Grind Session Standouts: Forwards

On November 18th-19th I attended the local Grind Session with All the Smoke Classic at the Phhacility in Phx, AZ.

There were 15+ teams from around the country and Canada including the #1 and #2 ranked teams in Prolific Prep/CA and SoCal Academy/CA.

Locally three teams are ranked in their Top-9 with Bella Vista Prep (4), Dream City (5) & Phhoenix Prep (8).

Here were some of the standout forwards:

Alpha Chibambe Alpha Chibambe 6'5" | SF Phhoenix Prep | 2023 State AZ Phhoenix Prep

An athletic wing forward has a great body and a huge motor. He is a high flier on the break and will rebound out of his area and score on put backs. Outside of his transition play, he helps mostly on defense. He defends on the perimeter but has incredible strength to defend inside on post players.   

Isaac Hymes Isaac Hymes 6'9" | PF Phhoenix Prep | 2023 State AZ Phhoenix Prep

A finesse forward is unique with his size and length. He can catch and shoot from the three point line. He plays well off the pick and roll and he can slip inside the paint or step out and pick and pop. He grabs rebounds in his area and once he puts on more weight, he will be even more effective.

Bryan Ndonga Bryan Ndonga 6'8" | PF Bella Vista Prep | 2023 State AZ Bella Vista Prep

A long forward defender who can move in space and gets in a real stance. He can score with a quick baseline move to the basket and is good in transition. His game is felt on the defensive end using his 6’11 wingspan with a 39 inch vertical and quickness. He will rebound, collect steals and block shots.     

Alejandro Aviles Alejandro Aviles 6'9" | PF Dream City Christian | 2025 State AZ Dream City Christian

A highly skilled post player with elite hands, IQ and very good passing. He has advanced post footwork and his patience in the post is next level for his class. It seems like he has stick-em on his hands, as he catches every ball in heavy traffic. He will crab dribble and create his own offense in the post with reverse layups, hook shots, up and unders and he can face-up.  

Erenzo Scroggins Erenzo Scroggins 6'4" | SF AZ Compass Prep Black | 2023 State AZ AZ Compass Prep

A wildly athletic point forward has a strong frame who loves getting downhill and attacks the rim ferociously with dunks and hard takes. He is strong to guard a four in the paint and can switch on the perimeter. He sees the court unusually well for a forward and rebounds the ball at a good clip. He is a little different then your typical forward as most of his points are 50/50 plays, transition play and dunks.

Luke Bamgboye Luke Bamgboye 6'9" | C Bella Vista Prep | 2024 State #103 Nation AZ Bella Vista Prep

A fluid post player had a good showing. He played about as well as you could. His length and reach bothers perimeter shooters and his interior defense helps the team with rebounds and block shots. His mid-range pull-up is polished and he scores on hook shots, lob catch dunks, runs the court and everything looked laser focused.