US Amateur State Championship – 17U Standouts, Forwards

<p>We all know the high school game is guard centric, but that doesn’t mean the forwards can’t get down too! This group of bigger guys stood out and did it all for their teams this weekend at the US Amateurs State Championship Tournament in Port Charlotte, Florida. </p> <p>Here are the standout 17U forwards from this event:</p> <p><strong>Kemani Wilson, 6’5", 2022, Grassroots: Florida Cobras, High School: Flanagan</strong></p> <p>The Pembroke Pines native Kemani Wilson was no doubt the guy to watch this weekend for the Florida Cobras. On a team that boasted an incredibly talented and diverse roster, Wilson stood out across the board for his scoring at will. He has a crystal clear jumper that he was unafraid to utilize both defended and undefended. He was able to knock down shots from anywhere on the floor and could effectively get to his spots and get a bucket whenever needed. Wilson is a well-built forward, making it easy for him to get on the glass and pound inside. He can throw down the ball too when needed, making him a hard defensive assignment. Defensively, his physical tools made him a great defensive option to guard any position on the floor. His lateral quickness gave him the ability to shut down guards, while his impressive physique and frame made him able to handle the big fellas on the block as well. Overall, Wilson stuck out as an impressive threat and one of South Florida’s most underrated hoopers. </p> <p><strong>Stewart Clough, 6’6", 2021, Grassroots: Florida Cobras, High School: Nova</strong></p> <p>With a team already led by Kemani Wilson and Solomon McFarlane, it was hard to believe that the Florida Cobras could have another major factor in their pursuit for the state championship. But they absolutely did! Clough is one of the biggest bodied wings I’ve seen so far this AAU season. He has an intimidating frame and broad shoulders that make him look like a freight train coming down the lane. And just to add to the fear factor, this man can fly! Clough dazzled the audiences at Desoto High School with his incredible dunking antics and powerful throwdowns. You could feel the building shake as he threw down emphatic dunks on unassuming defenders. Clough did his best to expand to the three-point line, an area he can improve on, but was able to knock down a couple big jumpers when the Cobras needed him. Although a slight injury kept Clough out for the championship game, his presence was a big part of why the Cobras were able to make it as far as they did.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1068733" first="Jason" last="Mark"], 6’6", 2022, Grassroots: Orange Elite, High School: Coconut Creek</strong></p> <p>Mark was the definition of big man when I watched him play against a tough Berkut team on Saturday. Mark’s ability to rebound and find the ball on the offensive glass was the differentiating factor between the two teams for the entire contest. Even when teammates couldn’t find Mark, it didn’t matter, because he scooped up enough offensive rebounds to keep Orange Elite well ahead for most of the game. Jason finished the game against Berkut with 24 points and a very high FG%. Mark is a threat on the interior and should be a guy that coaches will have to acknowledge all season.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>