Havoc in the Heartland: Kyler’s Forward Evaluations

<p>In one of the top events in the Midwest on the Prep Hoops Circuit, the Havoc in the Heartland kicked off with a full slate of games all day on Saturday. Lots of top level talent took place this past weekend and I was able to see a ton of players have a breakout weekend. Let us take a look at some of the standout forwards that stood out for me. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1454873" first="Cole" last="Pride"] - Southern Indiana Blaze 2023 - 6’7 PF: Pride is a long and lanky post with a little bit of smoothness. Solid passer for his size and can battle for boards. Has the size right now to compete but want to see him run the floor a little harder. Also thought he focused on the jumper a little too much at times. Next time I see him I will be looking for a little more post action on the offense from him. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1273006" first="Patrick" last="Schott"] - Indiana Elite Swish 2023 - 6’5 PF: Schott had a nice showing in the game I watched of his. Showed some quicker feet and loved seeing him stretch the floor a little bit more. Protected the rim so well here and had multiple, huge blocks. He is continuing to raise his stock as a powerful post in the state. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1273030" first="Richard" last="Dube"] - Indiana Elite Swish 2023 - 6’4 SF: Dube again showed why he is one of the more under-the-radar small forwards again this weekend. Used his athletic ability a ton here and made a bunch of smooth moves around the basket. Defense was solid once again as well. On track to have a breakout summer coming up. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1273739" first="Tyson" last="Good"] - GPP 2023 Black - 6’6 SF: Good is an athletic player that provides solid size at the wing. Very good defender that had multiple steals and fastbreak buckets in the game I saw of his. Can shoot the ball well from deep but is at his best when he can use his athletic ability to make plays. Overall just a very talented, versatile forward. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1410467" first="Alex" last="Romack"] - GPP 2023 Black - 6’6 SF/PF: Romack is a beast of a forward that is having one heck of a AAU season thus far. Strong, athletic build that plays with a high level motor. At his best around the rim where he showed explosiveness and the ability to finish with force. Still needs a little bit more work on his outside jumper but overall Romack is a guy that has risen his stock as of late. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1295310" first="D’Amare" last="Hood"] - All Area Basketball Program 2024 - 6’3 SF: Hood is an athletic wing that plays with a lot flash. Looks to have put on some size since last time I saw him but still has that bounce to him. Struggled a little on the offensive end and thought he was not as active as I have seen him in the past. Was solid on the defense, however. Next time I will be looking for him to make more plays on the offensive end.  </p> <p><strong>Jake Smith</strong> - Team GRIII 2024 Elite - 6’4 PF: Smith is a bigger sized post that can stretch the floor. Has some solid shot mechanics on his jumper and worked well finding space to get a look. Rebounded well on both ends and finished strong around the rim.  </p>