High Upside Forwards – Preseason Outlook
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Owen Alleman Owen Alleman 6'10" | C Thomas Jefferson | 2024 State CO – Thomas Jefferson – 2024 At roughly 6’8, Alleman brings potential as a slashing wing who is steadily gaining athleticism in conjunction with his elite reach. The…
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Continue ReadingOwen Alleman Owen Alleman 6'10" | C Thomas Jefferson | 2024 State CO – Thomas Jefferson – 2024
At roughly 6’8, Alleman brings potential as a slashing wing who is steadily gaining athleticism in conjunction with his elite reach. The incoming junior has a big year ahead as a play finisher and rim protector. Although still pretty skinny, Alleman’s length and light feet give him high upside as a multi-positional defender. Best case, Alleman could be capable guarding 1-5 in the next few months, although right now he is most effective taking on 3s and 4s. One area Alleman has continued to improve is his finishing around the rim, where he is showing more aggression throwing down dunks. Key areas of improvement reside in his domination as a interior defender and progression as a spot-up shooter. The center currently ranks 102nd within the class and 10th among centers.
Kale Sparks Kale Sparks 6'6" | PF Legend | 2025 State CO – Legend – 2025
At roughly 6’5, Sparks brings physicality on the glass with potential to be more than play finisher. The incoming sophomore stayed aggressive all summer, using his size to overpower opponents in the post and on rebounds. Another key area stemmed from his interior defense, where he was a positive contributor through his high hands and patience staying down on pump fakes. Continuing to refine his ballhandling in traffic and passing willingness off kickouts will be major keys for the power forward. Sparks currently sits at 53rd in his class and 10th among power forwards.
Miles Schwartz Miles Schwartz 6'6" | PF Denver South | 2025 State CO – South – 2025
Schwartz should play a significantly larger role for South, where his size at 6’6 will essential for their interior defense. He stays patient defending opposing drivers, where he rarely bites on pump fakes. As one of the few ‘bigs’ on this roster, Schwartz will need to be prepared for aggressive double teams and those subsequent kickouts. The sophomore currently sits at 34th in the class and 4th among power forwards.
Carson McDonald Carson McDonald 6'8" | PF Vista PEAK Prep | 2024 New E – Vista PEAK Prep
The Vista Peak transfer will play an intriguing role with a high upside group of 2024s in Alante Monroe-Elazier Alante Monroe-Elazier 6'3" | SG Vista PEAK Prep | 2024 State CO and Kyree Polk Kyree Polk 6'10" | C Vista PEAK Prep | 2024 State CO . Traditionally playing the 5, McDonald will likely be in a position to prove his perimeter skillset alongside Polk. While standing roughly 6’7, McDonald’s upside resides within his complementary shooting, where his jumper is very quick for his size. Key areas for McDonald reside within his shooting volume and willingness to drive with either hand. Within the 2024 class, McDonald ranks second overall and first among power forwards, one of the state’s highest upside prospects.
Vitorio Dante Vitorio Dante 6'6" | PF Castle View | 2024 State CO – Castle View – 2024
Dante will bring an intriguing skillset to Castle View at roughly 6’5, given his progression as a driver. The incoming junior has a big year ahead, as a high level rebounder and off-ball driving threat. Coming off two feet, Dante is more than capable rising up for the dunk although he is showing potential rising up to similar height off the one foot. Keeping tabs on his perimeter defense and willingness to draw fouls will play major impacts on his upside. Dante currently ranks 83rd overall and 18th among power forwards.