6th Man Shootout: Top Forwards

<p>Prep Hoops was on-site at Charleston High School for all eight games of the 6th Man Shootout Saturday.  Top programs from the 314 invaded Southeast Missouri, setting up several exciting match-ups.  Here's a look at the top forwards who caught our eye:</p> <p><em><strong>6'5 Sr <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/blessin-kimble/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/blessin-kimble/">Blessin Kimble</a></a> | Charleston</strong></em></p> <p>Blessin is a grown man, plain and simple.  His combination of brute strength and explosive athleticism makes him one of the top senior forwards in the state.  He powered his way through contact for tough finishes and used a strong back to the basket game to feast on the defense Saturday.  Cleaned up the glass.  Shot it well from the free throw line and knocked down a short corner jumper.  He can carry a talented Charleston team right back to Springfield in March.</p> <p><em><strong>6'6 Sr Daurice Morse | Cairo</strong></em></p> <p>Daurice had a quiet first half but took over late as Cairo's furious rally came up just short.  He is mobile and athletic for his size and showed that he can put it on the floor and attack the rim with force and purpose.  He had a number of coast to coast takes, bullying his way to the rack.  Protected the rim, rebounded well, and had a couple nice back to the basket scores.</p> <p><em><strong>6'6 Fr Cameron Williams | Cape Central</strong></em></p> <p>Very impressive freshman forward, stands at 6'6 already with an equally impressive wingspan.  High IQ on the floor for a youngster and excels in his role.  Scored 14 points on the night and his length was a factor on both ends.  He has high upside and is one to keep a close eye on moving forward.</p> <p><em><strong>6'3 Sr Jaylin Hunter | Hancock</strong></em></p> <p>Undersized, but high motor.  Jaylin was a key cog for Hancock who nearly pulled off a big win over Cape Central.  He just missed a double-double, finishing with team highs in points (13) and rebounds (9).  He was very aggressive on the offensive glass and positioned himself well on drives to catch and finish off the glass.</p> <p><em><strong>6'4 Sr <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/lyndell-hunt/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/lyndell-hunt/">Lyndell Hunt</a></a> | Confluence</strong></em></p> <p>Is he a guard?  Is he a forward?  Why not both?  I really like Lyndell's game and willingness to do whatever it takes to help his team win.  He is an underrated rim protector, and had a pair of very impressive blocks.  Competes on the glass.  Challenges defenders at the rim and can finish with authority.  He was tough in transition and did a nice job of facing up and attacking from the high post.</p> <p><em><strong>6'5 Jr Caleb LeGrand | Cape Notre Dame</strong></em></p> <p>Lanky, wiry forward that knows how to use his length.  He really battled on the offensive glass against Confluence.  Versatility inside as a scorer.  Had a nice drop step score, shot fake and finish, and a smooth jump hook.</p> <p><em><strong>6'5 So Tyson Ford | John Burroughs</strong></em></p> <p>Tyson is a raw, but talented and emerging forward to keep track of.  Solid build.  He really gets after it on the glass and competed well with one of the best forwards in the state.  He has potential to become a dangerous scoring threat inside.  He got on a run of several inside buckets in a row in the second half.  Sets heavy screens and as he improves as a pick and roll threat he will be very good.</p>