Class of 2018 Combo Forwards
Here is a look at the top Class of 2018 combo forwards in the state of Missouri
Jericole Hellems 6’7″ Chaminade: The talented forward’s stock exploded in July when he went on a scoring rampage at the EYBL Peach Jam in leading Brad Beal Elite to the Final Four. He showcased scoring ability from everywhere on the court and earned himself more than a dozen high-major offers after the weekend. As a junior, he led the Red Devils to the Final Four of the Class 5 state tournament.
Christian Bishop 6’7″ Lee’s Summit West: The Creighton commit is one of the toughest matchup problems in the state as his versatility enables him to play up to four positions. He has excellent handles and passing ability, but he is also a big-time finisher at the rim. Has grown more than half a foot since he was a freshman, so he is still coming into his own as a premier player. Led LSW to the Class 5 state finals a year ago.
Kale Catchings 6’5″ Wentzville Liberty: The athletic combo forward played a big role in Brad Beal Elite’s big summer in the EYBL with his all-around solid play on both ends. He was a strong rebounder who can score around the basket, play tough defense and make open 3-pointers from the corner. He has received a number of new Division I offers, including Ivy League schools such as Harvard and Brown.
Joseph Reece 6’8″ Vashon: A long and lanky combo forward who had a productive summer with the Ramey-Jets United. He is a solid skill set, but he can score around the basket and still step out and knock down 3-pointers. He has been a key player in Vashon winning back-to-back Class 4 state championships. He has received a number of new Division I offers at the end of the grassroots season.
Gaven Pinkley 6’8″ Hillsboro: A versatile combo forward who plays a multitude of roles for his high school team. This summer, he added ball handling and facilitating to his scoring, rebounding and shot blocking duties. He also had a productive summer playing for the Ramey-Jets United 17Us. He has a number of low to mid-major Division I offers on the table.
Clay Gayman 6’5″ Northeast Vernon County: The athletic combo forward was a double-double machine throughout the summer with the KC Pacers Blue. His ability to score around the basket, knock down catch and shoot 3-pointers and throw down dunks made him an entertaining player to watch. He has received a number of Division II offers.
Sevon Witt 6’6″ Raytown South: A big, strong athletic combo forward who is a major problem when he has his game going. He can finish around the rim with powerful dunks or finesse reverse layups. He can also put the ball on the floor and attack the basket. He is also a very capable shot blockers. He received a Division II offer from Washburn in July.
Leon Perry 6’7″ Confluence Academy: He followed up a breakthrough junior season with a strong showing in July with MO Team Carroll. He plays with a high motor on both ends. He is a strong offensive player around the basket as a post player and offensive rebounder. He also proved to be a very capable shot blocker.
Wesley McCullough 6’7″ Raymore-Peculiar: One of the big stock risers of the Class of ’18, McCullough has proven himself to be one of the top perimeter shooting bigs in the state, if not the best. He shot the ball at a tremendous clip during July and earned some new Division II offers in the process. He can also put it on the floor and score it.
Marty Jackson 6’5″ Hogan Prep: One of the big revelations during the summer, Jackson did not play a lot as a junior due to injuries, but he emerged as a top scoring threat during the grassroots season with NdaGym. His length and versatile skill set made him a difficult matchup. Displayed the ability to score in the post and on the perimeter with dribble drives and 3-pointers.
Matt Leritz 6’6″ SLUH: A versatile Stretch 4 who had a productive summer with the Gateway Basketball Club. Leritz is a solid scoring threat in the low post, but he can really step out and knock down 3-pointers. He will assume the mantle of SLUH’s go-to guy on offense as it tries to navigate the rugged Metro Catholic Conference.