AOG Memorial Day Classic 2025-26 Forward Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On Saturday May 24th I attended the<strong>&nbsp;Attitude of Gratitude Memorial Day Classic</strong>&nbsp;at the Phhacility in Phx.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I watched one 15U game and multiple 17U and here were</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2025-26 Forward Standouts</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2297971' first='Hale' last='Hansen'] Brophy Prep (AND-1 17) (Pictured)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A high motored wing forward who is a phenomenal rebounder in and out of his area. He can hit the catch three but scores a lot inside with his quick leaping ability to the basket. He will also take long euro steps and has great speed in the open court. A lob dunker who will quickly rip thru for the and-1 was my personal <strong>MVP</strong> on the day. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2806856' first='Amaru' last='Williams'] Brophy Prep (Jump Athletic 17)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A long forward from Oregon who is a catch and shoot three point gunner. He has one of those shooting strokes that looks good on every attempt. He closes out to shooters and rebounds well in his area. He could be a breakout candidate. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2223472' first='Arteus' last='Jefferson'] St. Mary's (Jump Athletic 17)&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A very skilled power forward with long arms. The lefty has some toughness and athleticism. He is a quick second and third jumper and will rip thru with his left plus shoot the three. He recently picked up some offers.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1633050' first='Sebastian' last='Hatsakorzian'] St. Mary's (AND-1 17)&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An athletic true point forward was one of the best passers I viewed. He does the up the court passes on a rope and he will grab a ball off the glass and push it for a play. He has a nice runner game and he is high level dunker on the break. He will score with tip ins and brings a lot of energy on defense.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2297777' first='Noah' last='Butler'] Brophy Prep (AND-1 17)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An athletic undersized forward is very effective inside the paint despite his size. He is a multiple position defender who can make some plays on both ends of the court. He will hit the open three in the corner and score on put backs.  </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1591735' first='Antwan' last='Gilkey'] Willow Canyon ([program_tooltip program_id='2144495' first='Team' last='Elevate'] 17)&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A tough wing forward who will get downhill with good body control. He will rebound and block shots in and out of his area. He can post up and go to work with his skill and quickness.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1758925' first='Vincent' last='Busalacchi'] Liberty ([program_tooltip program_id='2144495' first='Team' last='Elevate'] 17)&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A point forward type with a good frame who can shoot the three. He is a very good rebounder in his area and will score with offensive rebound put backs. He plays the game from the neck up and sees the court like a PG.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1633026' first='David' last='Onuh'] Liberty ([program_tooltip program_id='2144495' first='Team' last='Elevate'] 17)&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A thicker framed wing with a stronger upper body. He is a hustle player who can shoot the corner three off the catch. He can play inside and out on offense and defense.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1680840' first='Ricky' last='Denman'] Ironwood ([program_tooltip program_id='2144495' first='Team' last='Elevate'] 17)&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A long wing forward who is one of the teams glue players. He will come in off the bench and will defend in space plus rebound inside the paint. He will score inside and can handle the pounding or will earn it on the line.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->