Season Preview: Mr. Basketball Candidate #1
As part of our preseason content, we’re counting down the top candidates for this year’s Mr. Basketball award, presented annually to the top senior in the state. The list begins with candidate, Smoky Hill combo-guard, Kenny Foster who already is amongst the top in Smoky Hill basketball history for career points. This year he is looking to take home Mr. Basketball AND a state title.
Name: Kenny Foster
Height: 6’5
Position: SF
School: Smoky Hill
2017-18 stats: 358 points (17.0/game), 100 rebounds (4.8/g), 77 assists (3.5/g), 48 steals (2.3/g)
Career stats: 17.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists a game
About Foster:
Foster has put together one of the most decorated careers in Smoky Hill history as he has been a player that has been a staple for the school since he was a freshman. He has already surpassed 1,000 points scored in his career and that was coming off of disappointing seasons, this year is where I think that the Buffaloes separate from the pack. Foster is a player that does it all as he is a great rebounder, solid defender and can score from anywhere on the court. He is a player that has averaged double-digits each season and if he replicates what he did last year he will surely win Mr. Basketball as he will be leading one of the most high powered offenses in the state that is looking at finally getting a win on his way out.
Why he can win Mr. Basketball: His name is going to be all over as he is No. 1 in the entire state. He is one of the toughest players in the state to guard and can really take over a game. He dunks the ball, he shoots the ball well and generates a ton of attention. He will see plenty of double teams and will be leading a top team in the state that will get each team’s best shot. Expect another big season.
Odds he wins Mr. Basketball: 50%. He is the favorite for me and will most likely take it home unless another player just truly dominates. He will be a top scorer in the state and it may come down to who is able to lead their team to a state title this year. He will remain at the top and it starts in the first game of the season in a Preseason Top-10 matchup against the George Washington Patriots.