12 Days to Tipoff, 10 2024 Uncommitted Bigs to Know

Picking up where I left off in my look at uncommitted post players I am turning now to several down the list prospects that colleges should be evaluating in their quest to add size to their rosters. As I mentioned in that previous article commitments from the senior class have picked up steam over the last couple of months. Nearly 40 ranked players are known to have committed to play college ball next year, far surpassing the 23 as of the October 2022 rankings release. More than 200 players are currently ranked with several more expected to be added come December’s update. Enjoy this look at down-the-list centers and forwards listed in rank order.

Ava Howie Ava Howie 5'11" | PF Maize South | 2024 State KS , 5’10”, PF, Maize South – A returning Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League Div I honorable mention selection Howie is a multiple threat on the offensive end and a solid defender on the other. She also boxes well on both ends to gather crucial rebounds. What especially makes her valuable is her perimeter shooting. Working well in the half court she cannot be given clean looks. That floor stretching ability gives her finishing and long rebounding opportunities.

Makenzie Galliart Makenzie Galliart 6'0" | PF Blue Valley Weat | 2024 State KS , 6’0″, PF, Blue Valley West – A returning Eastern Kansas League honorable mention selection, Galliart is described by my colleague Jeremy Deckard as an “absolute beast.” Physical on both ends of the floor, she runs well and finds teammates with the ball in transition and in the half court. Deckard says she does the things it takes to win that do not show up in the box score.

Ella Dirks Ella Dirks 5'11" | SF Blue Valley Northwest | 2024 State KS , 5’11”, PF, Blue Valley Northwest – Dirks puts the power in power forward. In a short video posted to Twitter this past May Dirks is shown squatting 285 pounds. She makes good use of her size and strength around the hoop and has ball skills to get to the basket with the dribble.

Brooklyn Gormley Brooklyn Gormley 6'1" | PF Seaman | 2024 State KS , 6’1″, PF, Seaman – Gormley has been an important part of the Vikings her entire high school career. Long and athletic, she has good timing to alter and block shots. A solid finisher in the paint with good hands Gormley is routinely good for 6-7 points and rebounds per game.

Easha Potts Easha Potts 5'10" | PF Dodge City | 2024 State KS , 6’0″, PF/C, Dodge City – Potts is a formidable post player with solid hands, a versatile block game, and transition hustle. A Western Activities Conference second team selection, Potts is a high potential player who makes mature decisions in the half court, guards whomever she is asked with energy, and has a high ceiling.

Laila Christmon Laila Christmon 6'0" | PF Wichita Heights | 2024 State KS , 6’0″, C, Wichita Heights – Over the past couple of years Christmon has literally grown into a legitimate bodied big. She has good north-south speed, long arms, and terrific hustle and finishing ability within 15′. With the log jam caused by the numerous transfers into Heights Christmon’s minutes are likely to be reduced. She deserves every look colleges can get.

Skyler Smith Skyler Smith 5'9" | CG Bishop Miege | 2024 State KS , 5’9″. PF, Bishop Miege – As a returning starter for the multi-year defending 4A state champion Smith’s play was crucial for the under-sized Stags. Athletic and fast with good hops Smith handles the ball well and can hit the outside jumper. A defender who rotates very well from the weak side.

Kylie Disbrow Kylie Disbrow 6'0" | PF Anderson County | 2024 State KS , 6’0″, PF, Anderson County – Disbrow is a returning two-time Pioneer League first team selection who also was 3A Varsity Kansas second team and KBCA honorable mention selection. She averaged 17.3 points in 2023 and has pulled down 12.4 rebounds per game over the past two years. She is also a prolific shot blocker, swatting 7.5 per game over the past two seasons. Blessed with solid size and length, Disbrow also has good north-south speed.

Savannah Shahan Savannah Shahan 5'11" | PF Hillsboro | 2024 State KS , 5’11”, PF, Hesston – A returning two-time Central Kansas League first team selection Shahan also earned KBCA and Varsity Kansas 2A honorable mention nods. Among the things I like from her is how well she works the short corner. She gets to the hole off the bounce, feeds cutters well, and uses her height to advantage defending and rebounding. A nice combination of size, speed, and length, Shahan is also a consistent 30+% three point shooter.

Paige Cheffey Paige Cheffey 6'0" | PF Shawnee Mission Northwest | 2024 State KS , 6’0″, PF, Shawnee Mission Northwest – The 2023 Sunflower League honorable mention selection used her solid build and floor sense to great effect, ended the season as one of the league’s rebounding leaders at 9.1 per game. She is a real banger but has all-around skills. Cheffey works well in two-on-one transition situations, elevates to alter shots, and has good hands and post game abilities to score in the paint.