KS Top 250 Expo: Top 2021 Power Forwards

<p>Power forwards from the 2021 class used the Kansas Top 250 Expo to demonstrate they are ready for the spotlight this high school season. These guys – each from Kansas City schools – aren’t returning stars, but hope to grab the headlines as seniors.</p> <p>Here were the top senior power forwards at the showcase (listed in alphabetical order):</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="889496" first="Ben" last="Fritz"], Blue Valley Northwest:</strong></p> <p>Fritz was a runaway locomotive at the Expo. The up-and-down style gave him a chance to show off his dunking ability, and he got plenty of practice. Fritz has filled out and is ready to build on his Honorable Mention 6A performance as a junior. His athleticism and power stood out even in the field of elite players. While most of what Fritz did was run the court and dunk, he showed he can rebound with power and outlet ahead, drive to the bucket and catch and shoot.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="889488" first="Payton" last="Hanzlik"], Piper:</strong></p> <p>Hanzlik will apparently be at Piper for his senior year after transferring from Leavenworth. The 6-foot-6 senior is tough in the lane, and can light it up from deep. He showed repeatedly during the showcase that he can rebound and turn the ball up the floor, starting the break. He runs well and once he’s in the lane, he has a good back-to-the basket game. On defense he blocked several shots and patrolled the lane.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="946220" first="Carter" last="Lichtsinn"], Olathe West:</strong></p> <p>Lichtsinn’s size puts him in this category, but he’s a versatile wing/forward. He has a solid build and stands 6-foot-4. He earned Honorable Mention 6A last year, and his performance at the Expo shows he continues to develop. He takes the ball strong to the hole, rebounds with authority and can handle the ball all over the floor. He can catch and shoot from anywhere, and also creates his own opportunities in the mid-range.</p> <p><strong>Matthew McIntyre, St. James:</strong></p> <p>McIntyre plays bigger than the 6-foot-3 he’s listed at. He’s big and tough and mixes it up. He moves well without the ball and showed he can drive and kick the ball out.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1072878" first="Patrick" last="(PJ) O’Neil"], Olathe East:</strong></p> <p>Like Lichtsinn, O’Neil is sort of a small/power forward. At 6-foot-5, he’s got the height to play in the lane, but he showed at the Expo that he’s a quality ball handler who can create and push it in the open court. He probes the defense on the dribble and can shoot a fade away to create even more space. He fought hard on the boards and on defense, demonstrating he took the showcase seriously and plays with pride.</p>