2021 Metro Hidden Gems: Power Forwards

<p>With the 2021 class losing out on the spring portion of the AAU season, we at Prep Hoops want to give recognition to some hidden gems at the power forward position. A majority of these players are ranked outside of our top-100, and are all capable of playing at the next level!</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="774874" first="Isaiah" last="Casey Hammond"] (6’7 2021 PF, Richfield)- </strong>A long, lanky, and raw power forward who played a big role in Richfield’s breakout season, there’s a lot to like about the intriguing physical tools that Isaiah possesses. Isaiah plays with intensity on the block, fighting for position and giving his guards a big target for an entry pass. The fight for position sets him up for easy finishes, showing soft touch with the right hand. Using that effort, long arms, and mobility, Isaiah scrapped his way for 9.5 ppg as a junior, and has plenty of potential to improve.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="774841" first="Alex" last="Addai"] (6’4 2021 PF, St. Paul Harding)- </strong>An absolute bruiser in the paint, Alex bullied his way to 13.9 ppg during his productive junior season for Harding. Alex possesses a powerful frame that allows him to clear space for rebounds, and back down taller defenders to score around the rim. His second jump is quick to grab offensive boards and immediately elevate to finish, and has shown glimpses of being able to knock down the open three.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="774754" first="Zac" last="Thomas"] (6’7 2021 PF, East Ridge)- </strong>Playing behind [player_tooltip player_id="846105" first="Ben" last="Carlson"], Zac didn’t receive as many minutes as he would have at most other schools in the state, but he’s shown flashes of promise at the power forward spot. Averaging 3.5 points and 1.8 rebounds per game, Zac has the size to compete on the glass and touch to finish. He’s also showcased the ability to step out and knock down mid-range jumpers. Defensively he has great positional awareness allowing him to step in and take a charge, and he’s an exceptional outlet passer after grabbing a defensive board.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="957632" first="Elijah" last="Burns"] (6’5 2021 PF, Roseville)- </strong>A bright spot this past winter for a Roseville team that graduated a talented 2019 class, the strong frame of [player_tooltip player_id="957632" first="Elijah" last="Burns"] put up 8.2 ppg and broke the 20 point mark twice. Listed at 200 pounds with a strong frame, Elijah is capable of withstanding contact in the post but can run the floor like a gazelle both with and without the ball. His scoring primarily comes inside the paint, but he’s capable of catching on the wing and dribbling into a post-up where he has the agile feet to create a shot.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="957621" first="Nico" last="Peterson"] (6’5 2021 PF, St. Paul Highland Park)- </strong>Likely the most raw prospect on this list, Nico showed a lot of promise over the winter. A wiry thin forward with an impressive wingspan (reported at 7 feet) and explosive leaping ability, Nico finishes above the rim with ease both in transition an off a simple drop step. He’s a quick leaper who will out fight opposing players on the glass and then explode back up for put-back finishes. His effort sprinting the floor and ability to contest just about everything in the paint make him a very intriguing prospect moving forward.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="957153" first="Andrew" last="Chisley"] (6’6 2021 F, Hopkins)- </strong>Hopkins opted to play a lot of small-ball this past winter due to their depth of guard talent, but Chisley was one of the frontcourt prospects who was able to make his presence felt at times. He used his aggressive style of play to put up 3.9 ppg, but had an especially impressive showing against Park Center where he scored a season high 11 points while dominating on the glass. That performance against such a stout frontcourt showed promise for a productive senior season. Andrew moves well off the ball, can attack off the dribble from the wing, and is such a tough finisher through contact.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="774783" first="Jordan" last="Stone"] (6’6 2021 F, PACT Charter)- </strong>[player_tooltip player_id="774783" first="Jordan" last="Stone"] is a versatile player who does a little of everything. He’s listed in our rankings as a power forward, but is capable of playing the 2-4 spots. His length and outside shot could see him be a valuable stretch four at the next level, but he’s also shown the ability to handle a bit and attack from the wing. Jordan has a high arcing stroke from three that he hits off the catch or bounce, with range from well beyond the arc. He scored 17.4 ppg during his junior season.</p>