Standout 2025 Forwards from Day 1 at PrepHoops Easter Classic

<p>Check out my scouting reports and analysis on some of the best 2025 forwards who really shined during their time on the court during the first night at the PrepHoops Easter Classic. I cant wait to see what the do during the remainder of the tournament, as well as the growth they will begin to show over the next few months! </p> <p><strong>Vonte Sanders</strong> <span style="text-decoration: underline;">2025 6'5 Sherman High School, TX (Sparks Basketball 2025)</span></p> <p>Vontae probably should be classified as a guard with his ability to handle the ball and score in bunches off the bounce, however he is great at using his frame to lock up any position on the floor. He has all of the tools to become an elite 3 or 4 at the next level with his switch-ability and affect the game from the perimeter and his ability to get into the paint. I was blown away with his ability to do it all on every facet of the game on both ends of the floor. He is a high level scorer off the dribble who calmly knocks down shots over the top of his opponent's head. He is an intelligent player who threatened the defense in the paint during the first half of competition, and lived at the rim and showed off his ability to back down a smaller opponent when playing with another big man. In the second half, he operated the pick and roll with his big man and knocked down shots from the perimeter. I was blown away with his ability to score in transition and consistently attack and finish at the rim. </p> <p><strong>Zane Gaul</strong> <span style="text-decoration: underline;">2025 6'9 Colorado Prep (New Mexico D1 2025)</span></p> <p>Zane is a massive player who can run the floor, rebound the ball at a high level, shut down elite forwards and finish at the rim. I was very impressed with his ability to rebound the ball at a high level on both ends of the floor. He is good at moving his feet and finding his opponent and sealing them from having a chance to jump with him for a rebound. He consistently high pointed the ball very well and showed off all of his massive 6'9 frame. On the offensive end, he consistently finished through contact in the lane. I loved watching him work in the paint, he has high level post moves and turn around shots in the paint that allow him to score with ease. His ability to run the floor hard allows him to get easy looks in the paint in transition. He even showed an ability to stretch the floor and be a weapon on the perimeter, especially as the trailer option. </p> <p>https://twitter.com/aphippsnba/status/1515123210542534657?s=21&amp;t=ReA4S8ML_Y5e3MeS8r1TxQ</p> <p><strong>Dominique Smith</strong> <span style="text-decoration: underline;">2025 6'8 Denison High School, TX (Sparks Basketball 2025)</span></p> <p>Dominique is a lanky and skilled forward with an ability to score, defend the rim and rebound the ball at a high level. He is an elite rim protector who always seems to affect shots in the paint, even if he is trailing the play in transition with his ability to chase down his opponent and throw shots off the back board. He had at least four blocks in the first half of the first game of the tournament, and really shined during his time on the floor. He consistently finished hard in the paint and had no problem at dealing with contact. I would like to see him work on his touch and ability to softly his floaters and quick turnarounds with his back to the basket. I would also like to see him work on his ability to run up and down the floor the entire duration of the game, at times he seemed gassed through his constant motion. He is a real weapon on both ends of the court, and once his athleticism begins to match his aggressiveness on the floor he will become a deadly weapon. </p> <p><strong>Zyion Cato</strong> <span style="text-decoration: underline;">2025 6'7 Arlington, TX (Tarrant Elite 2025)</span></p> <p>Zyion has great defensive instincts and an ability to seal off his opponents with ease and finished with consistency in the paint. He has a massive frame with an ability to deal damage in the paint. Time after time, he backed his opponent into deep position underneath the basket and made soft turnarounds as no one seemed to have enough strength to contest him in the paint. He is an elite screener who always seems to create separation for his guards. He slips hard to the rim and is good at staying wide and keeping his opponent on his back. I would like to see him work on his agility and ability to run in the full court and also sliding laterally on both ends of the court. </p>