Spring Report: Underrated forwards raising their profile

<p>Photo courtesy of Israel Potoczny, Prep Hoops</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With the spring AAU evaluation period winding down and high school teams gearing up for their team camps throughout the month of June, we take a look back at several forwards who have raised their profile throughout the state this spring. </span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>DeAndre DuRall, 2020, Topeka West</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">DeRull is a good athlete who can play several positions. He reacts to things quickly and can handle it some and get on the board through his effort on the floor. He plays strong defense and looks to forced turnovers and play physical. Also has good defensive vision. </span></p> <p><b>Connor Macdonald, 6’10, F, 2020, Nickerson, Wichita Padres</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">An immediate difference maker on the floor. He has elite height and length and knows how to get the bounce around the glass. he moves well on the low post and can play the high post as well as he is good at looking for the cutting man off the back screen. Also an elite shot blocker and defensive nightmare in the paint.</span></p> <p><b>Jacob Boyles, 6’4, F, 2020, Seaman, Kansas Hoggs 17U</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Boyles is a strong post player who can play outside the paint some. He is very physical and can make something happen at the high post and passes well to his weak-side. He is quick to get back on defense and protects the basket well in transition. A hard-working player who stays active and sees results because of it.</span></p> <p><b>Cameron Clausing, 6’5, F, 2020, El Darado, (Kansas MTXE 17U)</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Clausing is a smart forward who can shoot shots from distance and go inside and power his way to the basket. He is very good in transition and has strong shoulders and carries himself well at the high post. An offensive threat with the ball in his hands, a player who can get and one and can from the free throw line. </span></p> <p><b>Drew Bortz, 6’1, 2020, Washburn-Rural, Kansas Hoggs 17U</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Bortz can play a variety of positions on the floor. A player who can be placed as a forward on the block, a wing player and even see time as a guard. He is an excellent passer and playmaker inside the arc. He just fits in wherever the coach needs him to play. A guy who performs whenever he's on the floor.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>