Fantastic Forward Prospects

New Readers: Use code Proia30     I got to see some high-level forward prospects this week in different settings across the state. Some of the forwards are elite shot-blockers, others are more fundamentally-sound post scorers, others are more fluid athletes that thrive on the perimeter. All of the above impact winning for their team, so let's break down the players that stood out this week!      15p 5r 3a 4b   -Huan had some explosive flashes throughout the game on a night where he also showed an improved shooting stroke from the FT line. Huan started things off with a 2-handed lob finish, came up with several on-ball blocks due to better timing on his contests in the low post, threw several 1-handed passes to cutters from the block and high post, and spent the evening ripping through to drive the basketball with his left from the 3 point line to draw FTs or finish at the rim. But his best play of the day came when he showed on a ball screen above the break and sprinted to the rim to block a shot to preserve a 3-point Georgetown Prep lead with 10 seconds left in the game. Huan's rim protection and afore-mentioned improved free throw shooting stroke (11/12) were the difference in the game for the Hoyas coming away with a big road win.     13p 9r 1a 2s 1b vs Crofton   -The undersized forward displayed great feel at both ends of the floor as the lynchpin for a good amount of Severna Park's success. Marshall started things off ny knocking down a midpost fader, threw a great diagonal overhead pass from the wing to the opposite block to find an open teammate under the rim for an easy 2, and spent the evening timing cuts along the baseline to present a passing option for his guards around the rim. I came away impressed with his versatility defensively as an athlete that can bang in the post or scramble on the perimeter. The duality of his defensive skillset blended well on the touch of his push shots/floaters/hooks in the paint. His biggest play of the game came when he timed a looping face cut from the wing to finish a floater through contact that put his team up for good.     12p 12r 3a vs Severna Park   -A real do-it-all forward for this Crofton group, Shafer flashed some inside-out scoring ability in an OT loss to Severna Park. Shafer started things off with a face up 3 off the catch on the wing, knocked down a pull up 18-footer later in the quarter, caught the ball in the mid post and spun middle to knock down the baby hook with the right, and showed a good nose for the basketball on the glass throughout the game at both ends of the floor. Love his feel as a passer from the high post and low block that makes the right read before the double team arrives to find his teammate for an open jumper. His unselfish play on the offensive side of the ball as one of the leaders for this team really sets the tone for a scrappy Crofton group.     7p 5r 5b 2s vs St. John's   -The flashes from Jeffers are becoming more and more frequent as the junior forward is really putting things together for DeMatha in a strong start to the conference season. Jeffers showed improved perimeter acumen on a made 3 and made 18-footer off the catch, explosive athleticism on a 2-handed dunk in the 3Q, and some pretty dominant rim-protection ability as he blocked shots (5) both on and off the ball while affecting several more attempts. Jeffers read the passer's eyes to steal the crosscourt pass and has made strides in his defensive rotations to affect the game with his leaping ability. Every shoe team in the area is clamoring for his services this spring and summer, and for good reason with the continued signs of improvement on Madison Street.     9p 6r 2a vs G Prep   -Billy made some big plays in both halves for his team to keep the game close in a big rivalry matchup. Billy sprinted ahead to collect a runout pass over the top to finish with the and1 double clutch lay off the window in transition, snagged an offensive rebound and scored off the mid-post fader, hit a contested one-dribble pull after the ball swung around the horn to him, and was communicating on the defensive end of the floor at a high level to help direct traffic for a young Bullis team. His ability to space the floor as a perimeter shooter forces his defender to stay attached on the perimeter and miss help side rotations on the back end that lead to easier buckets for his teammates--allowing him to impact the game even on nights where the shots aren't falling.

New Readers: Use code Proia30