NHR State Tournament: Forwards to Know

Minneapolis, Minnesota – June 2nd – June 4th, programs across the great state of Minnesota and surrounding states faced off at Shakopee High School, and competed for championship honors!

Which team would get bragging rights for the year? Each game had highlight worthy plays, and players looking to prove their team was worthy of a Championship Title. Although there can only be one champion, there was no shortage of intensity and talent throughout the entire weekend in each division.

Below, I highlighted the “Forwards to Know” that I was able to watch at the NHR State Tournament.

Willie Roelofs | Team Tyus

Roelofs is a silky smooth forward who impacted the road to the championship for Team Tyus over the weekend. The highly skilled wing has great size and forces teams to adjust to him each time out. His crafty footwork and tight handle made him a reliable focal point of their offense. Roelofs has a great understanding of the game and length made him an impact player throughout NHR State.

Kwabena Sambrew | PJ Hoops

Sambrew was a huge presence in the paint on both ends of the floor for the tournament champs. The mobile big man has a nose for the ball on shot attempts and 50/50 balls. He has a high motor which allows him to extend possessions for his team and capitalize on second chance opportunities. PJ Hoops benefited greatly from his activity on the defensive boards by way of timely outlets, his team was able to push the pace all weekend.

Zander Mehmert | MN Lightning 

Mehmert made a huge impact for the Minnesota Lightning from a scoring and facilitating standpoint. The wiry forward led with his energy on the defensive end, boarding and altering shots near the basket. Mehmert was a reliable defender wherever he was positioned on the floor, guarding 1-5 at a high level.

Jayden Anunda | Minnesota Select

Anunda had a two way impact over the weekend for Minnesota Select. He provided a balanced attack by hitting shots off the catch and ripping to the paint and finishing at the rim. His high level athleticism allows him to not only score above defenders but dunk the ball with ease. Anunda is a versatile defender as well and able to guard the other team’s best player regardless of position.

Agwora Taban | PJ Hoops

Taban played a major part over the weekend for the tournament champs. His role as a versatile defender allowed PJ Hoops to shrink the floor for opponents, his activity in the passing lane turned defense into offense a great deal. Most impressive was his ability to play off two feet in the below the free throw line. The physical forward was a tough cover for opponents all weekend.