We Have Standout Bigs at the Small School Final Four

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Final Four of the Classes 1,2 and 3 state tournaments will get underway on Wednesday at the Mizzou Arena on the campus of the University of Missouri-Columbia.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What may be different about this season's Final Four is that there are an impressive group of bigs that will be on display at a small school state tournament. Here is a look at the excellent big men at the Final Four.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2885729,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/IMG_3320.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/IMG_3320.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2885729" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2090488' first='Jacob' last='Miller'] (Penney)The 6'8" 235-pound forward will be taking his talents to Northwestern next fall to play football in the Big Ten Conference. But first, he will conclude his stellar basketball career at Penney in the Class 2 Final Four. He has been a dominant force in the paint throughout his four-year varsity career as a scorer, rebounder and shot blocker. He has also expanded his game in the past two years as he is also a solid secondary ball handler who can make the open 3-pointer when he has to. As a senior, he is averaging 24.9 points and 11.7 rebounds while also blocking two shots per game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>******</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1966999,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/John-Fleeman.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/John-Fleeman.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1966999" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1790002' first='John' last='Fleeman'] (Kingsville): The 7'0" 2026 Chattanooga recruit will finish his tremendous career at the Class 1 Final Four. He dominates game in all facets with his ability to score and rebound, but also with his passing. He is a very skilled big who also makes his teammates better. He see's double and triple teams, but he shares the ball with deft passing ability. He had a triple double in the victory over xx in the state quarterfinals with 24 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists along with five blocks. He is currently averaging 25 points, 12.7 rebounds. 4.2 assists and two blocks a game. He has also knocked down 16 3-pointers this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>******</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2886971,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/IMG_3746.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/IMG_3746.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2886971" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2334910' first='Sekou' last='Cisse'] (Principia): The 6'9" 2027 forward provides consistent inside play for a loaded Panthers squad that is favorite to repeat as the Class 3 state champions this week. He had 17 points and 10 rebounds in the Panthers victory over KIPP KC Legacy in last season's state championship game. His teammates do a good job of establishing him inside and getting him some early touches in the paint. That was the case in the state quarterfinals when he scored 23 points in a 105-56 victory over Dixon. He is also a strong rebound who will get out of his area. He is currently averaging 10 points and six rebounds a game while shooting 58 percent from the fiel</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>******</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1986715,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/Drayton-Wells.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/Drayton-Wells.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1986715" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2843294' first='Drayton' last='Wells'] (Mt. View Liberty): A 6'7" 225-pound 2026 forward who holds things down on defense for the Eagles, who are participating in the Class 3 Final Four. His forte is shot blocking and he also rebounds the ball well. He is strong and very active around the basket. He does a good job coming over from the weak side to get swats. He is also a capable finisher around the basket when he gets touches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>******</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2563155,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/IMG_0294.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/IMG_0294.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2563155" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ronald Henry (Principia): The 6'7" 2026 forward has been a solid and dependable player throughout his four-year varsity career, mostly as a starter for the Panthers. He is a good athlete who plays with a strong motor. He rebounds the ball well and he is a very switchable defender who can guard the pick and roll very effectively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>******</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2444649,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/IMG_2719.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/IMG_2719.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2444649" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2843297' first='Austin' last='Doerhoff'] (Eugene): A 6'7" 2026 forward who has stepped into a bigger role for Eugene as they seek a repeat state championship. He was a solid role player as a junior on last year's state championship team. This year, he has emerged as a consistent producer at both ends of the court. He is capable of posting a double double while also blocking shots at a healthy rate. He blocked seven in the district championship game against Newburg. He can also step and and knock down 3-pointers to stretch the defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>******</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2889760,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/IMG_3503.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/IMG_3503.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2889760" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Majok Ater (Principia): A 6'9" 2029 forward who is an up and coming talent with a substantial upside. On most other teams, he is a starter and a consistent producer. But on a loaded Principia team, he is waiting his behind some talented and seasoned veteran players. In his reserve minutes, he has shown to be an excellent shot blocker with ability to run the floor with ease. He can also attack off the dribble and throw down an impressive dunk. He has quite a future ahead of him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->