Interior Towers: 802 Forwards – Class of 2023 Stock Risers
Check out five bigs who are stepping into big roles this winter! Isaac Davis, 6’8 F – Spaulding High School Class of 2023 At 6’8 with a sturdy frame, Davis is physically one of the most imposing guys in the…
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Continue ReadingCheck out five bigs who are stepping into big roles this winter!
Isaac Davis, 6’8 F – Spaulding High School Class of 2023
At 6’8 with a sturdy frame, Davis is physically one of the most imposing guys in the state. Moreover, his playstyle uses all that power to his advantage. Isaac is a classic 5 prototype with back to the basket moves, hard screens, and an ability to clog up the interior. Davis has powerful drop steps that clear opponents out and he finishes well with nice touch on his baby hooks. In addition, he’s an beast in the pick-and-roll, setting firm screens and opening up the lane for drivers; he’s comfortable catching in the mid-range to short corner area too, keeping the paint open and hitting the occasional jumper. Defensively, Isaac has all the tools to own the paint. He reads drives well, bumps cutters when they come through, and owns the boards with his physicality. Isaac is an x-factor that could cement Spaulding in the upper echelons of the VPA this year, regardless of division.
Aidan Johnston, 6’6 F – Mount Mansfield Union High School Class of 2023
Long and mobile, Aidan is the modern mold of the 4 in today’s hoop. He’s got a wiry frame and fantastic timing around the cup where he is an imposing presence for incoming drivers, often blocking shots and challenging guys with great verticality at the least. In addition, he has the agility to switch out onto wings and stick with them while harboring the length to bother most any shot; Johnston can effectively guard 3-5. On the offensive end, Aidan has nice touch around the rim, finishing quite efficiently. Moreover, his hustle puts him in the mix for lots of offensive boards and second chances points, and he runs the floor well in transition too. Overall, Aidan is a mobile forward whose length and grit forces opponents to answer with the same tenacity.
Seth Richards, 6’7 F – BFA St. Albans High School Class of 2023
Richards is a raw center who affects the game with his hustle and persistence. A defensive anchor, Seth holds down the interior with his combination of height, length, and strength, forcing tough shots as he challenges drivers at the rim. In the post, Richards does well to keep guys off the block, but even if they get position, Richards’ sturdy frame and well-timed challenges make life difficult for opposing bigs. On the glass, Seth is a monster, reeling in boards constantly due to his awareness to box out and his subsequent hustle to collect the rebound. Offensively, Seth is strong in the pick-and-roll where he sets solid screens and rolls hard for buckets in stride. And with post looks, he’s good for a few drop steps and baby hooks. Richards will be an important piece as BFA competes with the upper tier of D1.
Josh Syverson, 6’4 F – Mount Mansfield Union High School Class of 2023
Syverson rounds out the forwards for an MMU team who’s built on grit. Josh is a big body who likes to mix it up down low; he’s a tough rebounder and can really body guys with his strong frame. Syverson jockeys for position early, and his ability to collect rebounds comes from this awareness to put a body on opponents and clear them out rather than get into a jumping contest. When battling for post position, Josh is apt to do more of the same, getting low and moving into position with strength and a ready hand for post entries. Josh occupies the high and low post well, finishing with quick drop steps and hook shots. He’s a confident passer too, probing for cutters and hitting guys on time. Syverson will be an important piece for an MMU team that almost made a trip to the semifinals last year.
Daniel Surma, 6’5 F – Winooski High School Class of 2023
Surma is the beneficiary of a lot of Trevon Bradley’s playmaking, and deservingly so. Surma’s athleticism and hands, paired with his length, make him a tough finisher around the cup. Daniel’s offensive awareness is supremely important, for he has to be ready for unexpected dump passes through tiny windows and no look passes through zone coverage; nonetheless, Daniel’s ability to catch and rise up through contact leads to numerous finishes and the occasional and-1. Defensively, Surma can defend 3-5, switching between post play and wing play with ease. At times Daniel overcommits on his block attempts, however, he’s due for a few solid rejections most games, eliciting fear in the minds of drivers. Surma is also a fastbreak masterpiece, running the floor hard and finishing at a high clip around the cup. Surma and company look to reach the D3 finals once again this winter.