Ten MIAA Forwards to Watch this Winter

Today, we wrap up our preseason look at prospects to watch in the MIAA.   After profiling the guards and wings to watch earlier this week, today we'll focus on the forwards.   Below are 10 forwards you should know before the season tips.   [player_tooltip player_id='2453000' first='Matt' last='Breen']   A big forward who can step out and make plays on the perimeter, Breen figures to be among the state's best and should anchor the frontcourt attack for Shawsheen Tech this winter. He checks all the boxes of a modern big with his ability to rim run in transition, knock down shots from the trailer position, and provide rim protection on defense. He's mobile, versatile, and continues to round out his game as a scorer.   [player_tooltip player_id='2696674' first='Mitchell' last='Carey']   A combo forward that can make plays with the basketball in his hands, Carey will look to lead Amherst on a deep playoff run this winter. He has some wiggle off the bounce, uses his athleticism to finish with length at the rim, and has proven to be a shot creator in the past. He's a multipositional defender that creates havoc in passing lanes and blocks shots in transition.   [player_tooltip player_id='2341402' first='William' last='Carty']   Arguably the most physically imposing big in the MIAA, Carty will be a nightly double-double threat this winter for Watertown. At 6'10", he has the ability to dominate a game around the basket as a low post scorer, defensive rebounder, and rim protector. He's expanded his offensive game and improved his conditioning, making him even more of a threat as a scorer.   [player_tooltip player_id='2547098' first='Niko' last='Catalano']   A jack-of-all-trades, Catalano is a floor spacing combo forward that will look to help lead North Andover to a state championship this winter. A lean lefty, he can impact a game in a variety of ways on the offensive end of the floor. He's a terrific finisher around the rim with both hands, makes some really impressive passes out of the post, and can stretch the defense with his jump shot. On top of that, he's a nice athlete with good instincts on the defensive end of the floor.   [player_tooltip player_id='2547113' first='Ryan' last='Kelley']   One of the most impressive perimeter shooting big men in the MIAA, Kelley could lead Foxboro in scoring and rebounding this season. Having an elite skill can be a separator for some prospects, for Kelley it's his ability to make threes. In transition, with deep range, off the catch, with the ball in his hands; it doesn't matter, he can shoot it. Top it off with a high basketball IQ and the ability to rebound in traffic and you have one of the state's best forwards.   [player_tooltip player_id='2568511' first='Ioannis' last='Loupos']   The youngest prospect on this list, Loupos should provide Brighton with a strong paint presence this winter. He's a solid finisher around the rim, has soft touch out to 15' on his jumper, and does a good job of rolling hard out of ball screens. Defensively, he offers a lot of rim protection, can move his feet in switches, and continues to grow as a rebounder.   [player_tooltip player_id='2453001' first='Raheim' last='Orleans']   A workhorse in the paint, Orleans could give Attleboro 20 and 10 per night and will be one of the south shore's top prospects this winter. As physically imposing of a post prospects as there is in the MIAA, he does a nice job of finishing through contact around the rim, has a great motor on the glass, and can really run from rim to rim. He can play above the rim, blocks shots with good timing, and has added perimeter elements to his offensive game this offseason.   [player_tooltip player_id='2465134' first='Justice' last='Samuels']   An impressive athlete on both end of the floor, Samuels is a high motor combo forward that will look to help Franklin make another deep playoff run this winter. The lefty plays as hard as any forward in the state, making a huge impact on the glass and in transition. He can finish with authority at the rim, is a terrific shot blocker from the help side, and isn't afraid to make the little plays that impact winning.   [player_tooltip player_id='2696667' first='Gabe' last='Tesler']   A high IQ post scorer, Tesler looks ready to have a breakout season this winter at Hingham. He's a proven scorer around the rim, using shot fakes and pivots to get to his spots as a finisher. He can make shots out to 15' and does a nice job of passing out of the post to open shooters and cutters. He's a good defensive rebounder that does a nice job of guarding in the post without fouling.   [player_tooltip player_id='2546929' first='Jhoan' last='Valdez']   One of the most athletic wing forwards in the state, Valdez will look to take on an extra scoring load this winter for Dartmouth. He's at his best getting downhill, impresses as a rim finisher while slashing or as an off ball cutter, and has improved his consistency as a perimeter shooter. He's capable of starting the break off his own defensive rebounds and can guard all five spots on that end of the floor.

Today, we wrap up our preseason look at prospects to watch in the MIAA.