PHI Freshman Showcase: Top Forwards

<p>This past Sunday the 5th annual PrepHoops Freshman Showcase took place at Fishers High School. At that event, 120 of the top freshman in the state of Indiana were able to showoff their skills and what their potential is. The families, coaches, and other spectators saw just how special the class of 2023 is going to be. Over the next coming days and weeks, we at PrepHoops Indiana are going to help recap that event and talk about the players that stood out among the rest. Here is a look at the top forwards from the Freshman Showcase.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Chris Simmons – 6’5 F Lafayette Jeff: </strong>Simmons showed that he is a tremendous forward this past Sunday. He has great agility for his size and that allows him to rebound the ball easily. To go along with his rebounding ability, Simmons is really good in transition on both offense and defense. He did a great job on beating almost everybody down the floor to either score or stop the ball. This lengthy forward is one of the most athletic players in his class. Look for Simmons to have a great freshman year.</p> <p><strong>Keaton Buuuk – 6’5 F Crown Point: </strong>Buuuk is really smooth for a big man. For his size he has a smooth jumper that most big men do not always have. He used that to his advantage as he was able to shoot over whoever was guarding him. To add onto his great jump shot, Buuuk is a good rebounder and passer. PrepHoops, however, challenges Buuuk to play down low and demand the ball more. If he can fine-tune the way he plays the post, he could be one the top freshman forwards in the state.</p> <p><strong>Nickens Lemba – 6’6 F Southport: </strong>Lemba was arguably the best forward and player overall this past Sunday. The way he played it truly looked like he was a man among boys. This kid is a freak athlete and has great handles for a big man. He could take it to the basket when he wanted to and hardly was ever stopped. He does not have a jump shot yet, but that should come with some more work. Lemba is a special player and one that is going to be one the top prospects in any age group sooner rather than later.</p> <p><strong>Xavier Booker – 6’8 F Cathedral: </strong>Booker is a real lengthy forward. He runs the floor extremely well for his position. For being a forward, he likes to shoot outside on a lot of his touches on the offense. He has a pretty shot for a big man but needs to work on his consistency. He is a great rebounder and can grab the ball when he wants to as he can out-jump almost anyone. Once he adds on some more muscle and becomes stronger, he is going to be a dominate big in his class.  </p> <p><strong>Cooper Farrall – 6’5 F Culver Academies: </strong>Farrall is very strong post player. When he is in the post, he goes up strong whether he has the ball or is going up for the rebound. He also likes to shoot the ball outside of post as well. Although he has a pretty jumper for a forward, he needs to be a little bit more consistent with his shot, but that should come with more shooting work in the gym. This athletic, powerful forward is on track to be one of the best in the state at his position once that jump shot builds some consistency.</p> <p><strong>Anthony Ball – 6’6 G Southport: </strong>Ball showed that he had a great combination of being strong and athletic. He is real good player down low on both ends of the court. His shot blocking ability was one of the best this past Sunday. He made it hard for people to score down in the post. He could also jump out the gym as well. Ball is the type of player you can tell just wants the ball. As one of the best blockers this past Sunday against some top talent, Ball should be a dominant, defensive force this upcoming season.</p> <p><strong>Luke Burgess – 6’8 F New Palestine: </strong>Burgess was one the top offensive forwards this past Sunday. What really made him standout was his ability to give his team second chance points because of his offensive rebounding. On almost every missed shot, he was made an attempt to grab the rebound. When he had the ball in his hand, he made strong efforts to go up and score. Burguess was one the best rebounders and offensive forwards that participated in the showcase. Look for Burgess to have a great freshman year.  </p> <p><strong>Jake Davis – 6’5 F T. Vernon-Fortville: </strong>Davis is a very hardworking player. You can tell by watching him he is going to give it his all on the court. He has a very strong body and does not back down from bigger players. On defense, he tries his hardest to make sure nobody gets an easy bucket when he is guarding them. On the offensive side, he takes it to the basket well and has a decent jumper in his arsenal. Davis is the type of player that looks like he is going to improve throughout his high school career. With some more hard work, Davis could be one the top forward prospects in Indiana.  </p> <p>&nbsp;</p>