Versatile Prep School Wings and Forwards to Track This Season

Prep school environments tend to reveal who is built to compete at the next level and this year, several prospects have stood out by raising their level of play. Whether it's improved physicality, decision-making, or the ability to impact both ends of the floor, these players have shown growth that translates to winning basketball. Here are a few prep school forwards worth tracking closely throughout the upcoming season.    [player_tooltip player_id='2252473' first='Marcus' last='Spears Jr']. is the most dynamic two-way prospect in the land. He plays with a nonstop motor that makes him a relentless competitor. Spears is so incredible as a shot blocker it seems like he rejects multiple jumpshots on closeouts and pins a shot or two off the glass every game, sometimes with both hands at the same time. His length is something special that you don't see every day. Spears Jr. also secures boards with ease often by extending his reach over crowds, snatching rebounds at their highest point displaying rare physical tools and attributes. A gazelle in transition end to end but remarkable with ball in his hands following blocks, steals, and defensive rebounds, allowing him to be a playmaker or downhill threat. All Spears almost always makes the right play, displaying quick reads with his fastbreak throws that find rim runners and open corner opportunities in stride.     [player_tooltip player_id='2476666' first='Aeneas' last='Alexander'] sets the tone with his downhill attacking, willing and ready to blast through a defender's chest on every drive. On dribble penetration, he initiates contact first, dislodging defenders before elevating. Alexander also has a quick second jump that allows him to rise again while his opponent is still coming down. In transition, Aeneas runs with force, converting straight-line bursts into power finishes. He scores as if he's mastered the art of contact finishing.     [player_tooltip player_id='2673471' first='Zion' last='Ibekwe'] operates with intent the moment the ball touches his hands, catching the pass and going straight into triple threat position before putting the ball on the deck. Zion makes the defender play his tempo, and from that stance, the entire floor opens to whatever he wants whether it's a one-dribble pull-up, a two-bounce rhythm shot, or a long first step stride downhill drive.     [player_tooltip player_id='2554957' first='Malik' last='Parrish'] consistently makes game changing plays on defense. He displays great court awareness that allow for quick defensive rotations, making him a weak-side shot-blocking threat. Parrish has a knack for reading the play early and meeting finishers at the rim fearlessly.     High-level switch defender who is unfazed when defending guards, wings, or collapsing down into the post. His knack to contain dribble penetration, recover, and handle multiple matchups often makes him a nightmare cover in pick-and-roll actions.     Jon Landers Jr. plays with a knack for squeezing or dumping passes into tight areas, often throwing teammates open to immediately catch and shoot or rise into a quick layup. Very unselfish and completely unfazed by defensive pressure, using his height and length to survey the court and hit moving teammates in stride.

Prep school environments tend to reveal who is built to compete at the next level and this year, several prospects have stood out by raising their level of play. Whether it's improved physicality, decision-making, or the ability to impact both ends of the floor, these players have shown growth that translates to winning basketball. Here are a few prep school forwards worth tracking closely throughout the upcoming season.