Friday Opening Night: Forwards to Watch
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As the season tips off in Kansas on Friday, players from across the state will be looking to make statements early. Let’s take a look of some of the guys who will be looking to make early statements. It truly…
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Continue ReadingAs the season tips off in Kansas on Friday, players from across the state will be looking to make statements early. Let’s take a look of some of the guys who will be looking to make early statements. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year! Hoops season is back!
Fred Criqui Fred Criqui 6'7" | C St. Marys | 2022 State KS , 6’7, St Mary’s, 2022: One of our highest risers over the summer, Criqui will look to send a message to the the Mid East league early on Friday. The physical presence, footwork, hands, and ability combination in the painted area will be tough to stop. Criqui’s smooth jumper and ever increasing range also makes zoning him a tough task.
Tyson Ruud Tyson Ruud 6'5" | SF Basehor-Linwood | 2023 State KS , 6’5, Basehor-Linwood, 2023: A long wing/forward prospect who will be asked to do a lot for the Bobcats this season and his versatility inside and out matched with his athletic ability should match him up nicely with a ton of teams. If he can get going early, especially on night one, look for him to establish himself as a big time wing/forward in the 2023 group.
Andrell Burton Andrell Burton 6'4" | SG Campus | 2024 State #213 Nation KS , 6’4, Campus, 2024: One of the more exciting prospects to take the court to kick off the season this week. Burton possesses all the skills necessary to truly play the one through 4 and that versatility should pay dividends. Campus has a nice matchup slated against Northwest to start the season, and Burton could impose his athleticism, aggressiveness on both ends, and ability to really start off with a stat sheet stuffing performance.
Jack Wilson Jack Wilson 6'6" | C Manhattan | 2023 State KS , 6’6, Manhattan High, 2023 (Pictured): Wilson will get a tough matchup to start the season against the talented BJ Canady BJ Canady 6'5" | PF Topeka High | 2024 KS of Topeka High, and with a big roster turnover, Wilson’s high level ability from the forward spot will be called upon. Wilson has a great back to the basket game, ability to push the break off the bounce, and can step out and knock down jumpers.
Eli Sawyers Eli Sawyers 6'7" | SF Southeast Of Saline | 2023 State KS , 6’6, Southeast of Saline, 2023: One of the top 2023 forward prospects will look to continue his high level play from the grassroots season and all the way back into last year. Will likely lead Saline in almost every statistical category this season and has the talent and effort on the floor to do so. Great passer, rebounds at a high clip, and can score in a variety of ways both off the ball and as a ball handler. Look for a potential early statement game from Sawyers against a solid Hesston team.