New Bigs Added to the 2024 Class Ranking – Part II

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In a previous article we looked at the top five bigs added to the 2024 class ranking. That group included Chanute bigs [player_tooltip player_id='2147758' first='Kaiden' last='Seamster'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2147802' first='Larsen' last='Koester'], Mill Valley's [player_tooltip player_id='1480552' first='Mason' last='Kemp'], Rose Hill's [player_tooltip player_id='2147799' first='Jace' last='Evans'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2147808' first='Ethan' last='Dillinger'] from Erie.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now let's look at the next group of big men added to the 2024 Rankings:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>85 – [player_tooltip player_id='1575955' first='Zavier' last='Phillips'], 6-foot-4 forward, 2024, Labette County:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Phillips has been good for Labette County, but he really impressed this summer with the Missouri 66ers club team. It was a talented group and he often looked like the best of the bunch. He combines explosiveness, quickness and length in an unique package. He can handle the ball and make plays in transition as well as let it fly from deep. His athleticism makes him especially impactful on the glass and on defense. Look for a big senior season from this stud.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>92 – [player_tooltip player_id='1438363' first='Abe' last='Hilbert'], 6-foot-6 center, 2024, Nemaha Central (pictured):</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A first-team Big Seven pick as a junior, Hilbert has a size and power profile that is tough to match at the small school level. The thing you have to like most about Hilbert is his effort and team-first approach. He works hard on the post at both ends and never stops hustling. So many good bigs graduated from the 3A class, look for Hilbert to be one of the best this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>94 – [player_tooltip player_id='2147823' first='Christian' last='McAfee'], 6-foot-4 forward, 2024, Sabetha:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McAfee has hung around the fringe of the rankings for two years now. It's time we reward this hard-working athlete. First and foremost, he's an elite rebounder, regardless of the level of competition. He has length, spring and a nose for the ball. He gets great position, but he also has the knack for snaking through traffic to go get the ball. He was an often-overlooked key to Sabetha's success the past two years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>96 – [player_tooltip player_id='2147835' first='Kian' last='Blanchat'], 6-foot-4 forward, 2024, Smoky Valley:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Like Hilbert, Blanchat stands to shoot up the ranks of 3A bigs due to his combination of size and ability to shoot it from the perimeter. He is unselfish and moves the ball well, which results in assists every time out. Blanchat got some honorable mention 3A attention last year as well as second team in the Central Kansas League. He is a skilled and physical big with good size.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->