Rochester Summer League Standout Forwards

<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Watching all the summer leagues in Rochester, many forwards caught our eye. With their unique abilities to score inside and out, here are the guys who showed they are ready to step into more prominent roles this season</span></p> <p><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">[player_tooltip player_id="1045935" first="Myles" last="Blackwood"]</span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> 6’3" F, Aquinas 2022 - Blackwood played like he was on a mission during summer league. A varsity starter since his freshman season chasing his first sectional championship and possibly a run at states. Blackwood was the most athletic player I saw, leading his team in rebounds, blocks, and dunks. When asked what was on his mind this season, Blackwood said, <em>" I’m going into this up and coming season with a championship mindset, and his only goal being to bring back the winning ways of the Lil Irish."</em></span></p> <p><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Phil Nwugwo </span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">6’8″ PF, Victor 2022 – The player with the most upside I have seen is Nwugwo, a 6’8" forward able to stretch the floor with the three-ball and play with his back to the basket. He was recently offered his first division two from Daemen College. Soft-handed Nwugwo rebounds very well on the defensive end, but his knack to always find the ball off the offensive glass is where he shows tremendous value. Phil also carries a 4.1 GPA. Every school in the area should be on notice; wherever Nwugwo ends up will be very happy.</span></p> <p><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Max Schalm </span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">6’6" PF, Mcquaid Jesuit 2022 - Schalm possesses the traits of an old-school forward who is willing to do all the dirty work. Blocks shots, rebounds, and runs the screen, and roll very well. What stands out the most is Schalms’s ability to pass the ball out of the low post and high post. Every time he touches the ball, you see his team ready and loaded for catch and shoot opportunities as they know the ball is coming; leading his team in assist over the summer makes him very dangerous this upcoming season.</span></p> <p><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Bryon Streb Jr </span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">6’5" SF, Spencerport 2023 - Streb burst on the scene with a 33 point outing, then averaged 20 per game in every contest after. The junior stretched the floor well, knocking down threes all summer long. A surprise was how comfortable he was putting the ball on the ground and attacking off the dribble. Streb is a below-the-radar prospect with much upside. Expect a productive junior campaign that will put him as one of the top prospects in the area.</span></p> <p><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Chris Leysath</span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> 6’4" F, Aquinas 2024 - Leysath was impressive in his first varsity action this summer. The sophomore forward rebounded well and battled hard around the basket. Leysath also showed the ability to switch onto guards and play great defense on the perimeter. Active hands and a long wingspan allowed him to block many shots in the halfcourt. With plenty of time to grow, Leysath is an athlete who will open many eyes in NYS.</span></p>