Class 5 Forwards to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Hoops Missouri continues its preseason previews with a look a group of Class 5 forwards to watch this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mike Thomas III (Summit Christian): A 6'6" 2027 forward who returns after helping lead SCA to back-to-back Final Four appearances in the state tournament, including a runner-up finish in Class 5. He is an excellent two-way player who impacts the game with his scoring, rebounding and shot blocking. As a sophomore, he averaged 17.9 points and nine rebounds a game while shooting 56 percent from the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1598832' first='Grady' last='Payton'] (Capital City): A 6'9" 2026 forward who is one of the top returning players in the Mid-Mo area. He is a very skilled player who can shoot it well from 3-point range. He can also put the ball on the floor and attack the rim effectively. He has good length and athleticism, which enables him to be a good rebounder and shot blocker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1872264' first='Oliver' last='Puljic'] (Summit): A 6'8" 2026 forward who came back from an injury-plagued sophomore year to have a big junior season. He has good athleticism and he can score on a variety moves in the post. As a junior, he averaged 16.9 points, 10.9 rebounds and 2.4 blocks while shooting 60 percent from the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2334942' first='Deyton' last='Lucas'] (Lutheran South): A 6'8" 2027 forward who has very good size and athleticism in the low post. He has a versatile skill set as he can score inside and also operate on the perimeter with his driving ability. He averaged 10 points and six rebounds a game while blocking 42 shots as a sophomore.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2544025' first='Paxton' last='Ledbetter'] (Rolla): A 6'7" 2026 forward who excels in the low post and on the perimeter with equal effectiveness. He sits down and gets great position in the post to score. He also stretches the defense with his 3-point shooting. He also has a strong defensive presence with his shot blocking.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2564264' first='Mamadou' last='Barry'] (Vianney): A 7'0" 2028 center who has made a big improvement from his freshman year to this upcoming season. He is a very good rim protector with his length and timing and he also runs the court very well. He is just getting started in his development as a player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2536477' first='Gary' last='Johnson'] (St. Mary's): A 6'4" 2026 small forward who is one of the most explosive athletes in the state. In addition to throwing down prodigious dunks, he attacks the basket well and scores with a nice touch. He averaged nine points and eight rebounds a game while blocking 43 shots last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2536470' first='Alex' last='Wood'] (Helias): A 6'5" 240-pound 2026 power forward who is an excellent football prospect that headed to Illinois State. He brings that size and physicality to the basketball court where he excels as a low post scorer and rebounder. He's capable of putting up a double-double every night. He helped the Crusaders to a district championship last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2701091' first='Nate' last='Womack'] (Festus): A 6'7" 2027 power forward who is a physical force in the paint at about 250 pounds. The young lefty uses his size and strength very well in the low post with drop steps and offensive rebounds. He averaged eight points and five rebounds a game while shooting 64 percent from the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->