Forwards and Centers Joining the 2023 Ranks

Silver Lake 2023 Taylor Ross. Photo: Robert Kelly.

Robert Kelly October 18, 2022 @ 12:58 PM

The ranks of the 2023 class has reached 200 prospects with the addition of 16 new players. Enjoy this quick look at the forwards and centers who joined listed in rank order.   [player_tooltip player_id='522430' first='Tiana' last='Simmons'], 6'0", SF/SG, Blue Valley - Fast, athletic, and a solid perimeter threat. The Eastern Kansas League second team selection is terrific finishing on the fly.   [player_tooltip player_id='522433' first='Taylor' last='Ross'], 5'10", SF/PF, Silver Lake - With the team's starting center on the bench quickly due to foul trouble in the Eagles' 3A state semi-final game against a very big and athletic Goodland team Ross was only post long and fast enough who could also defend in the post and be a scoring threat to keep the game close. Her play spoke volumes and her quality play continued throughout the summer.   [player_tooltip player_id='522437' first='Taylon' last='Smith'], 6'0", C, Berean Academy - Smith was one Berean's top scorers last season. At the MAYB Summer kickoff she was matched up with a taller, more athletic center. While not as athletic Smith used her strength and bigger build to good advantage. Smith set good screens and worked well out of them.   [player_tooltip player_id='522438' first='Halie' last='Feikert'], 5'8", SF, Bucklin - Feikert is heady in transition and has shown poise and handles against back court pressure. She has good length for her size and can make the one-handed bounce pass at speed through traffic to hit a teammate on the fly for a layup. Feikert not only was a Southern Plains-Iroquois Athletic Association first team but also earned Kansas Basketball Coaches Association 1A Div II honorable mention.   [player_tooltip player_id='522439' first='Bailey' last='Young'], 5'10", SF/PF, Pretty Prairie - Young returns following a state championship season. She earned Heart of America League all-league and KBCA 1A Div I honorable mention honors following the season. Young has good size and length, runs well, and has three point range.   [player_tooltip player_id='522445' first='Ainsley' last='Lister'], 5'11", C, Blue Valley - Lister is a player I cannot wait to see more of. She has a great frame with length and is a solid piece of the puzzle for a very deep, talented Blue Valley team.

The ranks of the 2023 class has reached 200 prospects with the addition of 16 new players. Enjoy this quick look at the forwards and centers who joined listed in rank order.