Seniors in the East Raising Their Profiles

Prep Hoops Staff

December 19, 2023 @ 04:17 PM

There are always some seniors who have been waiting for their chance to shine. Some are developing physically, others have improved their skills, while a large number have just been limited by older players in front of them.   For whatever reason, here is a handful of seniors in the eastern part of the state who are raising their profiles (in alphabetical order):   [player_tooltip player_id='2147808' first='Ethan' last='Dillinger'], 6-foot-8 center, 2024, Erie:   Dillinger has flown under the radar long enough. It's time to bring some recognition to this tall, lanky senior. He is a tweener – he dominates the paint and blocks shots like a center, but spends a lot of time floating to the perimeter to drop threes. He's got the Red Devils off to a 5-1 start, so they are looking like a team to watch. Dillinger stuffs the stat sheet and might be one of those rare 20 point/10 rebound players. Maybe even more impressive, he's currently averaging 4 steals and 4 blocks per game.   Ian McNabb, 6-foot-2 forward, 2024, Manhattan:   McNabb might not jump out at you on the stat sheet, but his effort and impact shouldn't go unappreciated. He's a junkyard dog who gets tough rebounds and contested buckets around the rim. Though he's just 6-foot-2 he plays much bigger. An important role player on a deep team, McNabb is good for a handful of points and rebounds every night out   Weston Shafer, forward, 2024, Baxter Springs:   This guy's name just keeps popping up in the box scores and game recaps. He's blown up for 20-plus points a couple of times this year. He's a long wing who finds open shots on the perimeter and calmly drills them. We look forward to learning more about this senior this year.   [player_tooltip player_id='1625001' first='Sheldon' last='Stewart'], 5-foot-11 guard, 2024, Emporia (pictured):   The Spartans are off to a good start, and Stewart has been key. He does some of everything, including handling the ball and dishing it to teammates and creating turnovers on defense. He's a solid number two scoring threat to take the pressure off teammates and stretch defenses. After being a solid role player, he's become a go-to guy for Emporia.   Aiden Troike, 6-foot-4 forward, 2024, Girard:   A player who is making a name for himself as a senior is the long-armed wing Troike. He is about as smooth as can be handling the ball from end to end, finding teammates with long passes or breaking down defenses on the dribble. He's a knock-down shooter and three-level scorer. He's also ripping down double-digit rebounds most games. He started the season with a bang, going for 24 points in each of his first two games.

There are always some seniors who have been waiting for their chance to shine. Some are developing physically, others have improved their skills, while a large number have just been limited by older players in front of them.