Border League: 2026 Forward Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>October 18-20 I attended the annual&nbsp;<strong>Border League</strong>&nbsp;in Nevada located at various gyms around the city. I watched three days full of action-packed games versus some top prep and AIA teams from around the country.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Here are some Junior Forward Standouts</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2479867' first='Miikka' last='Muurinen'] AZ Compass Prep</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A highly skilled power forward can score with pull-ups off the dribble, step thrus into a reverse layup, beautiful fall aways in the post and catch threes His defense is definitely improving with blocks off the glass and using his athleticism to rebound at its highest point.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2563076' first='Adam' last='Tyson Jr'] Skyline Prep</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A long and tall smooth wing who can score and defend. He is an easy athlete to spring up and has some shift in his handle to create a little offense. He will throw it down easily and scores on mid-range pull-ups and catch threes. He actually hit a game winning three on Sunday of the event.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2564039' first='Aliou' last='Dioum'] Bella Vista Prep CIA NIKE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A tall, long and fluid power forward who is a big time finisher. He is very fast and fluid down the court and runs well. He makes his money currently on defense as he moves really well in space. He has a developing a face-up game and is currently a dunkers spot rim runner.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2021873' first='Jacob' last='Lanier'] AZ Compass Prep (Pictured)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A good weekend for the athletic wing. He showed he has been in the gym with his shooting. He will rattle in catch threes in bunches, transition baskets and straight line drives. He doesn't create too much off the dribble but seems to defend any position on the court with his length and athleticism and shows upside. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2198867' first='Lucas' last='Toukam'] Bella Vista Prep CIA NIKE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A long power forward who is a top defender. He scores it with off the glass points using his massive wingspan. He is super active and will get the out of area rebounds. He will cash in on his FT's and can make the mid-range jumpers. He shows energy off the bench and had a nasty tip dunk in traffic showing off his bounce and motor.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1612163' first='Travis' last='Triplett'] Skyline Prep</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A long face-up power forward is showing more game in the post. He is becoming that nice combination of an inside-out threat. He can face-up a little and runs the court very fluidly. He handles it to score in the post and will rebound, block or alter shots. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1680907' first='Josh' last='Dillard'] Ironwood</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Their true glue guy with much needed length and athleticism. He defends nearly every position for them and gets the bulk of their rebounds and defends taller players on the norm. He can also step out and shoot the three off the catch in rhythm.  </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2291967' first='Kyle' last='Bogart'] Highland</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A long and tall post player is a high level shot blocker. He plays with a plus motor to rebound and score in the paint. He will role to the basket and dunk the ball pretty effortlessly.&nbsp;His presence alone makes opposing players think about coming to the paint. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->