PHN Nationals: Standout Forwards

All roads led to the lovely Hyvee Arena in Kansas City. Programs from across the country showed up and showed out. It is safe to say teams that were cooking and competing at a high level in every 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 handful out of so many impressive prospects competing this weekend but here is my “Standout Forwards” who competed in Prep Hoops Next Nationals.    Washington provided height and rebounding for Arnold Elite at Prep Hoops Next Nationals. His role as an anchor in the paint was apparent, He showed a combination of grit and anticipation when shot attempts went up. He was vocal and proactive in the back of full-court and half-court pressure. He showed glimpses of play-making ability with the ball in his hands. He found teammates on the break as well as from the post area.      Schlutow was one of the most versatile scorers I saw at Prep Hoops Next Nationals. His role as a stretch forward was a staple to KC Sixers Supremes' scheme. He freed up ball handlers early and often which allowed him to be a threat as a result. He rolled, slipped, and popped after screening the ball in a major way. His ability to hit the three had opponents picking their poison and making tough decisions to stop the handler or tag him as a marked shooter.  His shooting mechanics were a sight to see as he showed; great posture, high release, fluid motion, and repetitiveness.         Antwian Truss | Mavs Elite    Truss is a hybrid defender who starred in his role for Mavs Elite. He played aside other big bodies but he showed up big time with his defensive versatility. He wields quick feet along with his strong frame which made him quite the menace guarding any position on the floor. His discipline was on full display when contesting shots in the painted area, hustling into position, and walling up without fouling. Mavs Elite benefited greatly from his commitment to the glass as his first and second jumps were top-tier. His impact did not stop there as he was a mismatch in the mid-post area on the offensive end. Proving to be a huge target for teammates when posting up and sealing opponents, his ability to catch and finish at the basket was dominant, to say the least.       Justus Dayee | J Sizzle    Dayee provided second-chance points for J Sizzle when it mattered most. J Sizzle has an array of guards that can get it done but nothing complimented what they did more than the production of their silky smooth forward inside. Dayee was a versatile defender and did manage to stay square to the ball regardless of who was in front of him. Although he seemed to have a wiry frame his base strength proved otherwise as he was able to absorb a lot of contact in the painted area. The vision and timing he showed on his passes were prolific. He saw plays before they took place from a forward position which was unique to see.

All roads led to the lovely Hyvee Arena in Kansas City. Programs from across the country showed up and showed out. It is safe to say teams that were cooking and competing at a high level in every 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 handful out of so many impressive prospects competing this weekend but here is my “Standout Forwards” who competed in Prep Hoops Next Nationals.