DFW Upperclassman Forwards/Centers on the Rise

As the high school season approaches, several upperclassman bigs across Texas have been establishing themselves as true anchors on both ends of the floor. Whether it's rim protection, rebounding dominance, or stretch-forward versatility, these prospects continue to prove why frontcourt play remains a cornerstone of winning basketball.    [player_tooltip player_id='2898236' first='Townes' last='Vanhuysen'] sets the tone physically, controlling the glass with authority and purpose on both ends. He establishes early post position and consistently makes himself a target in the offense, whether sealing deep for entry passes or slipping to open gaps. Vanhuysen operates effectively from the dunker's spot, showing soft touch and great awareness when lifting to the high post to facilitate or knock down the mid-range jumper. His understanding of spacing and interior timing makes him a reliable anchor within any offensive scheme.     A 6'8” lefty with a sturdy lower base and strong upper frame, Gibbs defends the post with physicality and composure. His powerful stance prevents opponents from dislodging him, while his active hands allow him to poke the ball free or disrupt entry passes. In isolation, he's a nightmare to back down, always absorbing contact and forcing tough shots. In transition, Gibbs runs the floor with fluidity, displaying advanced mobility for his size and rim-running instincts that keep defenses on alert. He's also shown flashes of being a capable floor spacer, stepping out for rhythm jumpers or trail threes within the flow of the offense.     A pure athletic marvel at 6'9”, Erims combines elite vertical pop with an impressive wingspan, allowing him to reach virtually any ball within his area. His ability to explode off the floor with minimal gather time makes him one of the most dynamic rim protectors and lob threats on the court. Defensively, he's a weak-side shot-blocking menace, timing his rotations perfectly to meet opponents at the rim. Offensively, his length and bounce make him a constant threat for putback dunks, transition finishes, and highlight-reel alley-oops.     Tijan Barrie sets a tone with his physicality down low and his knack for carving out deep position in both the high and low post, using brute strength. Once established, it's nearly impossible to move him off his spot. In the low post, he engaged his man with a drop-step power move, quick baseline spin, or strong shoulder bump to finish through or over defenders. At 6-foot-9, his combination of early post timing, wide base control, and sheer force showcase his potential as a dominant interior presence on the block.     [player_tooltip player_id='2442342' first='Andrew' last='Treichler'] does all the dirty work and embraces it. High-motor big who screens hard, rebounds in traffic, and consistently competes on every possession. Uses textbook box-out technique to create rebounding space, while his second and third jumps make him an elite presence around the rim. Defensively, he plays with discipline, keeping verticality, walling off drivers, and absorbing contact without losing balance. Treichler's willingness to do the little things, seal, rotate, contest, and rebound, giving his team consistent interior toughness and effort every time he's on the floor.     Dashel Glasgow times his defensive stops with precision, using his hands and length to block or alter shots at their apex. At 6'9”, he anchors the paint with outstanding timing and anticipation, rarely biting on fakes and forcing opponents to adjust their release midair. Glasgow's vertical presence and rim deterrence make him a true defensive anchor who makes every shot near the basket a challenge. His length and instincts allow him to play a form of vertical containment where he walls up without fouling and still completely erases angles to the rim.

As the high school season approaches, several upperclassman bigs across Texas have been establishing themselves as true anchors on both ends of the floor. Whether it's rim protection, rebounding dominance, or stretch-forward versatility, these prospects continue to prove why frontcourt play remains a cornerstone of winning basketball.