Five MPA Forwards to Watch this Winter

Will Armishaw November 28, 2024 @ 12:14 PM

We'll wrap up our preseason look at the MPA by introducing a few of the premier forwards in the state.   These prospects are noted for their ability to make an impact in the paint, with each also showing varying degrees of ability to impact a game on the perimeter.   Below are five forwards you should know before the season tips.   [player_tooltip player_id='2396798' first='Emmitt' last='Byther']   Byther, an athletic paint presence at Old Town, has a chance to be a 20 & 10 guy this winter. At 6'5" with a college ready frame, he's capable of taking over games physically, but has done a terrific job of developing his skill over the last year. He can handle in the half-court, knocks down jumpers in the mid-range, and shows good athleticism and creativity as a rim finisher. Defensively, he can guard three or four positions and does a terrific job of cleaning the defensive glass.   [player_tooltip player_id='2553806' first='Jameson' last='Fitzpatrick']   An anchor in the front-court for Cheverus, Fitzpatrick could have a coming out party this season. He stands out as an efficient scorer, showing the ability to finish with either hand around the rim and doing a good job of rolling hard out of ball screens. He rebounds in traffic, can protect the rim with his shot blocking, and is a capable multi-positional defender. He's a major breakout candidate coming off a terrific travel season where he expanded his game on both ends of the floor.   [player_tooltip player_id='2341421' first='Liam' last='Henaghen']   Henaghen, a long and lean combo forward at Hampden Academy, should be among northern Maine's top two-way forwards this winter. One of the more versatile forwards in the state, he has serious two-way abilities as an offensive hub and defensive stopper. He's a willing ball mover, continues to improve his outside shot, and has good feel in the post as a back to the basket scorer. Defensively, he can guard any spot on the floor and uses his length to be disruptive while forcing turnovers.   [player_tooltip player_id='2546922' first='Gabe' last='Lash']   Arguably the top perimeter shooting forward in the MPA, Lash will look to lead Medomak Valley on a deep playoff run this season. He does a great job of moving without the ball, is always shot ready on the catch, and has added elements as a creator off the bounce to his game. He's a tough post defender that does a great job of being a grab-and-go rebounder on the defensive glass. He could be a 20 point per game scorer that gets serious all-state consideration come February.   [player_tooltip player_id='2547091' first='Moses' last='Semuhoza']   Semuhoza, a dominant low post presence, has a chance to make waves this winter at Westbrook. He heads to Westbrook after a strong junior season at NYA and will look to make a name for himself in the southern part of the state. He knows how to carve out space in the paint, can score over either shoulder on the low block, and does a good job of crashing the offensive glass. He's mobile, comfortable handling on the perimeter, and even shows the ability to knock down standstill threes.

We'll wrap up our preseason look at the MPA by introducing a few of the premier forwards in the state.