Top Center/Power Forwards Shine at Kansas Roots Summer Smash

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Kansas Roots Summer Smash brought out some of the top talent from across the region, and several centers/power forwards seized the opportunity to elevate their stock heading into the upcoming season. Whether it was through sheer physical dominance, refined skill sets, or continued growth from earlier showcases, these athletes proved they're ready to make serious noise. Here's a closer look at three standout frontcourt players who left a lasting impression.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["935242"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6859e2e922e36"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='935242' first='Rielly' last='James'] continued to show why she's received well-deserved coverage having another strong performance at the Kansas Roots Summer Smash. She has a presence on the court that is undeniable—she plays with strength, aggression, and relentless effort. James battles for every rebound and loose ball, setting the tone with her tenacity. Beyond her hustle, she's a capable scorer with solid ball-handling skills. In western Kansas, she stands out as one of the most physically dominant players I've had the chance to watch. Expect her to make noise throughout the rest of the summer and into her junior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1265341' first='Piper' last='Fox']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12120","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Scott City","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6859e2e922eea"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1265341' first='Piper' last='Fox'] made waves earlier this year at Summer Jam at the Dam, and she continued to impress at the Kansas Roots Summer Smash. Her height and footwork were on full display, allowing her to control the boards and score efficiently over defenders. She consistently uses her size to her advantage, giving her a noticeable edge in the paint. Every time I've watched her play, she's left a strong impression. Don't be surprised if she has a breakout senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Aryn Michaelis","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12120","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Lakin","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6859e2e922f75"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">At 6'1", Aryn Michaelis commands attention the moment she steps on the court. She combines impressive height with athleticism, making her a force in the paint. At Kansas Roots Summer smash she might not of lit up the scoreboard this go around but the tools are there for her to make an immediate impact for any team. As she continues to improve her footwork and develop her shot, she has the potential to become one of the most dominant centers or power forwards in western Kansas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->