PREVIEW: Kansas’ top young bigs (2021)
As part of its 2018-19 preview series, Prep Hoops Kansas takes a look at some of the state’s top players in a variety of positions in the rising sophomore class.
Below are some of the state’s top young big men in the 2021 class.
Miles Cole, 6’8, PF/C, 2021, Blue Valley, JC Hoops 15U
Cole is hoping to break out this season after a strong summer running with JC Hoops. He was one of several young big men to shine this fall at the Prep Hoops 250 Expo at Blue Valley West and brings activity, length and a soft touch around the basket. He does a good job of finding open seams in a defense and making himself available for drop-off and dump down passes and does a good job finishing around the basket.
Danair Dempsey, 6’5, F, 2021, Wichita Heights (MoKan Elite)
Dempsey is still relatively raw at the offensive end but has tremendous length, the ability to play much bigger than his listed height and a lot of versatility as a defender. He gets a lot of garbage baskets in the paint at the offensive end, finishing along the baseline and grabbing offensive boards, and as a defender, he blocks shots in the paint and moves his feet on the perimeter. He has a lot of upside and enters the upcoming season as one of the better players in the 2021 class.
Keeshawn Mason, 6’5, PF, 2021, Mill Valley (KC Run GMC)
Mason is a force around the basket and is poised for a big sophomore season after playing much of the summer up an age group with KC Run GMC. He a strong, athletic player who can play above the rim, throw down dunks, block shots and rebound at both ends of the floor. He is a terrific athlete who put together a big freshman season at Mill Valley last year, playing a key role for a team that advanced to the Class 5A state championships in Topeka.
Andrew Orr, 6’7, F, 2021, Blue Valley North (MoKan Select)
Orr has terrific size and a feel for playing in the paint at both ends of the floor. He has good hands and a soft touch around the basket, likes to play through contact and runs the floor exceptionally well. He is a willing defender who looks to protect the basket as a shot blocker and can score over smaller players at the offensive end of the floor.
Charles Synder, 6’5, F, 2021, Emporia (SSA Elite)
Smith is coming off a big summer running with SSA Elite’s 15U team. He is a tough, bruising rebounder who is a double-double waiting to happen. He likes to post up with some old-school in his game on the block, but can also step out and face the basket as well. He is poised for a breakout sophomore season at Emporia.