2023 Under the Radar Forwards to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>September is right around the corner, which means the new academic school year is coming closer. Players are getting ready for the upcoming hoops season, especially the 2023 class playing their final varsity season. Here are the 2023 under the radar forwards to watch this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1150270' first='Tyler' last='Koenig'], 6'9 PF DePaul Catholic</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Koenig has been a main part of the Spartans' offense for the last two seasons but will see an uptick in production with the transfers of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1153956' first='Jeremy' last='Clayville']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1411622' first='Mekhi' last='Ragland']</strong>. The 6'9 post knows how to get position down low and is capable of finishing through contact around the basket. Koenig has a nice touch in the paint and sets good screens in the half court. He rips down rebounds on both ends of the floor and uses his length to influence shots on the defensive end. Koenig is a gritty post player who should see his numbers rise with more looks on the offensive end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1401559' first='Parker' last='Neuenhaus'], 6'9 PF Saddle River Day</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Neuenhaus has the potential to break out in 2022-23 as he can impact the game in a number of ways. The 6'9 lefty plays with good footwork in the post and finishes nicely in the paint. Neuenhaus can also play on the perimeter as he has a nice release on his jumper and can put the ball on the floor. He fights for rebounds on both ends of the floor and is a solid passer. Neuenhaus is a skilled power forward prospect who should have a strong senior season for the Rebels.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1013098' first='Noah' last='Taylor'], 6'5 SF/PF Colonia</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Taylor started for the North 2 Group 3 winning Patriots last season and will be the go-to guy down low for them this winter. The 6'5 forward has a strong frame, which he uses to finish through contact and get position down low. Taylor can knock down open jumpers in the mid-range and has a nice touch on his free throws. He is tough to box out on both ends of the floor and uses his athleticism to make plays on the defensive end. Taylor is a tough forward prospect who does what it takes to help his team win at both ends of the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1269717' first='Lazaro' last='Rodriguez'], 6'4 SF South River</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rodriguez had a strong summer with the [program_tooltip program_id='2078574' first='NJ' last='Bulldogs'], which should carry over into the 2022-23 season. The 6'4 wing is at his best attacking the basket as he is a good finisher in the paint and does not mind drawing contact. Rodriguez gets to his spot on the floor and rises up nicely on his jumper. He moves well without the ball in his hands and rips down rebounds at both ends of the floor. Rodriguez's combination of grit and skill is something that will help his game out this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ryan Lesauskas, 6'4 SF Chatham</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lesauskas is one to track in North Jersey as he makes plays on both ends of the floor. The 6'4 wing can get to the basket from the perimeter and is capable of drawing contact in the paint. Lesauskas sets his feet before he shoots and releases the ball with confidence from the perimeter. He is a strong rebounder and holds his ground on the defensive end. Lesauskas will be looking to lead Chatham on a deep run this season with his ability to score inside and out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->