Big Seven League Preview

<p>A ton of talent returns to the Big Seven league this fall, with one glaring question mark.</p> <p>The status of [player_tooltip player_id="891912" first="Nahcs" last="Wahwassuck"], hands down the best player to potentially return to the league, is up in the air. The senior temporarily attended a program out of state, but word is that he’s applied to be reinstated to the Royal Valley team. Whether or not the two-time all-stater plays for the Panthers this season will determine a lot about not just the Big Seven League, but basketball on the 3A level statewide.</p> <p>Nemaha Central returns the formidable Beck twins plus other talent and should challenge Royal Valley for the league title. The Thunder are ranked sixth in the state preseason poll.</p> <p>Without Wahwassuck, Royal Valley may be ranked a bit to high, starting the season at number four in the poll</p> <p>Preseason Player of the Year:</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1076412" first="Brady" last="Klotz"], junior, Royal Valley (pictured):</p> <p>Klotz is an interesting talent. He’s a big-bodied, physical specimen, yet he can step out and drop 3-pointers with the best of them. He looks like a defensive lineman, yet he’s committed to play baseball in college. With his physique and touch from the outside, he may be a real matchup problem this year.</p> <p>Returning Stars:</p> <p><strong>Gunnar Ball</strong>, 6-foot-1 guard, 2023, Perry-Lecompton:</p> <p>Ball stepped into a crowded lineup at Perry-Lecompton last year, and forced his way into a significant role. He scored in double figures frequently, with a couple of really impressive games at the end of the season. He hit two three pointers in games against Holton and KC Ward, finishing with 16 and 20 in those games respectively.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1076409" first="Kurtis" last="Beck"] and [player_tooltip player_id="1195624" first="Marcus" last="Beck"], 6-foot-4 forwards, 2022, Nemaha Central:</p> <p>These twins have been good for a long time, and they are finally seniors ready to leave a lasting mark. They have experience in the playoffs and have tons of talent. They are long, athletic and active. With some talent around them, they will make the Thunder really tough this season.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="891923" first="Mason" last="Thomas"], 6-foot-3 forward, 2022, Royal Valley:</p> <p>Thomas is so impressive on the summer circuit, hustling and demonstrating the ability to guard all over the floor. He attacks the glass and shows athleticism. He hasn’t always produced big numbers for the Panthers, but watch for him to really lead this season.</p> <p>Other Returning Stars:</p> <p><strong>Nehemiah Byrd</strong>, 5-foot-10 guard, 2022, Riverside</p> <p><strong>Zac Kramer</strong>, 5-foot-10 guard, 2022, Nemaha Central</p> <p>Players to watch:</p> <p><strong>Marcus Bauman</strong>, 6-foot guard, 2024, Sabetha:</p> <p>Bauman played a lot as a freshman for a Sabetha team with a lot of seniors, but not a ton of talent. Bauman got in double figures a few times, then honed his skills against great summer competition. Watch for him to take a significant step forward this year.</p> <p><strong>Matthew Lierz</strong>, 5-foot-11 guard, 2023, Holton:</p> <p>The dual-threat quarterback will attempt to make the quick switch to the hardwood as one of just a few returners for the Wildcats. Lierz found double-figures in about half of Holton’s games last year, with a high of 19 against Sabetha.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1300858" first="Carter" last="Lutz"]</strong>, 6-4 forward, 2022, Nemaha Central:</p> <p>The Thunder return an impressive amount of talent, and some enviable length on the front line. Lutz is such an intriguing player. He’s long and athletic and plays hard. He can shoot from the perimeter and guard multiple spots. He doesn’t get much notoriety, but he could be a difference maker for the already loaded Thunder.</p> <p>Others to Watch:</p> <p><strong>Kaden Doleman</strong>, 5-11 guard, 2022, Perry-Lecompton</p> <p><strong>Todrick Duncan</strong>, 6-1 forward, 2023, Riverside</p> <p><strong>KJ Miller</strong>, 6-foot-2 forward, 2022, Royal Valley</p>