for a varsity role this winter with fine work during the spring and summer (in alphabetical order):</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Franklin Ekue</strong>, 6-foot forward, 2026, Andover Central, Wichita Padres:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We were highly impressed with Ekue's competitiveness and his numerous ways to attack an opponent. Though not overly big, Ekue can make plays in the paint and get buckets around the goal. He is explosive, creative and tenacious when he enters the lane. He is a skilled ball handler who can play at the guard spot and handle the ball all over the court. The Jaguars lost a lot of talent from last year, so Ekue may be able to carve out a varsity role soon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2321581' first='Landon' last='Knopp']</strong>, 6-foot-4 forward, 2025, Manhattan, SSA:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Knopp showed some of the talents needed to step into the spots vacated by graduating Manhattan big men. He can't do it all, obviously, but he might be able to play the inside-outside game that would take away some of the losses. He is a fine shooter and who runs the floor and gets to shooting opportunities, where he has the length to get shots off. Knopp is athletic enough to guard most spots and to rebound effectively. It will be a tall order to replace Jack Wilson and company, and Knopp will be called upon early and often.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2211330' first='Rocco' last='Keller']</strong>, 6-foot-4 forward, 2026, Kapaun Mt. Carmel, SBA (pictured):</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the most impressive bigs in the 2026 class we saw last summer, Keller looks to have the type of talents that flourish at Kapaun. He's big and physical and highly skilled. He demonstrated nice passing and playmaking ability facing the goal, particularly in the high post. He plays big, holding the ball high and looking over defenders for cutters. He rebounds and outlets on the defensive end well too. Though Kapaun is always loaded, this is a guy who could be on the floor soon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Walker McClellan</strong>, 6-foot-3 forward, Andover High School, SBA:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ready for the rebuild at Andover? Keep an eye on Walker McClellan. He can be an offensive threat, but he will likely win playing time early due to his other abilities: rebounding, passing, screening and defending. He is a willing, gritty team player who has a lot to offer. He's athletic enough and skilled enough to produce in a variety of ways offensively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Isaac Schroeder</strong>, 6-foot-2 forward, De Soto, LTD Select:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Schroeder really stood out as a tough, determined fighter for LTD Select. He has the outside game to play on the wing and handle the ball some. But he was even more impressive crashing into the crowd for tough shots and rebounds. He showed nice jump hooks and athletic releases to get buckets this summer. His inside-outside abilities will make him an interesting player at De Soto this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->