Top Five Forward from Week 8

Josh White

December 24, 2021 @ 02:26 PM

These forward presented versatile skill sets and dominated their matchups for their respective teams. These guys got it done on both ends of the court and showed their talent throughout the week. Check them out. [player_tooltip player_id="890737" first="Barry" last="Dunning"] 6’6 SF/PF Toolen 2022 Dunning is an athletic slasher wing that can win with size, speed, and strength. His mature frame matches his game as he always seems to be a step ahead of defenders. Dunning plays with calm confidence and allows the game to come to him. He does a great job of using his pump fake to create easy opportunities at the rim, is excellent in the post, and has an unstoppable spin move that’s almost a guaranteed 2 point. He plays a strong brand of basketball and is top-tier at drawing fouls and being the aggressor when initiating contact at the basket. In transition, he runs the break with grace and eats up space with his long stride when attacking the basket. Dunning is dominant as a rebounder as well. His wide receiver-like skill to get the ball at the apex enables him to dominate the boards and collect second chance opportunities. Luke Smith 6’5 SF/ PF Plainview 2023 Smith is an all-around scorer with a smooth game and ability to play make. He’s fluid with his movements, create off the bounce, make acrobatic layups, and finish with both hands. He does an excellent job of attacking closeouts and not settling for the first look presented by the defense. Smith keeps it simple and efficient with his north and south approach to the game; he uses his length well when eating up space with his strides and finishing around bigs. Smith is also a terrific passer who can find cutters with ease. He passes with anticipation and accuracy in both transition and the half-court. [player_tooltip player_id="902722" first="Azeer" last="Hicks"] 6’5 SF-C Marbury 2023 Hicks is a gifted and versatile defender who can guard 1-5 effectively. As a forward, his length and strength allow him to compete in the post, but his quick feet and flip fluidity enable him to stay in front of guards and cause havoc on the perimeter. Hicks filled every box on the defensive end on the court. He disrupted passing lanes, protected the rim, played without fouling, switched on bigs and guards, and guarded whoever had the hot hand. He also finished defensive possessions with his solid rebounding ability. Offensively, he operated as a slashing point forward. He initiated offense and got his team into plays, occasionally breaking down a defender and creating shots for others. He also did a solid job of cutting to the basket and getting open looks for himself. [player_tooltip player_id="836589" first="Cody" last="Baerlocher"] 6’7 SF/PF Madison Academy 2023 Baerlocher is one of the more versatile forwards in the state. His unique skill set anchors Madison Academy’s defense and contributes to the offensive end at a high level. Offensively Baerlocher’s skill set is diverse. He can stretch the floor with his shooting, finish at the basket, and make plays for others occasionally. Essentially he can play two through 5 offensively and be effective. Defensively Baeelocher has a knack for blocking shots. He also is excellent at switching onto guards and staying in front. Patton Carrington 6’4 PF/C Northridge 2023 Carrington is a versatile big man who does an excellent job of balancing the Northridge offense. Carrington has excellent hands when playing in the post and rarely ever fumbles entry passes or rebounds. He does a good job of being patient and allowing the defense to make a mistake and capitalize on it. Carrington is also a very solid offensive rebounder and passer for a forward. His three-point shot allows him to stretch the floor and open up the game for his guards.