Sandy’s Spiel Showcase: Standout Forwards Pt. 1

<p><strong>Sandy’s Spiel Showcase: Standout Forwards Pt. 1</strong></p> <p><strong>2022 6-2 W Amarion Russell – Social Circle</strong></p> <p>In need of an early spark after trailing Christian Heritage 17-12 after one, Amarion Russell provided some much-needed offensive production which helped the Redskins explode with a 28-9 second quarter which they parlayed into a 70-66 win. More of a rebounder and defensive specialist on most nights, Russell found his offense from multiple levels. He had a sharp crossover that freed him for a layup and then hit a step-back jumper. Russell posted 11 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 block. Russell is a versatile defender that can guard nearly any position on the floor.</p> <p><strong>2024 6-3 F [player_tooltip player_id="1055486" first="Cash" last="Hare"] – Christian Heritage</strong></p> <p>One of the best performances of the day in stock riser fashion was [player_tooltip player_id="1055486" first="Cash" last="Hare"]’s 20 points, 7 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block. The sophomore stepped up big time. He didn’t just score around the basket and do the dirty work, he showed some serious skill with a pair of threes and a nice post spin. Hare has a strong body and combo-forward capabilities. His inside-out offensive presence is nice dynamic presence to have alongside fellow sophomores [player_tooltip player_id="1055485" first="Jax" last="Abernathy"] and [player_tooltip player_id="1055487" first="Zundra" last="Jackson"]. If Hare is able to perform in a similar manner and continue to improve, the 2024 big three trio will be dangerous over their final three seasons.</p> <p><strong>2022 6-8 PF [player_tooltip player_id="1183123" first="Valdy" last="Zephir"] – Walnut Grove</strong></p> <p>Big Valdy took advantage of a smaller South Paulding frontline and posted 9 points. The big man with occasional stretch capabilities, scored on powerful drop steps. He has quality foot work and can use his body to bury opponents under the rim.</p> <p><strong>2022 6-5 F [player_tooltip player_id="1336999" first="Shawn" last="Walker"] – Walnut Grove</strong></p> <p>The athletic slasher found himself a foul magnet as South Paulding hacked away whenever he got the ball inside. Walker’s attention to crashing the boards led to 10 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal. He’s an impactful player from 10-feet and in. He could thrive in the right system in college. His motor and nose for the ball will surely translate to the next level.</p> <p><strong>2023 6-4 W Devin Long – Providence Christian</strong></p> <p>With KJ Kemp out and Sam Witt injured moments into the game, Devin Long saw major minutes at swingman. Long has a good frame that could add even more muscle. He didn’t see many scoring chances but did get to the rack twice for his lone two buckets. Where he made the most impact was on defense. He grabbed 6 rebounds and came away with 1 steal and 2 blocks. His length helps him guard either forward position.</p>