High School Preview: Kyler’s Watch List (2024 SFs)
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The high school season is creeping closer and closer and we at Prep Hoops Indiana will be giving you non-stop previews until the first week of action. With as many talented players in the state this season, it is important…
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Continue ReadingThe high school season is creeping closer and closer and we at Prep Hoops Indiana will be giving you non-stop previews until the first week of action. With as many talented players in the state this season, it is important that we give you a list of names to keep an eye on for the season, which is what I will be doing with each position in the 2024, 2025, and 2026 classes. The point of my list is to give you a preview of some the players that are maybe overlooked a little, still on the college recruiting board, or guys in general that deserve to have eyes on them. With that said, here are small forwards to watch for in the 2024 class this season.
The 6’6 wing out of Noblesville sits as arguably as the best small forward still uncommitted in the in-state 2024 class. He proved to be one our top stock-risers in the state over the summer as he was able snag offers from schools such as Air Force, Hanover, Hope, Trine, and Wabash. What makes Walston one of my top wings to watch for is his size, length, athleticism, and skill. While he may look like a true wing, Walston possess skills that you would see as a 1 or 2-guard. He has great court vision, playmaking ability, and overall a high IQ. When it comes to overall underrated players in general in the state, Walston is near the top of my list.
Highlights
D’Amare Hood D’Amare Hood 6’4″ | SF Delta | 2024 State IN is another wing that has seen his stock rise quite a bit over the years. He is coming off of a strong summer with Indiana Ice showing off his excellent tools physically, scoring ability at all three levels, and overall strength and athletic ability finishing at the rim. His recruitment is starting to pick up some steam with a great offer from St. Francis but he is still is majorly under-the-radar as we sit here before the season. With Delta being expected to be one of the better teams in 3A this season, lots of eyes should be on this electric wing.
When it comes to potential, there is arguably no small forward in the in-state 2024 class that has more of it than this wing out of Guerin Catholic. At near 6’7, Murans is one of the more naturally athletic small forwards we have seen and is an extremely versatile player on both ends of the floor being able to operate at both the perimeter and post. He is still improving his strength and physicality, but has already made major leaps since last season as he showed over the summer. He comes into this season with D1 offers from Army and Missouri State and with a big senior season expected, there could be more on the way.
Highlights
Jayden Ford Jayden Ford 6’6″ | PF Arsenal Tech | 2024 State IN is the player not most known in this list, but is a player you should probably get familiar with. The 6’6 senior forward from Arsenal Tech had a breakout fall playing in the Metro Indy Basketball Fall League which really started to get some eyes on him. He has a great feel for the game and tremendous bounce, athletic ability, and strength. He plays well through contact, can hit the outside jumper at a good rate, and guards at nearly every level. Lot of upside in this under-the-radar wing and coaches at all levels should be making their way to Arsenal Tech games to see this potential diamond in the rough. A breakout senior season is on the way.
Other guys to watch for: Mark White, Payton Baird Payton Baird 6'5" | SF South Bend Riley | 2024 State IN , Jaxson Fugate Jaxson Fugate 6'5" | SF Fort Wayne North Side | 2024 State IN , Reis Butcher Reis Butcher 6'4" | SF Brebeuf Jesuit | 2024 State IN , Parker Perdue Parker Perdue 6'3" | SF Fishers | 2024 State IN , Sheldon Gatlin Sheldon Gatlin 6'7" | SF Cathedral | 2024 State IN