Top Upperclassmen Performances of the Weekend: Wings/Forwards

<p>Basketball action was jumping on the 275 loop this weekend with summer shootout events taking place at Lakota West and Courts 4 Sports. So let’s talk about the top performers from the weekend with a look at the top upperclassmen wings and forwards.</p> <p><strong><em>Will Burns/F/Woodward (’20) </em></strong>– After a year at Batavia that was plagued with injury, Burns is back and looking better than ever physically for the Bulldogs. The 6’6 forward showed that he has the strength to play with his back to the basket along with the skill to face up and make plays off the bounce as well. One of the better offensive rebounders of the weekend, the combination of he and <strong>Davion Mace (’20) </strong>in the paint will be as tough as they come locally this upcoming season.</p> <p><strong><em>Mike Grant/W-F/Walnut Hills (’20) </em></strong>– This young man was hard to handle from the free-throw line extended for Aiken on Sunday. If you put a bigger defender on him he can face up and beat that defender off the bounce to finish at the rim. Smaller defenders he uses his size to shoot over the top. While all of the physical tools are there for Mike, playing with more consistency is the next step in his development.</p> <p><strong><em>Nick Smith/F-C/Walnut Hills (’20) </em></strong>– Smith was a major force in the paint against Aiken on Sunday. He did a good job of getting position on the block and presented a wide target for his guards to make easy entry passes. Along with having the ability to finish through contact, Nick showed why he has long been considered one of the best rebounders in the city especially on the offensive glass.</p> <p><strong><em>Aaron Ward/F/Winton Woods (PHO #74, ’20) </em></strong>– Known for doing most of his damage from 15-17ft. in, it was a pleasant surprise to see Ward as one of the primary ball-handlers for the Warriors Saturday. This new found skill set combined with his strength and athleticism will make one of the toughest match ups in the Cincy area even more difficult as he now has the ability to create offense for his self and others. </p>