3A Power Forwards Quietly Building Momentum

Some players get talked about all spring and summer. Others just keep stacking good performances until people finally start paying attention. That's where this group falls. A lot of these forwards aren't the names dominating conversations right now, but every time I caught them, there was something worth writing down. Playing in 3A can sometimes mean talented players stay out of the spotlight a little longer, but that doesn't change what shows up on the floor. These are a few power forwards that have steadily worked their way onto my radar and have a chance to become much bigger names by the time the season rolls around.   Use code dev30 for 30% off and secure access as we're going through rankings and got you covered for the grassroots season. You don't want to miss any of our scouting.     The returning leading scorer in all of 3A is heading into his senior year with a chip on his shoulder and mountain-high expectations. Eli has excellent size at 6'6 and a killer mentality. He wants to score, and we saw that as he put up 24.6 points a game. He erupted with some 30+ point games and put up double figures in every game. As if those points weren't enough, he also managed to put up 10.5 rebounds a game and 3 assists to go along with it. He's not under the radar in the sense of being a solid player, and we've seen him stand out in the club scene in the past, but not a ton of people know who he is. He should have another monster season. Big year for him and a standout that people should get more eyes on.      Hopwood is better than people think, and this year will be where I feel that the noise gets louder. He had a monster season as a junior as he led Strasburg to a 26-2 record as they won their conference and their first state title in school history. Hopwood was named to the 3A 1st Team All-State squad and still feels a bit underrated. He plays all positions for Strasburg, he scored from all 3-levels and when they needed him to go and be a lockdown forward, he was able to do that. Hopwood averaged 17.9 points and 5 rebounds a game. He also had two steals a game and was where the opposing team's game plan began. I fully expect him to take the momentum that he had as a junior, along with the accolades and put up an even more impressive senior year. I do wish we got to see him in the Summer and hopefully, he gets out to a showcase or two for the Fall. He's not sneaking up on anyone as he's as accomplished as any other player in the state, but this should be the year he's talked about even more.      Peters is a 6'1 PF for Lake County whose game is a lot bigger than he is. The team needs him to go on the block and compete against some of the tip bigs in the conference and he does just that. As a junior, he averaged a double-double, putting up 10.9 points and 11 rebounds a game. He had some big-time performances like his 26 points and 12 rebounds in a loss to Arvada, 12 points and 17 rebounds in a loss against Meeker and 11 points and 19 rebounds against Platte Canyon. Although they were all losses, he gave it his all and showed heart that you can build around. This year, he will be the emotional leader and guy that the team goes around, and he's in control of how far they go. A big season for him and Lake County could be a team that's in games and on more radars.       I am going to be honest, I am a bit upset that I have not seen Lewis this Spring/Summer. I was so on him to end the season and enjoyed what he brought to the table for that St. Mary's team, and this season I truly believe he's going to be the player for them that gets the biggest bump in production. As a sophomore, he did a bit of everything and was in a fill-up spot. He had to be the 3rd option a ton of times, pick up where others dropped off, and attack when he can. The 6'3 PF put up 9.6 points a game and had a stretch in the playoffs where he got our attention. He grabbed rebounds and helped on the boards, had a few playoff games where his 3-point shot came alive, and he was give the ball as a playmaker as well. He's a player we certainly want to see more of before we go all in on him but I'm excited to see what he brings this year as he looked promising when we saw him.     CIncere had an up and down season as a freshman as he was looking to find his way, but with the way that the season finished up, there are some things to look back on and be excited about heading into an important summer where he knows the areas he will have to progress in. Cincere is an undersized forward who uses his strength and activity to compete down there. You can tell he plays another sport as the tenacity and athleticism keeps him in spots where he can excel. When in the open court, is where he stands out as he finishes well around the basket, he can hit the mid-range, and he's a versatile defender that gets out and run. He's a player who should have another solid season for Bruce Randolph and get on more radars.

Some players get talked about all spring and summer. Others just keep stacking good performances until people finally start paying attention. That's where this group falls. A lot of these forwards aren't the names dominating conversations right now, but every time I caught them, there was something worth writing down. Playing in 3A can sometimes mean talented players stay out of the spotlight a little longer, but that doesn't change what shows up on the floor. These are a few power forwards that have steadily worked their way onto my radar and have a chance to become much bigger names by the time the season rolls around.