With our updated rankings coming out late last week, there were some big movers. But we also saw some familiar names at the top of the list. Here, we look at the top power forwards in the class of 2019. The talent level in 2019 is very high overall and will have several Division 1 signees before the class graduates and move on to the next level. The power forward position features one guy already holding multiple offers and a handful of others who have the potential to see D1 scholarships before their high school careers end.
Isaiah Cozart, Madison Central – Recently profiled HERE Cozart is a big, long shot blocking machine that can change a game on the defensive end. As Cozart keeps developing, he should end up as a mid major D1 signee at worst. The only question in the near future surrounding Coazrt is how big a lead he will have on the all time shot blocking record in KHSAA history when he graduates.
Brennan Canada, Clark County – Holding an offer from Division II powerhouse Kentucky Wesleyan and coming off a good summer of AAU, Canada is excited to get back on the floor for his junior season. Unfortunately, the 6’7″ stretch 4 missed almost his entire sophomore season due to a broken leg. Shortly after his sophomore year, Canada transferred from Montgomery County to Clark and will team up with Jordan Graham and Will Philpot to try and return the Cardinals to Rupp Arena.
Nick Thelan, Covington Catholic – After serving primarily as a backup for Jake Walter last season, Thelan looks to expand his role in the upcoming season. Thelan’s older brother Jake recently accepted a position at Bellarmine, where he played so the younger Thelan comes from good basketball bloodlines. At powerhouse Covington Catholic, most have to wait their turn to be a star and Thelan is likely going to have another season of playing a role before he gets his opportunity to shine.
Darius Osborne, Pleasure Ridge Park – Long and lanky at 6’7″ and still growing, Darius Osborne has a very high ceiling as a basketball player. Right now, Osborne’s focus needs to be on adding muscle mass and becoming more physical in the post. While Darius does have perimeter skill, he needs to spend the lead-up to his junior season working on becoming a more consistent shooter and get more comfortable putting the ball on the floor. If Osborne can make some strides and get close to reaching his ceiling, he will certainly have college recruiters knocking on the door of PRP’s gym.
Deshaud St. Martin, Danville – Possessing a very high ceiling, St. Martin has a chance to be a college basketball player at the D2 or NAIA level. He could even land at the low D1 level if he can reach his potential over the next year and a half. Deshaud is a good rebounder and possesses some post skill but has a tendency to float around the perimeter when he should be mixing it up in the paint. Danville has a chance to surprise some people in the 12th region this season and a lot of that success will depend on how St. Martin performs. For the Admirals to return to the 12th region tournament and make a run at the “All A” State tournament, Deshaud needs to double his sophomore season averages of 8 points and 5 rebounds. If he can become a force in the middle, Danville could be a surprise contender in the 12th this season.
