Back on the courts: NE KS bigs
Northeast Kansas has got teams up and going for the summer. Bigs are finally able to work against top competition as tournaments are starting to happen. Here are some updates on some northeast Kansas bigs: Garrett Athon, 2021, Jefferson West:…
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Continue ReadingNortheast Kansas has got teams up and going for the summer. Bigs are finally able to work against top competition as tournaments are starting to happen.
Here are some updates on some northeast Kansas bigs:
Garrett Athon, 2021, Jefferson West:
The considerable shadows cast by 2020s Bryce Clements and Quinn Neuenswander Quinn Neuenswander 6'5" | PF Jefferson West | 2020 State KS will no longer obscure the talent returning to Jeff West. The 6-foot-4 Athon was the third wheel last year, providing a powerful post presence. He had some highlight performances of his own, including the 15 he put up in the season-ending loss to Perry-Lecompton. Athon is guarding some physical specimens in the post this summer. He never stops hustling, chasing rebounds and drawing charges on the defensive end.
Josh Broxterman, 2021, Jefferson West:
The 6-foot-2 Broxterman is a well-built yet smooth athlete who gets off the floor nicely. This summer he’s challenged to guard a lot of quick forwards. He’s an active defender who has the ability to box out bigger men. He’s got a nice mid-range jumper and nice touch from the line.
Adrian Dimond 2022, Mill Valley:
The 6-foot-7 Dimond missed the recent Kansas City Classic, but the Kansas Hoggs U16 coach said he might be the best of that talented squad. The lanky rising-junior can absolutely gobble up shots, so he disrupts anything the opponents do offensively. He’s got a great inside-out game and will be a player to watch develop this summer.
Nate Hawk Nate Hawk 6'6" | PF Valley Falls | 2021 State KS , 2021, Valley Falls:
Hawk was second-team all Northeast Kansas League a year ago, so he’s no newcomer. He’s tall and lean and his athleticism makes him ultra-versatile. At 6-foot-4, he can guard bigs, battle in the lane and score in the post. But he also shows he can defend point guards as well. Hawk really took a leading role late last season for Valley Falls. He put up 21 in the regular-season finale against Oskaloosa, then had 24 in a playoff win over Troy.
Mason Thomas Mason Thomas 6'4" | SF Royal Valley | 2022 State KS , 2022, Royal Valley:
Thomas may not get all the headlines that his teammates do. Royal Valley returns three all-leaguers from the Big Seven League. But the 6-foot-3 workhorse should not be overlooked. Playing for the Kansas Hoggs U16 club, he’s not going to get the ball in his hands a lot. But he plays with unselfishness and doesn’t seem to mind playing a supporting role. He’s a long, rangy player who makes the right decisions and does the dirty work.