Posts and Wings Set for Big AAU Seasons (Pt I)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This group of forwards brings together some of the top talents at their positions in the state, but also some of the best up-and-coming players that are set to make the jump this AAU season. Tap in with these guys, as they are in prime position to go off this spring as some of the top posts and wings out there.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1587955' first='Parker' last='Mills'] | Seattle Select UA Rise | 2026</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mills was a focal point down low for West Valley last season and already has a nice array of go-to moves for a post his age. He's playing up a year with the Seattle Select UA Rise 16U, but he's shown the physicality and finesse to succeed against older players. He could be a breakout player on the AAU scene this spring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1710013' first='Nick' last='Linhardt'] | Seattle Select UA Rise | 2024</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Up on the Seattle Select UA Rise 17U team, [player_tooltip player_id='1710013' first='Nick' last='Linhardt'] is ready to leave his mark as a lengthy perimeter scorer who can also punish teams inside. He's taller and leaner than last season, but still possesses good strength to attack defenders head up at the rim and can get it going from the outside. I like him to be a late stock riser prepping for his senior year and a guy who could really see his recruiting tick up a notch after this AAU season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1450492' first='Ajayi' last='Simmons'] | Beauchamp Elite 3SSB | 2024</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Simmons' junior season was a coming-out party of sorts. The talent has long been apparent but he was able to fine-tune some things in the high school season and I see no reason why he would let up now. He still has immense potential to reach and is one of the top players in his class to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1685491' first='Lattimore' last='Ford'] | Beauchamp Elite 3SSB | 2026</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2026 high-flyer is playing with Beauchamp Elite's top team this spring and should fit right in with his high-level athleticism and big body. It will be interesting to see how he plays off of other top talents in the state, with guys like [player_tooltip player_id='1450483' first='Zoom' last='Diallo'], [player_tooltip player_id='1450494' first='Blake' last='Forrest'], [player_tooltip player_id='1821230' first='Ne'Quan' last='Brown'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1450486' first='Trevor' last='Hennig'] sharing the backcourt and wings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1450982' first='Gelonni' last='“JuJu” Ervin'] | Beauchamp Elite 3SSB | 2025</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>JuJu took some big steps forward in the high school season, figuring how to attack from certain areas of the court, getting used to his big body, and figuring out how to be a player guys look to. It's a lot to deal with all at once, but Ervin should be able to continue his ascent this AAU season, playing off of talented teammates and honing in his jumper and handle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1440101' first='Shane' last='Skidmore'] | Spokane Flight | 2024</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The University big man is a big body with power and hustle that runs the floor hard, works on the glass, and has been playing with better and better touch near the rim. He brings a unique skill set to his Spokane Flight team and will be a big presence in the paint this spring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1612206' first='Aidan' last='Bews'] | Central WA Select | 2024</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bews was another skyrocketing prospect in the high school season, developing a reliable 3-point shot, finding more power in the post, and displaying surprising athleticism in the open court. He had some big performances last AAU season but had plenty of peaks and valleys as well. Look for him to be a top contributor throughout the season this spring and a guy that keeps adding to his game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->