Topeka-area End of Summer Risers – Posts
Topeka tends to be dominated by smaller players. Only CJ Powell returns as a standout big man, and his game is not that of a pure post. But some young bigs will try to change that this winter. Some up-and-coming…
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Continue ReadingTopeka tends to be dominated by smaller players. Only CJ Powell returns as a standout big man, and his game is not that of a pure post.
But some young bigs will try to change that this winter. Some up-and-coming posts got a lot of experience on the club circuit this summer and are ready to contend for varsity action this fall.
Here is a look at some of the Topeka-area posts who were the top risers this summer (in alphabetical order and with club and high school and grad year listed):
Gabriel Davis, Kansas 94×50 Elite 15U, Highland Park, 2023:
The 6-foot-6 Davis is a project. He is a large young man who appears willing to work hard and learn how to sharpen his game. He has some nice tools to work with – soft hands and a nice touch around the goal and in the midrange. He works hard in the post and calls for the ball. He may not be ready for varsity on the loaded Highland Park squad, but Davis is a player to keep an eye on.
Brody Gormley, Kansas Hoggs 16U, Seaman, 2022:
Built like a football player, Gormley will bring toughness to the rebuilding project at Seaman. He has a diverse-enough set of skills for a 6-foot-5 player. He can shoot from the perimeter and in the midrange. He is a battler in the lane and will provide rebounding to the young Vikings.
Noah Hastert, SSA Black 16U, Cair Paravel, 2022:
Hastert does everything right. He is fundamentally sound, patient and smart. His ball skills are solid and he has good length for rebounding and shot blocking. He doesn’t possess a large frame, but he is willing to battle in the lane. A 6-foot-6 talent in the small-school ranks will make him a standout for the next two years. Largely unnoticed due to the size of his school, Hastert has earned a lot of respect on the club circuit.
Joe Otting, SSA Black 15U, Hayden, 2023:
Otting will bring some much-needed size to the Wildcats this fall. He got some playing time as a freshman and will get tons more in the near future. He moves well for his size – he’s 6-foot-4 and big. He has great hands and ball skills for a big man. He is skilled in the paint and creative in the post. He has been a standout at the 15U level. He has a lot of diversity to his ability, and will be a tough man to stop as he matures physically.