City Rankings: Columbus’s Top 5 Forwards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tons of talented forwards in Columbus here are my top five entering the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6334438749eaa","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["867951"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview","anchor":"acf-block-64be0a800357c"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The #1 overall recruit in the state is everything as advertised, after leading his Tigers to a state championship and following that up with a super impressive EYBL run. The 6'6 senior is looking to build off of that and bring back to back hardware to Pickerington. Averaging 17 ppg in the circuit Devin proved he can flat out score against top competition. After a great offseason Devin is my pick to win Mr. Ohio basketball and can possibly win back to back titles. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_634043d014ca2","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["922605"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview","anchor":"acf-block-64be0a800359e"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> Next is the 87th recruit in the nation [player_tooltip player_id='922605' first='Dailyn' last='Swain'], the Xavier commit and reigning division III player of the year is looking to repeat his success. Dailyn is an elite defender, standing inside the top five in steals per game during the EYBL circuit. He's always been a terrific slasher especially when he gets out in transition. He uses a combination of size, strength and speed to get easy layups. Steadily improving his jump shot throughout the years, he's starting to mold into a complete player on both sides of the ball. Looking to bounce back from last year state final four loss, I expect Dailyn to get his team over the hump with a reloaded roster.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_634884147f3d3","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["867940"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview","anchor":"acf-block-64be0a80035b6"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming in at #3 one of the more under recruited players in the state is [player_tooltip player_id='867940' first='Gavin' last='Headings']. With a good frame and size to him it only helps his skilled offensive game, he can score at all three levels and has the ball handling to take defenders on the drive to the basket. Playing a major part of last years state title run, Gavin is hands down a scholarship player that coaches should be looking at. You can tell he's been grinding in the offseason as his game has taken a massive step forward, I got the chance to watch him over the summer drop a 40 ball vs a talented Keystone Academy team. With the subtraction of [player_tooltip player_id='867953' first='Sonny' last='Styles'] i'm looking forward to see Gavin step into a even larger role this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63488ed37f3d5","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1222373"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview","anchor":"acf-block-64be0a80035cc"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nearly averaging 20 ppg as a sophomore everything is lining up for a breakout junior year. Coming off an impressive aau season Jesse was able to pick up a few MAC offers. Known for his smooth offensive game the junior can score it in a variety of ways and can do it in bunches. Although I didn't get the chance to watch Jesse over the summer, I've seen him have lights out performances including the 34 point outing vs River Valley. With two years left Jesse will continue to climb on coaches boards and could possibly become the top overall forward in the OCC in a few years. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_634894df7f3d6","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1432017"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview","anchor":"acf-block-64be0a80035e1"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the best sophomores in the entire state [player_tooltip player_id='1432017' first='Jordan' last='Fisher'] is a really high upside forward with guard like capabilities. Known for his through the roof athleticism Jordan ties that all together in his game rather that be swatting shots away or throwing one down. Jordan has a great inside out game that is hard to defend because of his size and speed. Although he likes to get most of his buckets inside with driving layups and backdoor cuts, you can't leave him open as he far more capable of hitting from range. It's going to be a very exciting year for Jordan and with a really solid Reynoldsburg team I won't be surprised if they make a deep run. Already holding two D1 offers it's only a matter of time until we really see a ramp up in his recruiting. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->