Forwards to Watch from The Alamo City Hoops Summer Hoopsfest

Winning teams always have versatile forwards who do the dirty work, compete relentlessly, and make the plays that don't show up on stat sheets. These are the glue guys, the players who set screens, grab every loose ball, defend multiple positions, and finish in traffic, all while maintaining the composure of seasoned veterans.   This past weekend, a handful of wings and forwards stood out not because they wanted the spotlight, but because they effectively filled their roles and elevated their teams. Here are five players who impressed with their grit, versatility, and upside.    Nazario Lara is the type of player every coach loves to have. He doesn't chase flash; he clocks in, does the hard work, and produces winning plays. Lara is a tough rebounder, battles for every 50/50 ball, and challenges shots at the rim with a fearlessness that sets the tone. Offensively, he showed a soft touch around the basket and consistently converted second-chance opportunities. His mid-range game, both off the catch and the dribble, looked smooth, and his no-nonsense approach kept his team composed in tough moments. With his fundamentals, toughness, and mature demeanor, Nazario will earn a roster spot at the next level.     [player_tooltip player_id='2398266' first='Elijah' last='York'] is a multi-level scoring forward with a polished, all-around offensive game. He's just as comfortable posting up as he is knocking down shots from beyond the arc. His quick first step allows him to beat defenders his size, and when matched up against smaller players, he has the patience to rise up and shoot over them. York runs the floor hard in transition and finishes with authority. With his combination of perimeter shooting and interior scoring, he's a matchup nightmare. Expect him to be a must-watch player this upcoming high school season.     It was good to see “Big-O” on the court this weekend he has been battling some injuries. While still shaking off some rust, Sodipo showcased the type of athleticism and versatility that make him a problem in the paint. Playing alongside strong talent on the SA Shooting Stars, he focused on rim protection, finishing around the basket, and running the floor for transition buckets. His improved ball handling stood out, allowing him to attack off the dribble and create mismatches. At full strength, Sodipo has the tools to dominate his region this high school season.     [player_tooltip player_id='2399073' first='Onose' last='Olumese'] is an energy guy who plays every possession like it's a battle for the championship. He relentlessly pursues rebounds and loose balls, isn't afraid to bang in the paint, and thrives off contact at the rim. While his mid-range jumper and 3-point shot come in spurts, once his shooting becomes consistent, he'll be incredibly difficult to defend. What impressed me most about Onose was his selfless approach, always willing to make the extra pass or take on the toughest defensive assignment for the sake of the team.     [player_tooltip player_id='2831202' first='Dylan' last='Davis'] is a high-motor wing who understands the value of doing the little things. He's a willing rebounder, a physical defender, and brings energy on every possession. Offensively, Davis is at his best as a catch-and-shoot threat, especially from deep, but he also can attack closeouts and finish off the bounce. His combination of shooting, grit, and improving all-around game suggests he's poised for a breakout high school season.

Winning teams always have versatile forwards who do the dirty work, compete relentlessly, and make the plays that don't show up on stat sheets. These are the glue guys, the players who set screens, grab every loose ball, defend multiple positions, and finish in traffic, all while maintaining the composure of seasoned veterans.