RIIL Upperclassmen: Forwards to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Next up in our preview series are the upperclassmen forwards in the RIIL.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are five <em>Forwards to Watch</em> out of Rhode Island this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2341351"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-692df345ae537"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ibidapo, a senior forward out of <em>Shea High School</em>, has added multiple dimensions to his game over the last year or so. A long and lean 6'6" forward, he does a nice job of balancing interior scoring with perimeter playmaking. He's developed his feel for the game with the ball in his hands, has some wiggle when attacking off the bounce, and is an athletic finisher in the paint. He thrives on the other end of the floor as a versatile defender that can guard in space, rebounds it at a high level, and also provides rim protection.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2553706"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-692df345ae59a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">DesMarais, a senior forward out of <em>East Greenwich High School</em>, is one of the more improved prospects out of Rhode Island. He has a big frame and solid strength, that allows him to make an impact in the paint on both ends of the floor. However, he also has plus mobility and displays some good passing instincts from both the block and top of the key. He's continued to expand his scoring ability, making shots all the way out to the three while continuing to shows that he's a quality low post scorer. Defensively, he does a nice job of not fouling in the paint and rebounding in traffic.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2553850"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-692df345ae5e6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Reilly, a senior out of <em>North Smithfield High School</em>, is one of the state's most consistent long range shooters and a prospect that is capable of going for 30 on any given night. At 6'4" with long arms, he presents as a difficult matchup for opponents because he can score with his size and length in the paint or drag slower-footed defenders out to the perimeter where his shot making is a real threat. He plays hard on the defensive end of the floor, making an impact on the glass and using his length to make plays in passing lanes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2470894"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-692df345ae629"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ibidapo, a junior forward out of <em>Shea High School</em>, is one of the more intriguing prospects in 2027 out of Rhode Island. Like his brother, he is incredibly long and lean with tremendous defensive versatility. He does a nice job of guarding at the point of attack, covers ground quickly in rotation, and uses his length to cause a high number of steals and deflections. Offensively, he's comfortable with the ball in his hands, showing a knack for getting into the paint and making plays around the rim. On top of that, he's a quality offensive rebounder that scores a lot of points off put backs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2568522"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-692df345ae66d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Fadia, a junior forward out of <em>Classical High School</em>, has the potential to lead the state in both rebounding and blocked shots this winter. At 6'7", he's one of the bigger prospects in the RIIL and combines that with a high motor, plus athleticism, and impressive physicality to make a real two-way impact on the game. He does a great job of running the floor in transition, is a quality screener and roller in the half-court, and has turned into an aggressive finisher in the paint. Defensively, he does a nice job of making opponents finish over his length and uses his athleticism when coming from the help-side to block shots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That wraps up our Rhode Island preview, tomorrow we'll start taking a look at Vermont.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->