<p>The high school season is slowly getting ready for the state tournament and with that comes a lot of terrific performances from players all over the state. With COVID impacting much of the past summer, most of the 2022 class has still yet to be fully evaluated in person by multiple college programs. As that class starts committing to schools, we look at some of the more underrated power forwards for the in-state class of 2022.</p>
<p>[player_tooltip player_id="870214" first="Andrew" last="Leeper"] (Homestead)</p>
<p>It’s tough to say Leeper is ’underrated’ in the big picture, but because he is playing alongside [player_tooltip player_id="529568" first="Luke" last="Goode"] and [player_tooltip player_id="1063961" first="Fletcher" last="Loyer"], two Big Ten commits, he can be overshadowed at times.</p>
<p>Leeper is a 6-foot-6, 200-pound hybrid forward who plays his role perfectly for Homestead. The lefty is a good shooter who has range that stretches out to the three-point line. His mid-range ability is excellent as well. Leeper is relatively quick for his position and has good ball handling skills for his size to be able to beat defenders off of the dribble.</p>
<p>With good length, he is a good rebounder and defender as well. </p>
<p>Leeper is averaging 7.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game this season. He is ranked No. 16 in the Indiana class of 2022. </p>
<p>[player_tooltip player_id="769666" first="Jeffrey" last="Simmons"] (Fishers)</p>
<p>Simmons is a very productive big for Fishers who has a bit of an ’old man’s’ game to him. </p>
<p>He is a very good low post player who uses his excellent footwork to his advantage. He can turn over either shoulder, or use his 6-foot-6, 225-pound frame to his advantage when finishing through an opponent. </p>
<p>Simmons does have range that extends to 17 feet and he looks confident when shooting that shot. He isn’t going to be the most athletic player on the floor, but he’s a hard worker and always has a knack for the ball. </p>
<p>Simmons is averaging 17 points and 6 rebounds per game this season and ranked No. 34 in the in-state 2022 class. </p>
<p>[player_tooltip player_id="870263" first="Jackson" last="Bobo"] (Lawrenceburg)</p>
<p>Bobo is an intriguing prospect mainly due to the fact that he hasn’t fully grown into his body yet. </p>
<p>He has good size and length at the forward position and knows how to use it. A force around the rim, either blocking or impacting shots, and on the glass, Bobo gets most of his opportunities off of broken plays. </p>
<p>If he gets the ball on the block, he is a willing passer who has good vision. Part of that is also due to his patience. </p>
<p>This season Bobo is averaging 8 points and 10 rebounds per game. He is ranked No. 53 in Indiana’s 2022 class.</p>
<p>[player_tooltip player_id="769702" first="Gabriel" last="Gillespie"] (Andrean)</p>
<p>Gillespie is very much an undersized power forward but has a great physical ability. At 6-foot-5 and not super long, he uses his 180-pound frame to battle in the paint. </p>
<p>He has a good ability to knock down the three, but he is much more effective in and around the paint with either the offense running through him at the free throw line, or cleaning up misses on the glass. Gillespie may not always have the highlight play, but he gets the job done and doesn’t shy away from anyone. More often times than not, he is the one seeking out contact.</p>
<p>This season he is averaging 17 points and 6 rebounds per game. </p>
<p>He is ranked No. 63 in the Indiana class of 2022. </p>
