5A SIC Preview 2020-21: Best Bigs
The Treasure Valley has consistently produced great bigs in recent years. The 2020-21 season looks to be no different as a handful of bigs will lead their teams on a run toward the state championship. Continue reading for my top…
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Continue ReadingThe Treasure Valley has consistently produced great bigs in recent years. The 2020-21 season looks to be no different as a handful of bigs will lead their teams on a run toward the state championship. Continue reading for my top 5 bigs in the 5A SIC in no particular order.
Brody Rowbury Brody Rowbury 6'11" | C Meridian | 2021 State ID , 2021: Walking into any gym this season, it will be difficult to miss 6’11″ Rowbury. One of the best players in the state, Brody has already established a certain level of dominance every time he steps on the floor. Brody has all of the necessary post moves with great footwork to operate out of the block and is more than capable of hitting a trail 3 or shooting the elbow jumper. One of the best parts of Brody’s game is his ability to see over the defense to make great passes. To combat his size, most teams have begun to double Rowbury in the post, and he has the ability to see the double coming and make a pass to the open man.
Lukas Broadsword Lukas Broadsword 6'6" | PF Centennial | 2021 State ID , 2021: The Centennial Patriots will get lots of help and veteran experience from Lukas this season. At 6’6″, Broadsword has a great mid-range jumper and the ability to play from the block. One of Lukas’ greatest strengths is playing out of the pick-and-roll. He does a great job of planting and waiting for the guard to release before making the proper read to either pop or roll. Lukas is a solid rim-protector with great timing for blocks and long arms. He has been spending a lot of time in the weight room this off-season to prepare for battle this season.
Jordan Kemp Jordan Kemp 6'4" | SF Eagle | 2020 State ID , 2021: Kemp had a great season for the Eagle Mustangs last season and will try to expand his impact on the court in 2020-21. Jordan does a little bit of everything for the Mustangs and has a knack for finding offensive rebounds. He plays hard every possession and is athletic as a defender when switched onto guards or defending the perimeter. Kemp finishes well at the rim with either hand and proved himself a solid shooter with his ability to hit the mid-range jumper or catch and shoot from behind the arch. With a few of Eagle’s go-to players graduating, I expect Kemp to shoulder more of the scoring demands and rebounding demands this season.
Joe Mpoyo Joe Mpoyo 6'4" | SG Meridian | 2021 State ID , 2021: As a guard/forward, Joe spends a lot of time down low and on the perimeter. Around the rim, Mpoyo has great touch at the hoop and can finish through traffic with either hand. From the perimeter, Joe has a smooth-looking jump shot and shoots the ball from three. The majority of his shots come in rhythm and his feet are always set and ready on the perimeter. Joe fits well in Meridian’s uptempo style of play and I expect him to flourish this season with more opportunities for the ball to be in his hands.
Jack Payne Jack Payne 6'5" | SF Boise | 2022 State ID , 2022: One of the most exciting players to watch on this list, Payne is a great guard/forward. Payne played big minutes for the Brave as only a sophomore and his stock will continue to rise as he keeps expanding his game. Payne is 6’4″ and athletic with the ability to finish in traffic while he rises above the defense. From outside, Jack has a solid jumper and his consistency will improve as he stays in the gym and has the ball in his hands more. Two of the best aspects of Jack’s game are his rebounding and his passing. Jack fights for every board and does a great job of reading bounces for offensive rebounds. His court vision is impressive and has an arm to match for throwing deep outlets and putting his teammates in the right positions at all times.