Spring Standouts: Topeka Bigs

<p>Spring tournaments gave us an opportunity to see some of the best from across Kansas together under one roof.</p> <p>Here’s one more look back at spring action, this time at some Topeka bigs who stood out:</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1080205" first="Wyatt" last="Conklin"], 6-foot-2 forward, 2023, Washburn Rural (pictured):</p> <p>Conklin has been a mainstay on the club circuit with SSA Hoops Elite and an impressively versatile player. He is physical and tough and schooled on the fundamentals. He draws a lot of fouls by penetrating and taking on the traffic. Once at the line, he’s efficient. He’s a team player and intelligent decision maker.</p> <p><strong>Gabriel Davis</strong>, 6-foot-6 center, 2023, Highland Park:</p> <p>Davis is a huge man who continues to put in the work to be a player. He’s an infectious energy bringer and an intimidating presence. Davis hasn’t had the chance to make much noise on the Highland Park varsity just yet, but he keeps his head down and works to help his Kansas 94x50 Elite 2023 team succeed.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1448466" first="Jacob" last="Hirschi"]</strong>, 6-foot-4 forward, 2023, Washburn Rural:</p> <p>Hirschi impressed with his accuracy from deep during the spring with Kansas 94x50 Elite 2023. He’s a big guy who blocks shots and moves his feet well to defend. He’s grown and developed into a more physical presence in the lane, and he still has the ability to put it on the deck and run from end to end. His shooting poses a defensive problem for opposing bigs.</p> <p><strong>Prince McMillon</strong>, 6-foot-1 forward, 2024, Highland Park:</p> <p>McMillon isn’t really a classic forward, but he is a smooth, lanky wing who is dangerous on the bounce or taking the shot from deep. McMillon was one of the top threats for Dream Elite this spring. He can back down a defender, score in the paint and off rebounds, and slash to the goal. Getting playing time has been real tough at Highland Park, and it won’t get a lot easier next fall. But McMillon figures to be in the mix with his smooth offensive game and athleticism.</p> <p><strong>Preston Ross</strong>, 6-foot-4 forward, 2023, Washburn Rural:</p> <p>Yet another Junior Blue on the list, Ross is a versatile forward with length and athleticism. He releases his jumper at a high point and therefore can score in traffic and on the pullup. He is building toward a good senior season by working with Kansas 94x50 Elite. He and Hirschi have gained experience at Washburn Rural and look to be a solid 1-2 punch for the Junior Blues.</p>