Top Unsigned Senior Forwards in Indiana
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The Indiana High School Basketball season always starts the week leading up to Thanksgiving. Now, after what seems like just a blink of an eye, we’ve made it through Christmas and into the New Year. For the top unsigned seniors…
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Continue ReadingThe Indiana High School Basketball season always starts the week leading up to Thanksgiving. Now, after what seems like just a blink of an eye, we’ve made it through Christmas and into the New Year. For the top unsigned seniors in Indiana’s Class of 2023 there are starting to be fewer and fewer opportunities to show themselves to college coaches. However, I’m still in contact with college coaches at every level on a daily basis who are looking for players. The Hoosier state still has plenty of talent to offer programs at just about any level. Division I to Division III, NAIA, or JUCO. Let’s highlight five forwards that college coaches need to be seriously considering as the calendar gets ready to turn to 2023. If you missed it, check out the top five unsigned senior guards and top five unsigned senior wings that we’ve already showcased.
Anthony Ball Anthony Ball 6'6" | PF Decatur Central | 2023 State IN (Decatur Central H.S.): This 6’6″ bruising forward dominated the Class 3A state championship game last season scoring 17 points and pulling down a near-record 20 rebounds as Beech Grove knocked off Mishawaka Marian. Now at Decatur Central for his senior season, Ball is averaging 15.9 points and 9.1 rebounds per game for the 6-3 Hawks. He is without a doubt one of the best rebounders still available in Indiana’s Class of 2023. Division II programs should be checking in on this prospect.
Jared Bonds Jared Bonds 6'5" | PF Carmel | 2023 State IN (Carmel H.S.): You can never go wrong recruiting kids that played at Carmel. They’ve gone through a competitive environment since they were young and compete in college-type practices and play against the best Indiana has to offer. Bonds is a product of that. The 6’5″ forward is super athletic and brings versatility to both ends of the floor. On the offensive end he is more of a slasher and driver who will attack closeouts to his right hand and play above the rim. Defensively, he will be switchable at the next level and can add some positional rim protection. Depending on what you need out of him, Division II, Division III, and NAIA coaches alike should be involved with Bonds here in early January.
Nickens Lemba Nickens Lemba 6'6" | PF Southport | 2023 State IN (Southport H.S.): Lemba has all of the physical tools in the world. Also one of the state’s most gifted track athletes, this 6’6″ physical specimen is a force on the hardwood. He has the ability to face up and drive it to his right in a straight line to the rim. Around the basket, Lemba uses his quick feet and strength to score at the rim. Then, you mix in his excellent rebounding ability and you have the makings of a prospect who can definitely play the 4 or even small-ball 5-spot at the next level. As his offensive game keeps developing, which it is, his physical tools and effort will allow him to produce right away. NAIA scholarship guy.
Alex Romack Alex Romack 6'6" | PF Westfield | 2023 State IN (Westfield H.S.): High academic and averaging a double-double for a Top 10 Class 4A team in the state, what more could you want if you are still in search of a forward in the Class of 2023? Romack is a 6’6″ gifted athlete with physical strength and the motor you are looking for around the basket. That is what allows him to average 14.6 points and 9.9 rebounds per game against some of the best competition in the state. Definitely some Division II programs that could use him, but a no-doubter for the high level DIII or NAIA programs.
Ian Stephens Ian Stephens 6'5" | PF New Palestine | 2023 State IN (New Palestine H.S.): Stephens plays with one of the highest motors in the state, is a very good athlete, and finishes at a very high level around the basket. The 6’6″ left-hander drives at you from the perimeter or high post area, can score in a variety of ways with his back to the basket, and rebounds extremely well. He is averaging 17.6 points and 8.9 rebounds per game for 9-0 New Palestine. In-state NAIA programs that need a 4-man should be offering Stephens at this point.