Big-School Section Section 2 Top Forwards

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It’s never too early for too-early-season. With fall sports and school underway, it’s only a matter of time before the winter sports season is upon us.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With that in mind, here’s a look at some of the top forwards from the big schools in Section 2</span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850715" first="BJ" last="Omot"], Mankato East</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Omot emerged as a top-notch player as a sophomore, utilizing his size, athleticism and skill to impact the game on both ends of the floor. With the Cougars losing a big senior class, Omot will ascend into a starring role. Expect big things from the junior. At 6-foot-6, he’s got a multifaceted skillset, as he’s a good perimeter shooter, can get to the rim with ease and defend just about every position on the floor. </span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="958360" first="Mekhi" last="Collins"], Mankato West</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mankato West won seven games last year but is set up to take a big jump this winter. Collins is one of the team’s four double-figure scorers returning and at 6-foot-5 forward stuffed the stat sheet as a sophomore, averaging 12 points, nearly seven rebounds, three assists and two blocks and steals. He can get to the rim, he’s a solid mid-range scorer and can shoot off the catch. And he’s got the athleticism to change the game on the defensive end of the floor. </span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="567064" first="Spencer" last="Goetz"], Chaska</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Chaska quietly won 23 games last year and should head into this upcoming season as a potential favorite in Section 2AAAA. Goetz is the glue guy for the Hawks, excelling on both ends of the floor and providing consistently steady play. He’s a big, athletic swingman who can defend just about anybody, and score within the flow of the offense as a cutter, slasher or spot up guy. </span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850735" first="Brady" last="Helgren"], Edina</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Helgren was very good as a sophomore, averaging nearly 11 points and seven rebounds per game. He’ll be the go-to guy for a Hornets team that should be good enough to win a big chunk of its games. He’s got great length and touch around the rim, plus the ability to stretch defenders to the perimeter. </span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850728" first="Nick" last="Katona"], Shakopee</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Katona was a solid complementary player for Shakopee last year, averaging about seven points per game on a veteran-heavy outfit. He’ll move into a featured role this winter and after a strong showing on the grassroots circuit over the summer, it appears he’s more than ready. Not only is he skilled as a shooter, shot-creator, but he’s a high-energy guy who will produce consistently because of his effort and smarts. </span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850712" first="Malcolm" last="Jones"], Prior Lake</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jones had a solid sophomore year, averaging about nine points per game as an interior sidekick to [player_tooltip player_id="532352" first="Dawson" last="Garcia"]. He’ll be the go-to guy for the Lakers this winter and he’s got the skills to put up double-double numbers on a nightly basis. He’s a big, physical post who has excellent hands and great footwork in the post. His motor runs hot and he’s got the strength to bully most people on both ends of the floor.</span></p>