Updated 2018 Rankings: Best Small Forwards
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 6 small forwards in the class of 2018. Small forward is another deep position in the 2018 class and will have multiple Division 1 signees before the spring signing period ends in April.
Mickey Pearson, John Hardin – Standing 6’7″ and holding over 15 Division I scholarship offers already, Pearson just started his official visit tour by heading to Wofford last weekend. One of the most versatile players in the class, Pearson is capable of scoring from the wing and taking his defender to the block and getting buckets there. Because of his size and ability, Pearson has one of the highest ceilings of any recent player in Kentucky. Time will tell if Mickey reaches that potential but it looks like his best basketball is ahead of him.
Jayden Scrubb, Louisville Trinity – Undoubtedly the best athlete in the 2018 class, Scrubb is a 6’6″ wing who has high major potential. The reigning 7th region player of the year, Scrubb will try to get his Trinity team to Rupp Arena in his senior season. Scrubb has offers from Youngstown State and Long Beach State but covets offers from powerhouses like Kentucky, Louisville and UCLA. Scrubb has flashed that type of potential over his high school and AAU career and if he can do it consistently, those high major schools will be calling.
JJ Reed, Paducah Tilghman – Checking in at 6’5″ and possessing above average athleticism, JJ Reed is another Division I talent in this loaded 2018 class. Samford is Reed’s only offer at this point but he could see more offers soon. Long and athletic with good skill level, Reed needs to become a true wing to see his stock increase. For Paducah Tilghman to make the state tournament, Reed is going to need to take his game to the next level. Look for JJ to show increased skill level and a better motor for his senior season.
De’Torrion Ware, Christian County – A really good player who doesn’t get the recognition he probably deserves, Ware is a sharpshooting SF who has been a starter for Christian County for a couple of years now. As a junior, Ware averaged 20.6 PPG and 7.4 RPG for a Colonels team that lost the regional championship to Hopkinsville a year ago. Ware was offered by SEMO before his junior season but all has been quiet on the recruiting front since. Ware could certainly find himself as a D1 player if he has another great season for Christian County.
Zan Payne, Lexington Catholic – Zan is a highly skilled SF with a great motor but has been hindered by being labeled a “tweener” in the past. Payne has been stuck in the post for most of his high school career but he should see a lot of time on the wing this year for the Knights. Zan doesn’t hold any offers yet and is likely a candidate to reclassify to 2019 if his recruiting doesn’t improve. A big time competitor, D2s and NAIA schools would be wise to recruit Payne. If he can hit a growth spurt, Zan is a no doubt D1 player.
Austin Hall, Lexington Christian – One of the more “under the radar” prospects in the 2018 class, Austin Hall is a really good small forward who is sometimes overshadowed by teammates Kyle Rode and Carter Hendricksen. As a Junior, Hall averaged 14.3 points and 6 rebounds per game and shot an impressive 43% from behind the 3 point line. Currently being recruited by local schools Centre College and Asbury, Austin Hall should be considered a D2 level player and could definitely benefit from a big senior season and a prolonged postseason run for the Eagles.