The Statement Session Preview: 2025 Forwards

The time has come!! Preps, fresh off tournament play during the Live period, head into the showcase season. One of the first events in Louisiana during this period is The Statement Session. Mal Mundy and Hoopfest Tours, in their 4th year, have created an annual event that showcases some of the top players in the state. This year is no different as 48 members of the 2025-2027 classes travel to Youngsville, Louisiana to display their talents. The 2025 forwards selected for this event are a highly talented bunch. They present varied skill sets that make them an attractive group to see. In this preview of the Statement Session, we will look at this group of forwards and what they bring to the table.   [player_tooltip player_id='1601451' first='Kobe' last='Butler'] (Archbishop Shaw) - Butler is a top ten talent in this class for a reason. Kobe is an effective scorer from the free throw line in. He is a high wire act in transition and he can score in the paint. Butler also rules the paint on defense and defends the rim like a center. He is definitely one of the most talented players in this class and will be one of the players to see in Youngsville.   [player_tooltip player_id='1347447' first='Sean' last='Hicks'] (David Thibodaux) - Hicks is a player who has a ton of talent. He is a player who can score from in the paint or beyond the arc. His ability to score on multiple levels makes him a tough cover for other forwards. Hicks can also be a rim protector and provides back line defense to help his teammates. He is a talent who has a ton of potential.   Karder Mason (Richwood) - The Richwood defensive lineman is also a difference maker on the hardwood. Mason is a space eater who can rebound with the best of them on the offensive and defensive glass. He is also a player who can finish effectively at, or above, the rim. Mason is a player who will give other forwards fits because of his strength and mobility around the basket.   [player_tooltip player_id='1492968' first='Chris' last='Lindo'] (Madison Prep) - Lindo may be the best post player in the class. His ability to play with his back to the basket is unique among all forwards. Couple that with his athleticism and his ability to guard on the perimeter, Lindo is a top tier talent. His maturation as a player makes him a high value talent.   [player_tooltip player_id='1347283' first='Garrett' last='Shoemaker'] (Oak Forest Academy) - Shoemaker is a top five talent who is probably the most versatile player in the class. He is a three level scorer who can handle and pass like a small guard. Shoemaker makes other players on the floor better along with being a primary scoring threat from all over. He has the skills to be the best player in the class.   Kenneth Hall (St. Charles Catholic) - Hall is another prep who has developed into a solid offensive threat. He has developed into a solid corner three shooter along with a solid rim finisher. Hall is also a very good passer. Defense is his calling card, however. Hall is very good at blocking shots and keeping them in bounds. His rim defense is some of the best I have seen of defenders in this class.   [player_tooltip player_id='1393932' first='Kerel' last='Dean-Woods'] (Bossier) - Dean-Woods may be the most improved player in the 2025 class. He has developed from a rebounder and spot up shooter to a player who can do it all. Dean-Woods can put it on the deck and beat other forwards off the dribble. He can spot up from anywhere on the floor and he has learned how to anchor himself in the post. Kerel has developed into a high level recruit and is only getting better.   [player_tooltip player_id='1511660' first='Jaiden' last='Garrett'] (Franklinton) - The Franklinton forward is long and athletic. He has a quick burst off the floor that allows him to rebound both ends effectively while blocking shots with ease. His offensive game from 15 feet in is pretty much automatic. Garrett can either make hook shots, short jumpers, or go get it off the glass. He is a player who does his best work on defense to create offensive situations for his team.   [player_tooltip player_id='1709793' first='Justin' last='Houston'] (Calvary Baptist) - The 6'10" forward out of Shreveport is making strides to become a threat offensively as well as defensively. Houston changes shots around the rim and makes it difficult for other teams to score. On offense, he is asked to attack the offensive boards and score that way. Houston is still developing offensively. However, he is a great finisher at the rim and can defend the paint.   The 2025 forwards are some of the best in the south. They have skills that have developed and helped them become the senior difference makers on both ends. Watch these forwards at the Statement Session compete against one another.

The time has come!! Preps, fresh off tournament play during the Live period, head into the showcase season. One of the first events in Louisiana during this period is The Statement Session. Mal Mundy and Hoopfest Tours, in their 4th year, have created an annual event that showcases some of the top players in the state. This year is no different as 48 members of the 2025-2027 classes travel to Youngsville, Louisiana to display their talents. The 2025 forwards selected for this event are a highly talented bunch. They present varied skill sets that make them an attractive group to see. In this preview of the Statement Session, we will look at this group of forwards and what they bring to the table.