HGSL Forwards to Watch This Weekend

<p>The HGSL slate is starting to ramp up with the second weekend taking place in Pittsburgh. The opening weekend was full of intrigue, creating intrigue for this upcoming weekend. The forward class is full of intrigue as players look to improve their stock. Here are the top Garden State forwards to watch at the second weekend of the HGSL.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1013045" first="Drew" last="Kania"], 6’7 SF Gill St. Bernard’s 2022</strong></p> <p>Kania had a good junior campaign for the Knights, but is ready to take a big step forward with ShoreShots this weekend. The 6’7 wing can handle the ball on the perimeter and knows how to finish around the basket. Kania has a nice release on his jumper and his range extends past the three-point line. He rips down rebounds on both ends of the floor and is an underrated shot-blocker. Kania is a versatile wing prospect who should receive a lot of attention this weekend.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901949" first="Justin" last="Soranno"], 6’6 SF/PF Central Regional 2022</strong></p> <p>Soranno plays a hybrid role for Jersey Force, which should benefit him greatly this weekend. The 6’6 forward has a strong frame which he uses to absorb contact on his way to the basket. Soranno runs the floor hard and can finish above the rim with authority. His motor does not stop on either end and always fights for rebounds. Soranno’s energy and athleticism will be on full display as he tries to raise his stock before the summer.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900352" first="Mark" last="Woolhouse"], 6’9 PF Pennington 2022</strong></p> <p>Woolhouse is starting to come into his own and this weekend could allow him to burst onto the scene. The lanky 6’9 forward is comfortable playing on the perimeter and has a nice release on his jumper. Woolhouse is unafraid to dive on the floor for loose balls and attacks the glass. He is capable of scoring down low and uses his length to block shots. Woolhouse’s ability to stretch the floor is something that will help the NJ Panthers this weekend.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901963" first="Justin" last="Hawkins"], 6’6 SF Life Center Academy 2022</strong></p> <p>Hawkins is taking on a leadership role with Life Center Academy this winter and it will be put to the test this weekend for WeR1. The 6’6 point forward can run the offense effectively and rarely gets sped up by his defender. Hawkins has a good frame which he uses to finish through contact and shield the ball from defenders on the perimeter. He is capable of knocking down jumpers from distance and is a solid rebounder. Hawkins’ ability to run the offense smoothly is something that should raise his stock this weekend.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902732" first="Mackenzie" last="Mgbako"], 6’7 SF Gill St. Bernard’s 2023</strong></p> <p>Mgbako may be playing up for the NJ Scholars, but he will not be fazed this weekend. The 6’7 wing has a smooth offensive game as he can score at all three levels. Mgbako can finish in a variety of ways around the basket and is unafraid of drawing contact. He is a strong rebounder and has the ability to defend multiple positions on the floor. Mgbako is a top-15 prospect in the 2023 class and will demonstrate why this weekend.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Other Prospects to Watch:</strong></span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850753" first="Akil" last="Watson"], 6’7 SF Don Bosco Prep 2023</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1018572" first="Sean" last="Logan"], 6’9 PF Westfield 2022</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900357" first="Nicolo" last="Nobili"], 6’9 PF Paul VI 2022</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1013050" first="Andrew" last="Ball"], 6’8 SF Shawnee 2022</strong></p> <p><strong>Javon Adams, 6’9 SF/PF Olympus Prep 2022</strong></p>