Summer Roundup: Forwards who raised their profile (2020)

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Summer Roundup: Forwards who raised their profile (2020)</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /> </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Prep Hoops takes a look at several of the state’s top performers throughout the spring and summer.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>1-Blessing Ekeshili, 6'8, F, 2020, Trinity Academy, KC RUN GMC 17 RISE</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ekeshili brings terrific size and athleticism to the floor with long arms, a rangy frame and terrific hops. He is a terrific defensive player and shot blocker and has good quickness which allows him to challenge shots. While his offensive game is still a work in progress, Ekeshili runs the floor well, gets buckets in transition and can score in the paint effectively.</span></p> <p><b>35-Blake Farmer, 6’6’, F, 2020, Perry Lecompton, Grandstand Elite</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Farmer has good size for a big and he puts it to good use. He bodies up opponents in the post and has a soft touch around the rim. He passes away from the ball and has some no look moves in him. A hard-working guy who can get buckets when he has the ball down low.</span></p> <p><b>0-Kobe Johnson, 6’5, F, 2020, Ottawa, KC RUN GMC 17 RISE</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Johnson is an emerging forward with a diverse skill set. He has a big, strong frame and is capable of playing much bigger than his listed 6’5 height would suggest, but also has a combination of finesse, skill and power. He has a smooth outside shot and is a terrific passer who sees the floor well and looks for the open man. Johnson brings an unselfish nature to the court and rarely tries to play outside of his game.</span></p> <p><b>13 — Chandler Marks, 6’5, F, 2020, Manhattan, SSA Elite Black</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Also a standout football prospect, Marks impressed this offseason with his all-around game and skill set. He has a strong, physical frame with good athleticism and a tough, hard nosed attitude on the floor. He can put the ball on the floor a little for a big man and is capable of going coast-to-coast after snagging a defensive board. Marks also showed a smooth outside shooting stroke and can knock down open 3-pointers and spread the floor. Defensively, he is at his best muscling up against opposing big men and holding his ground.</span></p> <p><b>10-Nick Swarts, 6’7, 2020, Blue Valley West, KC Silver</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Swarts is a big man who plays his role and works hard to help his team with hustle, tough, physical screens and the ability to get on the boards. He is a hard worker at both ends of the floor and is a strong defensive player. He has an emerging game on the block and can score in the post and around the basket. </span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>