Forwards Who are Primed for Bigger Roles

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at a group of forwards who we feel are primed to have a bigger role this season after the graduation of a top standout teammate.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2536477' first='Gary' last='Johnson'] (St Mary's): The Dragons will enter the 2025-26 season without star guard Zyree Collins, who averaged 32 points a game last season. One player who should emerge this season is the 6'4" Johnson, who is one of the most explosive athletes in the state. His dunking exploits are well known around the St. Louis area, but he is a very capable scorer around the basket. He drives the ball very well and he has a very soft touch around the basket for someone who plays with such force.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2564266' first='John' last='Ernst'] (Jackson): The Indians had one of the top players and scorers in the SEMO area last season in 6'7" Cole Deck. He is now playing at xx. Looking to step into his shoes will be Ernst, a talented 6'8" 2028 forward who is one of the state's top young prospects. He had some very good moments as a freshman at the varsity level last season. He should continue to blossom as a sophomore and become one of the best players in the SEMO area. He is a very skilled forward who can shoot it from 3-point range while also being able to score around the basket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mohamed Kamenga (Chaminade): The Red Devils lost two of the state's top bigs to transfer when 6'8" Jamison White and his brother 6'7" Jahidi White Jr. transferred to East St. Louis. One player who will be counted on to step into fill those openings is Komenga, a 6'8" 2028 forward who comes to Chaminade from the Denver area. He made quite an impression when he joined the Red Devils in June in time for a pair of live events. He is a strong, physical athlete who plays with a big motor. He rebounds the ball well and he handles the ball and runs well in the open court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2534722' first='Keller' last='Daugherty'] (Lee's Summit):</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2701089' first='Javon' last='Pringle'] (Hazelwood East): The Spartans lost one of the state's top forwards in 6'10" [player_tooltip player_id='2334950' first='Tyran' last='Frazier'], who is now in Atlanta playing in the Overtime Elite League.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2698458' first='Jayden' last='Belcher'] (Thayer): The Bobcats graduated a tremendous player in 6'6" forward Devin Harrington, who helped lead them to multiple Class 3 Final Four appearances. A young player to watch at Thayer for the next three years will be Bel</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->