5 Senior Forwards to know in the NWC

<p>The Northwest 1A/2A/3A conference in Washington is filled with spectacular talent waiting to be discovered. As many of the big men in the NWC also play other sports, they still contribute immensely to their respective teams. Here are five 2022 forwards you should know in the NWC.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id="1262697" first="Andrew" last="Hommes"]</em>- 6’6" 195lbs- Lynden Christian HS</p> [caption id="attachment_1383489" align="alignright" width="300"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/02/IMG_0839.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1383489" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/02/IMG_0839-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a> Photo: Connor J Benintendi, <a href="https://www.lyndentribune.com/users/profile/cjbenintendi/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lynden Tribune</a>[/caption] <p>The Point Loma Nazarene University commit is a phenomenal shooter from deep. He’s shown off his consistent shot during his time with the Lyncs. His 6’6" frame make him a problem on the other side of the court, using his large wingspan to easily get his hands on the ball. In transition is where this powerful senior is most dangerous. If given an open lane to the rim, he will take advantage and capitalize with a big dunk.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em>Leyton Smithson</em>- 6’2" 180 lbs- Squalicum HS</p> <p>Leyton has already showcased his athletic abilities on the football field, as the senior is currently committed to Washington State University to play safety. His athleticism transfers exceedingly well to the basketball court, as he is extremely quick and physical down low. Defensively, Leyton is exceptionally efficient for the Storm, using his size and speed to his advantage. Offensively, he is remarkable on the boards and finishes thoroughly at the rim, meeting his defender with equal force. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id="1384124" first="Mark" last="Schlichting"]</em>- 6’3" 210 lbs- Ferndale HS</p> <p>Similar to Leyton, Mark is also a stud on the football field. He was ranked as a top 25 player in Whatcom County for his accomplishments on the field. On the court, Mark is a lethal shooter from three. This upstanding senior has been consistently hitting threes’ all season long, including 6 against Blaine HS on February 5th of this year. The Golden Eagles forward is a true team player, always doing what it takes to win and supporting his teammates along the way.</p> <p><img class="wp-image-1383495 aligncenter" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/02/IMG_0838-crop-1639x1076-1644458822-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="446" height="293" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em>Eli Hankey</em>- 6’3" 180 lbs- Anacortes HS</p> <p>Eli has been a steady rim protector all year for the Seahawks’ zone defense. He constantly has his hands in the air making it difficult for the offense to get the ball by him in the paint. This senior is tremendously effective when working from the baseline on offense, spreading out the floor for the numerous shooters on the Anacortes team. Eli produces when working from the high post, including setting solid screens for his teammates.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id="1266617" first="Tyran" last="Lane"]</em>- 6’6" 220lbs- Lummi Nation HS</p> <p>To be precise, Lummi Nation is in the Northwest 1B conference, but Lane absolutely needed to be included in this list. The sizable 6’6" senior uses his frame and body admirably on both sides of the ball. On the defensive side, Lane is one of the most dominate bigs in Northwest WA. His wingspan allows him to block shots with ease. Tyran is a fantastic rebounder, always being able to rise above his opponents to grab the board. When it comes to offense, his game is well rounded. He can post up and get a bucket, or step outside to hit the deep shot.  </p>