5A Forwards Ready to Enter the Conversation

Every year there are a few forwards that start the season as afterthoughts and finish it with people asking, "Where did this kid come from?" Usually the answer is simple; they were improving the whole time. This group has caught my attention for different reasons, but they all share one thing in common: they look like players whose best basketball is still in front of them. Some have flashed versatility, some have shown they can impact winning without needing touches, and others are beginning to grow into larger roles. They're not household names yet, but they're working their way into the conversation and are worth keeping an eye on heading into the season.    Spungin is 6'5, athletic, and moves extremely well on the floor. He's gliding, aggressive, and doing what is needed to get wins. He was a solid player and two-way force for Evergreen, who owned the glass, putting up 9.3 rebounds a game. He had 8 double-doubles in his junior season, including a 30-point and 21-rebound performance, and that is something that you do not see every day. He also put up 16.5 points a game, which is solid overall production. Spungin uses his overwhelming size inside, he hangs around the basket and cleans up rebounds, finishes with a back-to-the-basket, and should be a player on more radars moving forward. We HAVE to see more of him this summer, so hopefully at Colorado Live or on a showcase team if Evergreen is not in there, and to start the Fall. He's a player who could certainly rise with an appearance.     Davis has all of the intangibles to be a very solid next-level player. He's a skilled and athletic 6'5 forward who's a glass cleaner, he's willing to go down there and do the dirty work, and he finishes at or above the basket. When locked in, he's capable of going on scoring runs where they give him the ball and let him go to work and that was on display as he led the Trojans in scoring. Davis put up 13.9 points and 9.4 rebounds a game and really found a groove when they got into league play. His best game of the year was a 24-point, 15-rebound performance against crosstown rival Gateway, and if we could get that Davis this upcoming season, then I truly do feel as if he's a player who could make some noise. He's under the radar now, but with a solid Colorado Live appearance, showcases, and a big season that'll change. We'll be tuned in.     If you're going off of potential alone, Isaak has a ceiling that is through the roof. He's an agile 6'5 wing who can score in bunches. He uses his size to his advantage, and when he goes into attack mode, he's at his best. We saw him really stand out at Bball CO's showcase last year, and that had us excited for his year. He put together a strong showing as a junior as he 8.8 points and 5.5 rebounds to go along with. Lane has great footwork, he's strong, and can use those boards as a way to get easy baskets. Falcon used him as the screen man as he creates the mismatch and finishes over the top. He's difficult to get around, teams have to foul him, and he scores from the dunker's spot. He's a bit under the radar, but with a solid season, I do feel as if he's a player who can jump on college coaches' radars.     We were thrilled to have gotten to see Aiden and the Glenwood Springs players come down and compete for the club scene as they have a bunch out there that competes but we just don't get to see them too often. In his sophomore season, the 6'4 forward was a key piece to the team; they ran the offense through him at times, and he also showed that he didn't have to have plays run for him to be effective. Parrington averaged 11.4 points and 7.1 rebounds a game. He kept the ball high on the block, he made quick high post moves, and scored on the block. He also had to be fouled when forcing the mismatch as well. This year, I expect him to be able to read what defenses are giving him, have more consistent scoring games and also let his defense be one of his biggest weapons. He's a two-way prospect who should be on more radars, and maybe this is the year that it happens for him.     I feel that we're just early on Mason, but he's getting ready to make a big push in his sophomore season campaign, where he could turn that into being one of the top prospects in the class. Roosevelt is going to need someone to be their surprise weapon and will need him to step out of his comfort zone and be a versatile two-way standout for them. As a freshman, he got his feet wet and showed he could step in and show up in spot minutes, and this year, I think they'll have a difficult time keeping him off the floor. From what we've seen from him this Spring he has excellent size, he attacks off the dribble, and cannot be denied inside. He's used his size to overpower players, he's gotten out on the break, and is a young player who I feel can jump on the scene with a big year. Buy Mason's stock now before it rises.

Every year there are a few forwards that start the season as afterthoughts and finish it with people asking, "Where did this kid come from?" Usually the answer is simple; they were improving the whole time. This group has caught my attention for different reasons, but they all share one thing in common: they look like players whose best basketball is still in front of them. Some have flashed versatility, some have shown they can impact winning without needing touches, and others are beginning to grow into larger roles. They're not household names yet, but they're working their way into the conversation and are worth keeping an eye on heading into the season.