Team Camp Review: Best Forwards I Saw in May & June (Part II)

<p>During the first edition reviewing some of the best forwards from these various team camps, I discussed forwards from some of the best teams in the state.  In part two of this review of forwards, I will highlight players from prominent teams in the Boot but also a couple players who just genuinely had good summers.  While some of these players may be from lower classifications, they are forwards who can play none the less.  </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1105593" first="Jordan" last="Mathews"] (6’5" / PF / Peabody)</strong></p> <p>If his sophomore year is anything like the way he played in June, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1105593" first="Jordan" last="Mathews"]</strong> is going to put class 4A on notice.  Mathews is a skilled four man who will be the primary post option for the Warhorses.  He is active and will attack rebounds on the offensive and defensive glass.  Mathews is not afraid to put the ball on the deck and powered through defenders during team camps at ASH and Airline when he did so.  He may be a young player but he will be a hard to handle for anyone next season.  </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="981601" first="Jalen" last="Taylor"] (6’4" / PF / Benton)</strong></p> <p>Taylor was a key back up and spot starter for the Benton Tigers last season as they made the playoffs for the first time as members in class 5A.  During the team camps at Benton and LSUA, along with his play in the Bossier Summer League, Taylor has shown that he is trying to be a player who can dominate in the middle.  Taylor has worked hard on maintaining his initial post position and scoing in the paint.  When he catches the ball on the block, he is looking to score instead of passing out.  Taylor is maturing, before our eyes, into a better post player.  </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="781858" first="Desmond" last="Washington"] (6’5" / PF / Huntington)</strong></p> <p>Two summers ago Desmond was one of the hottest players in north Louisiana.  He was confident in his game and was playing alongside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="687704" first="Kenny" last="Hunter"]</strong> a lot as the second big.  Then the season came and things went south for him.  Fast forward to his play in the Bossier parish team camps this summer and Washington is playing confidently again.  He is the Raiders only true post threat and he is scoring from either block against defenders his height and taller  His face up game is better also.  The 2021 live period may see the best version of Washington yet.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="937609" first="Solomon" last="Washington"] (6’7" / SF / Carver)</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="937609" first="Solomon" last="Washington"] backed up everything that I have seen in his highlight videos during the Baton Rouge area team camp hosted by Madison Prep.  In his game against East St. John, not only did he have a couple of breakaway dunk and ferocious blocked shots, he showed off a better developed mid-range jumper.  While he usually lives at the rim, the mid-range jumper showed growth in his game.  Mixing that piece in with the athleticism and effort he already possesses and Washington may take gyms by storm during this latest live period.  </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1127251" first="Decedric" last="Webb"] (6’4" / SF/PF / Huntington)</strong></p> <p>Webb is one of the more physically gifted players in northwest Louisiana.  His physicality going to the rim is unmatched in this area and he is a player who will dunk on defenders in a moment’s notice.  At 6’4", Webb has always played with his back to the basket and this summer was no different.  What Webb did do during the weeks at Airline, Benton, and Bossier High was get better at what he does well.  He is an above average rebounder who blocks shots and scores inside.  Webb is an undersized four who is tough as nails.  He gets the job done however.  </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="781862" first="Pat" last="Williams"] (6’5" / SF / Wossman)</strong></p> <p>The two sport star showed his versatility during the Airline team camp against teams like Peabody, ASH, and Huntington.  Williams is a player who can score in the paint on one possession and then steal the ball from a guard he is defending on the perimeter during the next possession.  He does not shoot many jumpers but he will face up so that he can find various driving lanes.  Williams is very athletic and displays flashes of how he can dominate a game on both ends.  He is definitely one of the more gifted forwards we have in Louisiana.  </p> <p>Young forwards like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1213597" first="Kamron" last="Coleman"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1202676" first="Kameron" last="Williams"] </strong>also had impressive campaigns during team camp play.  All the forwards listed above have the potential to be good players on the next level.  Louisiana has some top notch talent and these forwards are a portion of that talent.  </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <!-- wp:paragraph --><!-- /wp:paragraph -->