Top new Forwards from 2024 Rankings Update
In this article:
Our final 2024 rankings update saw over 25 players make their debut. In this article, we’ll break down six forwards who made their debut during the final update of the 2024 class. Isaac Stamper OH #115 C #11 HEIGHT 6'8"…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingOur final 2024 rankings update saw over 25 players make their debut. In this article, we’ll break down six forwards who made their debut during the final update of the 2024 class.
Stamper had a nice season in the GMC, being a crucial piece to a Middletown squad that finished tied for third in their league and were district runner ups. Stamper was the second leading scorer on the Middies and shot almost 50% from the floor. His size allowed him to lead the team in rebounding and his strong frame allowed him to battle in the paint against opposing bigs. I like the upside of Stamper as he has a body that will be physically ready for the college game right away. Flashing some perimeter skill as well, Stamper shot 34% from 3-point range and 65% from the charity stripe. I’ll be curious to see if Stamper focuses on basketball or baseball at the college level, he’s a key piece for Middletown’s baseball team as well.
Highlights
Russia was one of the best small town teams from Ohio the past two seasons and Francis is a key part of their team. The Raiders were incredibly physical and strong for a school of their size and Francis competed in the paint on both ends of the court. I liked the decision making Francis showed as well, making the right pass to his teammates. As an athlete, Francis threw down an alley-oop and moved his feet defensively. Russia has also made it to the state title game back-to-back seasons for baseball, winning once and losing the other. Francis plays a key role on that team as well.
Another small school stud, Youngstown Cardinal Mooney gave Lutheran East everything they could handle in a regional championship. Nieves played a key role on that team as a stretch forward who shot the ball at a high clip from the outside with his feet set. An impressive vertical athlete as well, Nieves participated in a local dunk contest after the season and looking at his highlights from the season, it’s easy to see why. Nieves could play a role at the small college level from the wing forward position due to his outside-inside ability offensive plus his run and jump athleticism.
Hopewell-Loudon has been a small school power in the SBC the past few seasons and Elmore has been a key piece to their team. A size mis-match in that league, Elmore has the athleticism, height and strength to pose problems for teams without a big to defend him. Able to attack a closeout as well, Elmore can put pressure on the defense with his post-up ability and perimeter skill. With a few offers from small college programs and visits to local programs like Wooster and Bluffton, Elmore has received interest from a variety of levels to continue his basketball career at the next level.
Highlights
A Prep Hoops Circuit standout with Hopson Elite , Hesson continued his rise with Toledo Christian this winter. A skilled big who can play the 4 or the 5, Hesson can pass it and rebounds it well. Playing next to other college talent during both the grassroots and high school season, Hesson has learned to fit in with other talented pieces and figure out where he can impact the game. A highly sought after small college recruit, many regional Division III programs are recruiting Hesson as he’s lined up a few visits throughout the month of April.
Another Prep Hoops Circuit standout, I caught Brown again during the high school season at the Battle at the Berkey. His team was outmatched in the game but Brown competed on both ends with interior scoring and rebounding. The lefty also showed the ability to knock down shots from the outside as a stretch forward. Brown has taken visits to regional schools like Bethany, Muskingum and Defiance, getting recruiting attention from a handful of programs.