Prep Hoops Next Nationals: 14U Top Forwards

All roads lead to the beautiful Hyvee Arena in Kansas City. Teams from across the country showed up and showed out. Safe to say teams were cooking and competing at a high level regardless of the bracket. The energy on the sideline and in the stands were second to none in an electric environment, teams fought tooth and nail for Championship honors. It was hard to highlight only a few out of so many impressive prospects competing this weekend but here are my “Top Forwards” who competed in Prep Hoops Nationals.

Markese Peoples | Chicago Demons

Peoples is a versatile wing who was reliable wherever his team needed him. The beast on the boards has the ball skills to board and push the ball in transition which made for great pace for the Chicago Demons. In half court situations the sturdy forward had his way in the mid and high post area. His understanding of angles and strength allowed him to visit the free throw line where he shot a great clip. Most impressive was his willingness to initiate contact as well as absorb it when attacking the rim.

Caiden Davis | Wisconsin Elite

Davis did it all over the course of the weekend in the paint and on the perimeter. The versatile wing was ferocious on the boards with his next level athleticism, extending possessions, putbacks near the basket, as well as a few dunks on fastbreaks. He was a serviceable playmaker in mismatch situations, he was able to get downhill and finish around and over defenders a great deal. Most impressive was his role as an anchor in the paint and walling up without fouling. 

Bryce Austin | Racine Truth

Austin is a jack of all trades for Racine Truth and had his hands in many momentum shifting plays over the course of the weekend. His activity in the full court press caused deflections and steals which allowed Racine Truth to score in a hurry and easily. When attacking the paint he did a great job playing with balance and patience. His length and wingspan played a major role when finishing over defenders. The crafty wing has an array of pump fakes and pivots to keep opponents off balance.

Logan Ramczyk | Next Level Grind Elite

Ramczyk is a high IQ prospect at the wing position who made the right play a great deal over the weekend. Tagged as the shooter by the majority of Next Level Grind Elite’s opponents, he was still able to fill it up from range via patience and his movement in space. His energy in the half court trap really stood out, causing lofty passes across the court, steals, and deflections. Ramczyk made himself valuable on both ends of the floor and played a role in their championship run. 

Christian Williams | College Bound Elite

Williams brought pace and physicality to the floor on College Bound Elite’s deep run to the championship game. The skilled wing has a quick first step that got him into the paint a great deal and proved to be able to finish with either hand. His understanding of positioning when shots went up allowed him to grab boards over bigger opponents and take it coast to coast. He gave defenses the most issues when catching the ball in the mid post area.