Who are some of the Top Forwards in 4A?

When it comes to dominating the paint in Maryland Class 4A boys basketball, a handful of forwards stand out. With an impressive blend of skill, athleticism, and versatility, these players impact the game on both ends, making them indispensable to their respective teams.   [player_tooltip player_id='1768958' first='Tyrell' last='Bowles'] - Flowers   [player_tooltip player_id='1768958' first='Tyrell' last='Bowles'] is a college player, the only question is where. The junior has become an efficient, consistent force in the paint. It's not the mid-range, or the finishing in the paint, or the highlight reel of blocked shots, it's everything. He's a threat on the court in every manner of the word, because he looks to impact the game in every way. Bowles ability to protect the rim and disrupt opponents' plays sets him apart. He turns defensive stops into fast-break opportunities and offensive rebounds into points. His bruising side of play has its drawbacks, like foul trouble, but Bowles may be a victim of his defensive system in that regard. Flower's is a defensively intimidating team, and a big part of that is players like Bowles who cast a physical presence on the interior.   [player_tooltip player_id='1759609' first='Alexis' last='Obase'] - Wise   Standing 6'3," [player_tooltip player_id='1759609' first='Alexis' last='Obase']'s height in no way impacts his ability to crash the boards. Part of a standout trio of Wise Pumas that includes [player_tooltip player_id='2241989' first='Cayden' last='Hargrove'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1367432' first='Marcus' last='Rustin'], Obase is the most versatile of the three. Offensively, he's little less than a play finisher at the moment, getting his buckets in the open court and off slashes and cuts. Defensively is where he truly shines. Able to defend positions 1-4, Obase's athleticism and IQ give him the edge on most player's he guards. Guys simply aren't used to a player that plays this hard every minute of the game. He could stand to expand his playmaking ability, but with two ball dominant guards around him, it's easy to project the uber efficient Obase growing into a larger scoring role with more opportunities present. For now, he generates 6-8 points by simply running the floor and being in the right spot for offensive rebounds and putbacks.   Nathan Enadeghe - Flowers   Whether you play ten or twenty minutes a game, every coach will tell you to make the most of the opportunities you get on the court. Flowers' big man Nathan Enadeghe embodies that playing the role of connector for this 7-1 Prince George's County powerhouse. While his numbers won't blow you away, Enadeghe is equally adept defending the PnR — or playing the roll man himself — providing underrated passing and stable shot-blocking for a team with plenty of capable scorers. During his minutes on the court, he brings a cohesion that makes his teammates better, and his ability to finish strongly in the paint and make his free throws, means he's on the court when it matters.   Chima Egeonu - Parkville   The paint is Chima Egeonu's domain and he guards his realm well. A physical finisher and deterrent, the 6'6" forward is a defensive playmaker who disrupts and deters. Egeonu has great timing with rebounding and blocks, showing he's able to play bigger than his size and captain a good defense. Perhaps most impressive is Egeonu's ability to guard without fouling at all three levels. He's not going to be your leading scorer, but on a team with playmaking and shooting, like his 8-3 Parkville Knights, Egeonu's ability to finish inside, coupled with his suffocating defense, sets him apart. He's an unselfish player that gives Parkville's guards the freedom to press and play more aggressively on the perimeter.   [player_tooltip player_id='1951206' first='Lucaya' last='Baldridge'] - Meade   [player_tooltip player_id='1951206' first='Lucaya' last='Baldridge'] is an interesting prospect to watch. Baldridge shows an innate ability to make tough shots, yet his range has not extended to the three as of yet. He makes do by doing his work 15-18 feet from the basket, or in the painted area. Baldridge plays on a solid Meade team with guards who are more scorers than playmakers, so he creates his own shot more than he likely should at this stage. The key with Baldridge is he's improved every year he's played, and now as a junior he and [player_tooltip player_id='2611842' first='Ashton' last='Turman'] form the key pieces for a Meade team looking to repeat last seasons success. Baldridge's defensive instincts and ability to protect the rim make him playable as a four, and without a serviceable three ball he'll have to continue improving his finishing and touch — but given what he's shown so fat this season, I wouldn't bet against him.

When it comes to dominating the paint in Maryland Class 4A boys basketball, a handful of forwards stand out. With an impressive blend of skill, athleticism, and versatility, these players impact the game on both ends, making them indispensable to their respective teams.