Ten CIAC Forwards to Watch this Winter

We wrap up our look at the state associations in New England today with a look at some of the top forwards in the CIAC.   These prospects are some of the state's best athletes that will have an impact in the paint on both ends of the floor this winter.   Below are 10 forwards to watch in the CIAC.   [player_tooltip player_id='2568470' first='Harrison' last='Hawkins']   Hawkins, a long combo forward out of Farmington, he'll look to make an impact this winter with his length, athleticism, and activity level. Only a sophomore, he has a chance to make a name for himself this season with his ability to stand out on the glass as an offensive rebounder and to provide serious rim protection on the other end of the floor with his activity level.   [player_tooltip player_id='2553710' first='Brayden' last='Jones']   A physically imposing post man at East Catholic, Jones will try to help continue the program's winning tradition with his ability to control the paint on both ends of the floor. With solid positional size and above average mobility, he's able to operate as a defensive hub with his switchability, rebounding presence, and overall court awareness. Offensively, he does a good job as a rim runner that can score in a variety of ways around the basket.   [player_tooltip player_id='2452952' first='Ryan' last='Tolliver']   Tolliver, a jumbo point forward at Northwest Catholic, is as versatile of a player as there is in the CIAC. He plays the game with impressive fluidity, showing the ability to operate as an offensive hub that can make decisions with the ball in his hands. He's a capable perimeter shooter, gets into the paint off the bounce, and can guard one's through five's on the defensive end of the floor.   [player_tooltip player_id='2569689' first='Elijah' last='Cornell']   A fluid and mobile forward from Stonington, Cornell makes his mark as a perimeter shooter and versatile defender. Just a freshman, he has a chance to make an impact at the varsity level with his ability to stretch the floor as a jump shooter. He has good positional length, moves well for his size, and will only get better as he continues to add strength.   [player_tooltip player_id='2568539' first='Shane' last='Grogan']   Grogan, a stretch forward from Amity, will look to make a name for himself this winter with his ability to score from behind the arc. Another underclassman of note in the CIAC, he impresses as an outside shooter with deep range on his jumper. He does a good job of attacking closeouts off the bounce, can score over either shoulder in the post, and has some versatility on the defensive end of the floor due to his mobility.   [player_tooltip player_id='2546773' first='Jared' last='Butler']   One of the CIAC's most physically imposing and athletic prospects, Butler will impact games this winter in a variety of ways for Wilbur Cross. A threat to finish above the rim at all times, he's a tough shot maker inside of 10 feet that is equally capable of scoring with finesse or power. He utilizes his athleticism to get downhill off the bounce, crashes the offensive glass, and can impact a game in multiple ways on the defensive end of the floor.   [player_tooltip player_id='2546908' first='Amare' last='Marshall']   Marshall, a two-way forward at St. Bernard's, will look to help his squad get back to the championship this winter by making an impact inside the paint on both ends of the floor. He has a bit of playmaking potential to his game, but does all the little things on top of that to help his team win. He hits the floor for loose balls, aggressively crashes the offensive glass, and can initiate the fast break in transition.   [player_tooltip player_id='2546927' first='Sekou' last='Nimaga']   A high motor forward out of Kolbe Cathedral, Nimaga does most of his damage in the low post as both a scorer and rebounder. He's a tough low post scorer that has continued to add dimensions to his offensive game. He can pass out of the post when the double comes, can make plays as a straight line driver, and does a good job on providing a post presence on the defensive end of the floor.   [player_tooltip player_id='2568519' first='Michael' last='Bradley']   Bradley is a good athlete with a physical frame out of East Catholic and will team with Jones to form one of the CIAC's top front-courts this winter. The sophomore plays with a high motor on both ends of the floor and impresses as a physical rebounder that does a good job of using his frame on box outs. Offensively, he's a good athlete that excels as an off-ball cutter and above the rim finisher in traffic.   [player_tooltip player_id='2566999' first='Curtis' last='Marshall']   A solid athlete that plays with an elite motor, Marshall has a chance to build on last years success and become one of the top two-way forwards in the CIAC this season at St. Bernard's. He's does a nice job of getting downhill with the ball in his hands, showing the ability to finish through contact at the rim. He's capable of making plays as a facilitator, does a good job on the glass on both ends of the floor, and is an instinctive defender that can protect the rim.

We wrap up our look at the state associations in New England today with a look at some of the top forwards in the CIAC.