Prep Hoops: Paint Beast (Part II)

As the 2023 season approaches, Prep Hoops scout Drew Johnson will produce a list of some of the most notable paint beasts who have made waves during the offseason. From dominating forward and center prospects who eat in the paint to clutch paint defenders, these talented athletes were instrumental during the 2022 season which has translated to the offseason AAU period. Let's get into our second round of prospects who deserve the recognition!   [player_tooltip player_id='1055707' first='Ian' last='Smikle'] | F | Class of 2024 | Suncoast Community | @smikle_ian   Smikle is one of the premier 2024 forward prospects in the state because of his large frame combined with explosive athleticism. It's the sneaky footwork skills and body control in the paint that will take his game to the next level. Ferocious on the boards, recording double-digit rebounds during his junior season, and has shown off his perimeter defending during the off-season. Smikle has picked up recent offers from the likes of Sam Houston, North Carolina A&T, Tulsa, and more.   2022 stats: 15.1 ppg | 12.1 rebounds | 1.7 blocks    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/rangeman_films/status/1675210116931436546?s=46&t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ </div></figure>   Hedrens Bartelus | F | Class of 2024 | Lake Worth | @Jrcurrykid_   Pure athleticism is what describes Bartelus on the hardwood, as he's a good contact finisher and acrobat with the ball in the air to finish strong at the rim. Helped lead the Trojans to a 22-2 regular season record while scoring 13.3 points, and contributing 9.2 rebounds per game. Bartelus has made some notable highlight plays with South [program_tooltip program_id='2076721' first='Florida' last='Elite'] this off-season as he is set up for an important senior season regarding his recruitment. Bartelus has picked up recent offers from Three Rivers College, South Georgia Tech, and Edward Waters.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/jrcurrykid_/status/1687471979970822145?s=46&t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ </div></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1301712' first='Jerry' last='Ashley'] | F | Class of 2025 | Bishop Verot | @jerry_ashley11   Ashley is an under-the-radar rising junior prospect with a sizeable frame at 6-foot-7, 205-pounds with plenty of time to fill out and add weight. He led Canterbury in rebounds last season as a sophomore with 7.5 while dropping in 12.6 points per game. He's a strong finisher at the rim with a high motor to be productive on the boards. A decent rim protector and developing his technique around the rim. Should see an uptick in interest as the fall season comes to light.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/joshcutler80/status/1674129449829257240?s=46&t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ </div></figure>

As the 2023 season approaches, Prep Hoops scout Drew Johnson will produce a list of some of the most notable paint beasts who have made waves during the offseason. From dominating forward and center prospects who eat in the paint to clutch paint defenders, these talented athletes were instrumental during the 2022 season which has translated to the offseason AAU period. Let's get into our second round of prospects who deserve the recognition!