Stock rising forwards part 3 from 2023 rankings update
In this article:
Our final article about our 2023 rankings update is here. After going through the top new players at guard, wing and forward, we’ve reach the end of our stock risers at guard, wing and forward. Every prospect who made a…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingOur final article about our 2023 rankings update is here. After going through the top new players at guard, wing and forward, we’ve reach the end of our stock risers at guard, wing and forward. Every prospect who made a jump in the rankings or made their debut got spotlighted in these articles so make sure to check them out. 2023 is a class that’s getting a lot of recruiting interest right now with about half of the top 20 players already committed. There’s still tons of talent available for non Division I programs and these articles want to put these prospects on college coaches radar.
Lavelle makes a small jump as the senior is expected to take on a bigger role for perennial powerhouse Saint Edward this winter. Lavelle is a skilled wing forward who makes shots from the outside, finds ways to be productive and has a good feel for the game. Players from the Saint Edward system are usually mature and ready for college coaching after receiving it from Team USA coach Eric Flannery and Lavelle is no different. I expect Lavelle to pick up a lot of small college interest this winter as the Eagles have a few college prospects in their 2023 class uncommitted right now.
Thorbahn dominated at the Battle for the Bay, putting up crazy numbers for Port Clinton. Thorbahn is a match-up problem for small schools with his unique combination of strength, mass and post proficiency that’s a bit of a lost art for many forward prospects. Thorbahn’s future is likely on the gridiron instead of the hardwood, but it would be silly not to mention him after the impressive summer he had playing basketball.
A Prep Hoops Circuit standout, Hightower is one of the better athletes at the wing forward position in the state. The lefty is explosive and has thrown down some impressive dunks and blocks during the games I’ve watched of him. Hightower has taken some strides as a play-finisher around the basket and continues to be physically dominant in a majority of high school games. With the combo of Hightower and Stone Edwards Stone Edwards 6’6″ | SF Toledo Start | 2023 State OH , the pair dominated with CCB, Start is the heavy favorite in the Toledo City League next season.
Forup is a prospect who really started to take his game to the next level in May. After watching him in April I was sure he was a college basketball player but had him near the bottom of our rankings. After a strong May and even better July, Forup makes a big climb and should be a priority for small colleges in NW Ohio. Forup is skilled and can space the floor with his jump-shot and finish inside at 6’7. Lexington has a nice squad returning and has one of the top freshman in the state, I expect the Minutemen to be a sleeper this winter.
Charlton is a workhorse who finds ways to grind out rebounds and put-backs on winning teams. Charlton was stuck behind some talented seniors last season, but could make a big leap this winter for a new look Gahanna squad. Charlton also was a constant presence on Nova’s top 2023 squad for a couple years during the spring and summer. Charlton plays hard and has been in big games before, look for his experience to help out a younger Gahanna squad this winter.