The Top 10 Small Forwards in the Class of 2023

Small forwards on the high school level are some of the most athletic individuals on a high school campus. On Tuesday and Friday nights, they display this athletic ability with high-flying dunks and jaw-dropping layups. The top ten small forwards in Louisiana have that same type of ability. These players are some of the best in the south and they have a ton of upside for the next level.

1. John Kelly John Kelly 6'7" | SF John Ehret | 2023 State #237 Nation LA (6’7″ | John Ehret)

Kelly is a small forward that gives his team the best of both worlds. He is a player who can post other forwards and big men while having the ability to take them off the dribble. Kelly has a shooting touch that makes him a threat at all three levels. His offensive versatility makes him the best small forward on the list and a good candidate at that position on the next level.

2. Decedric Webb Decedric Webb 6'5" | SF Huntington | 2023 State LA (6’5″ | Huntington)

No small forward in the Boot attacks defenses in transition like Webb does. He presses defenses to protect the paint and when they do not, he finishes above the rim more times most times. On defense, he is a rim protector and someone who can defend all five positions on the floor. If his perimeter improves, he will be very hard to handle.

3. Jaylon Hicks Jaylon Hicks 6'5" | SF Carver | 2023 State LA (6’5″ | Carver)

Hicks has played the small forward/wing for the past two seasons on a championship level team and has grown each year. He is a three level scorer who has shown the ability during the summer to attack the rim fearlessly. Hicks has the game to put up big offensive numbers. His defense will be a key for him to be dominant on both sides of the ball.

4. JaQuise Richmond JaQuise Richmond 6'6" | SF Barbe | 2023 State LA (6’6″ | Barbe)

Richmond is one of the best players in Louisiana when it comes to playing with energy and playing above the rim. He is a player who can block a shot on one end and finish with a dunk on the other. His best attribute may be his offensive rebounding. Creating extra possessions or scoring off putbacks makes him deadly in the half court.

5. Terrance James Terrance James 6'4" | SF Gibsland-Coleman | 2023 State LA (6’4″ | Gibsland-Coleman)

A ton of people do not know about James around the state because he has been a Class C performer. However, the 2022 championship game MOP is a forward who has big game. James can rebound, shoot from the perimeter, and score in transition. He finishes through contact and punishes small forwards and wings. James is a forward who still has room to grow which is very scary.

6. Jakobe Dykes Jakobe Dykes 6'5" | SF Shaun Dumas Academy | 2023 State LA (6’5″ | Shaun Dumas Academy)

Dykes has top ten talent and was a top ten player last summer. While there are times he falls in love with his jumper, he has a full offensive arsenal. Dykes can fill it up from deep, attack the rim, rebound on both ends, and handle like a guard. If his defense continues to improve, he will be a top tier wing on the next level. He has that much talent.

7. Braylan McNeal Braylan McNeal 6'6" | SF Ruston | 2023 State LA (6’5″ | Ruston)

The Bearcat forward is the best two way player on this list. McNeal can defend all forwards on the perimeter, can hedge and keep guards in front of him, and protect the rim. Offensively, he can score in post, at the rim, and from the perimeter past the three point line. McNeal has the versatility to change a game at anytime.

8. Shavurdacour Nicholas Shavurdacour Nicholas 6'5" | SF L.B. Landry | 2023 State LA (6’5″ | LB Landry)

Nicholas is a threat to finish above the rim every time he catches the ball. His athleticism is off the charts and he may be the best filler of the lane in the top ten. Consistency with his outside game may be a question but there is no way to stop him from attacking the boards and the rim. Vo is a player who may not reach his full potential until the next level.

9. Jonathan Bradshaw Jonathan Bradshaw 6'4" | SF Ouachita | 2023 State LA (6’4″ | Ouachita)

Bradshaw is a mismatch for most forwards in Louisiana. He is a player who can garner double digit rebounds because of his upper body strength and he can score in the paint. His three point shooting is above average which makes him a threat from deep also. His unique offensive combination makes him a forward to watch this season.

10. Kevin Jones Kevin Jones 6'4" | SF Peabody | 2023 State LA (6’4″ | Peabody)

Jones thrives in transition with the way he fills the lane for the Warhorses. He finishes with dunks or layups often and places pressure on defenses constantly. His ability to defend everything on the perimeter makes him special. Jones is a high level talent. His perimeter growth may make him an unstoppable force for Peabody.

These forwards may make the transition to guard depending where they play on the next level. With the talent they have, I would not be surprised if all of them become high level players at either position. These ten players are game changers on offense and defense which makes them vital to the success of their team.