Post Rankings Breakdown: A Look At the State’s Top Bigs
Our state wide rankings have dropped and there are plenty of names and prospects to take a further look at as we enter the fall season. It is also a time where we can look a bit more closely at certain positions and trends. Let’s begin first with a glance at the Gem state’s top bigs.
2019
Michael Ure – Ririe
Ure jumped up our latest rankings rendition and rightly so as the multi-tool player out of Ririe continues to evolve and give onlookers something to think about in terms of recruiting and game planning for the upcoming prep season.
Ure averaged a double-double last season (19.2 points, 10.0 rebounds) and earned First Team All 2A honors according to the Idaho Statesman. A monster who will stuff the stat sheet in this, his senior year, look for Ure to be a dominate force down low and continue to hover around our top spot of the 2019 class.
Kon Ajang – Genesis Prep
We still are looking forward to seeing what sort of game Ajang brings to the table in his senior year, but creating a list of bigs to look at in the state has to include this shot blocking impact player for the reigning state champs.
Much more a defensive minded player, if his offensive skills have sharpened over the offseason then he will be even more of a threat for the Jaguars. We had him listed at 6-foot-9 last season and that could certainly increase entering this prep season, so stay tuned and keep an eye on this big man up north.
Kobe Matsen – Minico
A First Team Great Basin team selection last season as a junior, Matsen will look to continue his success at Minico and use his frame and skills to his advantage against opposing teams. In a conference where there are plenty of talented bigs, Matsen was able to assert himself as a name and will look again to do so this upcoming prep year.
Mitchell Brizee – Twin Falls
Another First Team Great Basin selection, the Twin Falls big man will look to impose his will on the opposition yet again and cement himself as one of the top players not just in the conference but perhaps the state when it comes to big men.
Brizee can score while also contributing on the glass and in the paint defensively and we are excited to see how he continues to transform his game.
Other bigs on our radar:
Jared Adams – Mountain Home, Austin Hayhurst – Eagle, Brandton Chatfield – Orofino, Tyriq Perry – Mountain Home, Ryan Ball – Twin Falls, Kyle Skamser – Vallivue
2020
Briggs Ranstrom – Rocky Mountain
In a list of “bigs” Ranstrom fits the bill only because he does have the size to match up, but we can’t simply ignore the fact that he impacts the game in so many ways including the way in which a traditional big can.
Of course, with Ranstrom you get the complete package as he can stretch the defense as well as make it difficult on his opposition with his length and excellent lateral movement in space out on the court. An Honorable Mention 5A SIC last season, we expect big things from Ranstrom this season as he will look to guide his Rocky Mountain squad to a three peat and establish himself as a 2020 with huge promise.
Tyler Robinett – Middleton
Again, with Robinett similar to Ranstrom, you get a mix bag of tools when it comes to his production for Middleton. Robinett can do a lot out on the court and was counted on as a steady supplier of scoring last season. His production led to Second Team All 4A SIC honors and he will likely improve upon that in this, his junior season. Be on the lookout for Robinett as he should move up our rankings even more when all is said and done for the 18-19 prep season.
Dawson Willis – Madison
Willis hit our radar during the season last year out at Madison. We still want to see how this prospect will grow his game and frame, but we couldn’t ignore him for this list.
2021
Our growing list of 2021s is exemplified here when it comes to bigs, however, the names below jump out to us as we head into the prep season and have provided some context in terms of their skills and games for their size.
We fully expect this group to make an impact and show us even more this season in their sophomore campaigns and look forward to tracking their progress on the hardwood.
Brody Rowbury – Meridian
Day Day Higgins – Lakeside
Jack Kiesbuy – Lake City
Jalen Skalskly – Lakeland