Top Five Forwards from Week 12
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This week’s addition of top five forwards features versatility, athleticism, and guys who can dominate both ends of the court. Check them out! Landon Jacobs Landon Jacobs 6'6" | NA lbs | SF Sparkman | 2022 State #NA Nation AL…
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Continue ReadingThis week’s addition of top five forwards features versatility, athleticism, and guys who can dominate both ends of the court. Check them out!
Landon Jacobs Landon Jacobs 6'6" | NA lbs | SF Sparkman | 2022 State #NA Nation AL 6’7 PF/SF Sparkman 2023
Jacobs is an athletic powered who can dominate the game in spurts when locked in. Jacobs can drive the ball with power, play through contact, and finish at the rim at a high rate. He uses his 6’7 frame to slash at a high level and dominate mismatches whenever he gets the chance. His motor is undeniable, and he can simply win matchups off pure will and tenacity. Jacobs can also get teammates involved and hit cutters when operating out of the post, which opens up the offense for his shooters. In addition, he dominated the offensive boards and gave his team numerous 2nd chance points on putbacks exposing the lack of interior presence.
Haston Alexander Haston Alexander 6'10" | NA lbs | C Covenant Christian | 2022 State #NA Nation AL 6’10 C Covenant 2022
Alexander is a solid big who brings elite size, skill, and effort. He’s all of 6’10 and uses his length beautifully on the defensive end, where he serves as an anchor for his team. He’s disciplined and can play without fouling by remaining vertical and allowing the offensive player to try to get the ball over his outstretched arms. He’s also effective when closing out and doesn’t leave his feet which is a plus due to him protecting the 3 point line and the paint. Alexander has solid hands and makes contested catches in the paint, snare rebounds, and make catches in stride when running in transition. Offensively, Alexander can play with his back to the basket and dominate his opponents with strength and nimble footwork. He can finish with both hands, play through contact, and has a nice touch around the rim. He also can hit an occasional three if the defense forgets him as a trailer in transition.
Jalen Curry 6’4 SF/PF Hazel Green 2022
Curry continues to be one the smoothest scorers in the state. He provides high production and efficiency in the midrange and mid-post for the Hazel Green Trojans. Curry can create space for himself when matched up against opponents his size with his first step and tight handle. When dealing with smaller defenders, Curry can simply use his strength, get to his spot, and rise over the top for a good look. In addition to his high release point, this makes him a next-level scorer and a matchup nightmare for most teams. Curry has also shown flashes of dominance in the low post, where he fights for position and can use his strength to his advantage to pick up easy buckets.
Brodin Grady 6’6 SF/PF Hoover 2022
Grady is an elite wing defender who can affect the game without scoring. His size, strength, and competitiveness make him one of the better defenders in the state. Grady seems to take pride in his defense and has willingly taken on some of the best recruits the state has to offer, no matter their size, skill, or status. As a help defender, he’s liable to bother drives, close off lanes, block shots from the weak side, and bate ball handlers into turnovers. His elite anticipation and timing are similar to an all-state safety and forces offenses to account for his presence. Offensively, Grady takes good shots and is an opportunistic cutter and runner in transition. He can finish through contact and play the dunker spot whenever Hoover decides to go to a small-ball lineup.
Landon Morrow 6’6 C Marion County 2023
Morrow is a 2-way center that anchors the paint and can effectively control the paint. He is a standout defender who has good timing when blocking shots. He does an excellent job of using his length to minimize contact and reach the ball at its apex- leaving no room for the refs to call fouls. When he’s not blocking shots, his altering rim touches with verticality and discipline. As a rebounder, he’s tenacious and plays even larger than his 6’6 frame. He always seems to get two hands on the ball and does an excellent job of knowing how the ball will bounce off the rim. Offensively Morrow is efficient and can command a double team. He has solid hands, touch, and footwork around the basket and can contribute as a go-to paint scorer.