Southside Swing: Top Forwards

<p>Last week I went to the Southside of Atlanta to watch two Top 10 showdowns in Class 5A.</p> <p>No. 3 Tri-Cities vs. No. 4 Woodward Academy<br /> No. 7 Forest Park vs. No. 8 Jonesboro</p> <p>Here’s who stood out from a loaded double-header.</p> <p><strong>2022 6-7 F [player_tooltip player_id="1050038" first="Daniel" last="Pounds"] – Forest Park</strong></p> <p>It was a High Major performance on Saturday from [player_tooltip player_id="1050038" first="Daniel" last="Pounds"]. The high energy pogo stick posted 18 points, 17 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals and 3 blocks. Pounds is an elite lob catcher. He had a handful of head shaking slams that left me asking, “how did he get to that?” Pounds is more than just a highlight reel. He’s got a soft touch that expands out to the three-point line. He can sink the deep ball and is dangerous from the mid-range on face-up opportunities. Pounds high-points rebounds and crashes the glass relentlessly. He is a workhorse with as high a ceiling as any big man has in the 2022 class.</p> <p><strong>2023 6-5 F Jacob Feagin – Forest Park<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/09/81_Jacob-Feagin_2.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1058328 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/09/81_Jacob-Feagin_2-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a></strong></p> <p>Still young and figuring out his long-term identity offensively, one skill that Jacob Feagin already has expertise in is protecting the rim. Feagin has outstanding wingspan and timing. He swats away everything in his area. He had 6 points and 6 blocks as he altered all shots in the paint vs. Jonesboro. Feagin will need to add some weight to help with his offensive production in the paint and against physical rebounders, but his springy leaping ability helps make up for any short comings. Check back with Feagin in a few years. Don’t be surprised if he blossoms into a major talent.</p> <p><strong>2021 6-7 F Nathaniel Adams – Jonesboro</strong></p> <p>Fouled trouble sidelined Nathaniel Adams early on as the Cardinals had a nightmare first half down 41-16 to Forest Park. When Adams returned to action, he made a major impact and helped ignite a comeback finishing with 13 points, 12 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals and 1 block. Adams crashed the glass with energy, flying in to earn second chances. His length caused problems in passing lanes and helped change shots inside. Adams has the ability to score on straight line drives and putbacks.</p> <p><strong>2022 6-7 F Yannis Woods – Jonesboro</strong></p> <p>Yannis Woods is a wiry young forward that uses his length to gobble up rebounds and finish around the rim. He much like Nate Adams, swooped in for offensive rebounds and put pressure on Forest Park to hit-and-get. Woods had a few nice finishes around the rim. Adding some strength could help him when trying to score with his back to the basket. He tallied 12 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals and 2 blocks.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/11/IMG_9636.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1085502 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/11/IMG_9636-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>2021 6-6 F [player_tooltip player_id="870134" first="Eli" last="King"] – Tri-Cities</strong></p> <p>Eli’sha King plays his role well for Tri-Cities. He’s a reliable rebounder that can guard multiple spots on defense. He doesn’t have the offense run through him, but he can get points on putbacks and has shown signs of improved footwork in the paint, able to spin to get to his right hand for little hooks in the lane. King can step outside to stretch the defense when needed.</p> <p><strong>2021 6-6 PF Jordan Shoob – Woodward Academy</strong></p> <p>D-III programs should keep an eye on Jordan Shoob. He has the tools to be an effective player with more seasoning. He’s quick off his feet and is mobile for a post. He’s got some range on his jump shot and has some moves with his back to the basket. He competes defensively as a tough shot blocker.</p> <p><strong>2021 6-8 F [player_tooltip player_id="869613" first="Davorian" last="Rudolph"] – Tri-Cities <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/11/IMG_9624.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1085468 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/11/IMG_9624-150x150.jpg" alt="[player_tooltip player_id="869613" first="Davorian" last="Rudolph"]" width="150" height="150" /></a></strong></p> <p>Packed with plenty of skill, [player_tooltip player_id="869613" first="Davorian" last="Rudolph"] is the type of player that could improve by leaps and bounds at the right level. He’s a forward that has spent time on the wing and can both shoot and attack of the dribble when needed. I like the arsenal he has on the low block, able to elevate over others for clean looks at the basket. Defensively he will need to be more consistent, but his length makes him an effective shot blocker.</p>