2025 Forwards on the Rise: Imposing Defenders

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>All of these forwards show immense potential anchoring the interior defense, given their size and willingness to maximize their size to irritate opposing shotmakers. Exciting future ahead for these frontcourt prospects.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1479353' first='Jovan' last='Aldana'] - Frederick</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":1937538,"width":143,"height":191,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/tempImageMtPvwD-rotated.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/tempImageMtPvwD-rotated.jpg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-1937538" width="143" height="191" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aldana is a sturdy forward who possesses above average strength alongside soft touch around the rim. The 6'6 forward knows how to leverage his physicality for efficient looks down low, putting the opposing defense into tough decisions. With a decent sized group of seniors departing Frederick, Aldana is next up for primary contributors coming off of a Final Four appearance.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1479351' first='Jayce' last='Bahl'] - Ralston Valley</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bahl will be an intriguing forward who brings a noteworthy foundation on the jump shot. The sophomore stands right around 6'7, when combined with the fairly high release point on his shot, there are few perimeter opponents who can do much to stop him. The obvious upside is a growing volume of the shot in conjunction with sturdy post defense, making him a legitimate two-way stretch four.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1479892' first='Mikel' last='Miller'] - Colorado Academy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":1589383,"width":243,"height":162,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/220-Mikel-Miller.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/220-Mikel-Miller.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1589383" width="243" height="162" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Miller will be a notable defensive forward over the next couple high school seasons, given his active hands and quick rotations. At roughly 6'8, the forward is an assertive defender, maximizing his length by keeping both hands high while contesting shots. Miller brought a roughly equal rebounding dosage from both ends, 2.4 offensive to 2.8 defensive rebounds per game. The sophomore's progression along the perimeter, especially from the spot-up jumper will have a major impact on his upside. Through his sophomore season with 18-8 Colorado Academy, Miller has put up 4.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1754309' first='Noah' last='Eckles'] - Discovery Canyon</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Eckles is an up and coming power forward standing right around 6'9. The sophomore is active around the rim, vying for position versus opponents fronting the post. Against smaller opponents, Eckles has ease contributing on layups while receiving passes over the top of the fronted post, typically scoring on the right hand. Still a bit of a wildcard, Eckles's skill progression will be looked at deeply throughout the summer.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1848638' first='Zayne' last='Desouza'] - Loveland</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Desouza is a sturdy forward possessing notable strength, which is especially impactful on the defensive end. Although about 6'6 and built like a truck, the forward has shown flashes switching onto the perimeter, keeping opposing small forwards and shooting guards in front. Through his sophomore season at Loveland, he has posted 6.4 points and 3.2 rebounds per game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1369822' first='Kaleb' last='Ferguson'] - Montrose</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ferguson embraces the fundamentals on the defensive side, keeping both arms up on contests, leaving opposing shotmakers in tough positions. The 6'5 forward works for rebounds, rarely stagnating in place, Ferguson is constantly moving around anticipating for the best positioning. Through his season with 15-9 Montrose, the forward posted 14.8 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. Contributing an efficient rate inside the arc, Ferguson does well maneuvering off of the ball to leverage his position around the rim. Continuing to develop the jumper will be crucial for his long term upside.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->