City Rankings: SEA/TAC Top 2023 Forwards
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There is a solid blend of forwards residing from Seattle to Tacoma. More than a few have had outstanding summers to raise expectations for the looming high school season, and still some are just scratching the surface of what they…
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Continue ReadingThere is a solid blend of forwards residing from Seattle to Tacoma. More than a few have had outstanding summers to raise expectations for the looming high school season, and still some are just scratching the surface of what they could become. A lot of these guys are stepping into increased playing time and this group is going to battle it out all year to see who the best forward in the area really is. Here’s how it stands now, the class of 2023s top ten forwards from the Seattle/Tacoma area.
No. 1 | Marquardt didn’t get much run in the last high school season but based on what he’s done this summer, he should be an excellent secondary scorer and floor spacer for the Bulldogs. He adds even more size to an already big Garfield team and can plug the middle while providing versatility on the offensive end. He has put up some big numbers this summer and is primed to breakout in the Metro 3A.
Highlights
No. 2 | It is tough for teams to match up with one top forward, let alone two. McCullum is the thunder of the Garfield pair, bringing a physical edge to the Bulldogs and a relentless presence in the paint. He has outstanding hands and is an offensive rebounding machine. There will be no easy buckets around this guy next season.
No. 3 | Jackson put up huge scoring numbers last season for Highline but now he shifts over to a more balanced Rainier Beach team. While he’s a talented scorer, he’s shown this summer he’s willing to take on a less glamorous role, attacking the glass and selling out defensively. The buckets will still come for Jackson but I’d anticipate a more physical style of play on the Vikings that could lead to fewer, but easier earned buckets for him.
No. 4 | The physical tools are there for Horn. He’s got the size, he’s filled out, and his coordination for a big man is excellent. He’s already shown he can go to work around the rim but what could propel him even higher is how he develops near the perimeter. He has a good-looking stroke and solid handle but they weren’t quite as polished as they need to be last season. With his size, if he can become more dynamic with the ball, he should be able to take off next season.
No. 5 | Clark was just a watch list player after last season but he’s catapulted himself this summer to possibly be the number two guy on a really exciting O’Dea team. On Seattle Select he showed he can be the primary creator and leader offensively, get his own shot and take the lead when need be. His length is tough to contain off the dribble and if you back off too far he’ll shoot right over the top. Hopefully that confidence from the summer bleeds over into the high school season, and Clark breaks out in a big way.
No. 6 | An all-out hustle guy, Weems plays the game the right way and it seems like his teammates love him for it. He’s aggressive and plays much bigger than even his 6’4 frame suggests. When Weems is on the floor he is capable of swinging momentum at any moment, he’s always lurking and ready to make that one big play. The quickness, anticipation, and high motor make up a unique skillset for Weems that has him as one of the top forwards in the area.
No. 7 | Afework pairs with Vaughn Weems Vaughn Weems 6’5″ | SF Federal Way | 2023 State WA to make one of the toughest defensive duos in the state. Like Weems, Afework goes all out until the last buzzer. He’s strong, quick, and works to cover every inch of the court. He plays big inside but is still capable of scoring from the outside. Afework leads through his play and is certainly a guy you want to avoid when he has a head of steam.
No. 8 | Dewalt has a bit of a mellow vibe on the court but he’s proven he can score in bursts and is an underrated on-ball defender. He shoots the three well, and is an above-average athlete that can finish high at the rim. He seems to feed on his successes, so when he sees one shot go down, you better be ready for him to go on a run. Between him, Tre Walker Tre Walker 5’9″ | CG Mt Tahoma | 2024 State WA , and Cayden McDaniel Cayden McDaniel 6’3″ | CG BFL Prep | 2023 State WA , Silas could be a sneaky team next season.
No. 9 | Pleasant is thunder and lightning rolled into one guy. He is thick and strong, but fast too. Normally, a guy with his size, strength, and driving ability is susceptible to getting out of control, but Pleasant has phenomenal footwork when driving through the defense. He doesn’t try to do too much, plays within the team concept, and provides good secondary scoring going to the rim and burying the three ball.
No 10. | Clifton will be a player to watch this season as West Seattle may have to shift their attack from the perimeter to the paint. Clifton is a wide body that plays with a sturdy base and knows how to make himself big in the right situations. He moves well, actively runs the floor and has a decent stroke from the foul line. He could be in store for some big games if he gets the touches inside and can shoulder the increased workload.