2024 Forwards Stepping into Bigger Roles

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1420306' first='Johnathan' last='Lyons'] - Overland</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lyons will be primed for a much larger workload than previous seasons, given the departure of multiple key ballhandlers from Overland. Standing roughly 6'4, the small forward has proven to defend up to three positions thanks to his quick feet and wiry frame. Lyons possesses the quickness to switch onto guards alongside his plus wingspan, allowing him to poke away the ball with ease. Off the ball, Lyons keeps his head on a swivel which makes him a high upside defender in a myriad of situations. On the opposite end, Lyons has plenty of room to grow as a playmaker, as he fits the mold of a secondary creator right now. The biggest growth for Lyons has come from his spot up shooting, given his high release point and growing confidence versus contests. Lyons currently ranks 23rd among juniors and 4th among small forwards. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1284512' first='Johnnie' last='Reed'] - Windsor</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Reed is the glue guy any team could use, given his instant energy boost and growing skill as a playmaker. Standing roughly 6'6, the small forward makes an immediate impact through his hustle for loose balls and rebounds. Reed does not need the ball to make a positive impact on the game, allowing him guard three positions with ease. Through previous seasons Reed has excelled as a complimentary scoring threat, although his IQ should allow him to be more involved on the offensive end this year. With an increased role, look for Reed to dramatically increase his three point attempt volume. This past season at Windsor, Reed averaged 3.7 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. Among juniors, Reed currently sits at 26th in the class and 5th among small forwards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1421260' first='Ryan' last='Dixon'] - Valor Christian</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dixon will play a key role as a slashing forward who is a force on the glass. The 6'5 power forward will be a key player for Valor, given their size limitations among frontcourt roster spots. Given the team's clear strength of perimeter shooting, Dixon should have plenty of space inside the arc. Given the forward's speed without the ball, he will have high potential as a rim roller. This past summer, Dixon has no fear playing physical above the rim. Given the addition of [player_tooltip player_id='921110' first='Archer' last='VanSickle'], among other budding perimeter threats, Dixon should have plenty of opportunties in transition. Within the 2024 class, Dixon ranks 42nd overall and 8th among power forwards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1578233' first='Walker' last='Asp'] - Palmer</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Asp is an under the radar complimentary wing that stays physical around the rim while showing progression as an outside shooter. Standing right around 6'4, Asp is a tough opponent to stop while attacking closeouts. Given his long strides, he only needs one dribble to get inside the paint. Should opponents meet him straight up, Asp is strong enough to face to them head on through contact. Continuing to get more comfortable taking spot up jumpers will be essential to maximizing his spacing on drives. Currently Asp ranks 86th within the 2024 class and 12th among small forwards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->