Midwest Crossroads Showcase: 2028 Forward Standouts

The Midwest Crossroads Showcase took place this past weekend in Normal, IL. I had the chance to be in attendance for all three days catching teams throughout the state compete. Here we will take a look at a half dozen Forwards from the class of 2028 who stood out.    A highly productive forward that plays with an activated motor. Consistently outworked opponent in teams first game of the weekend on Friday on the offensive glass. Keeps ball at least nose level on boards. Converted on multiple second chance opportunities including collecting his own misses and putting it back up for scores. Had at least a handful through the first half alone. Gets downhill from the wing location while utilizing length. Can step out and knock it down from beyond the arc as well.     A fundamentally matured and sound forward for a well orchestrated Vikings squad. Excels in operating at the low block to mid-post area. Stayed patient and poise after the catch to make smart decisions and allowed opportunities to develop. Volume rebounder on both ends. Burns controls the glass for multiple high squeezes defensively while also converting on second chance opportunities on the offensive end. Showcased a versatile skill set with baby-hook, and 1 finishes, mid range game, and catch and shoot 3's. Hands and feet were solid throughout in multiple phases. Take stock now.     The best forward I saw this weekend from the class of 2028. A superb lengthy stretch 4 or 5 man that provides significant impact in a variety of ways with skill. Caught team's first game of weekend and he was the main feature. Knocked down multiple catch and shoot 3's in rhythm with fundamental release. Provided soft touch around the rim utilizing wing span to advantage. Attacked baseline off the bounce. Displayed elite amount of athleticism with a fast-break tomahawk and another powerful 2 hand dunk with exclamation. Can guard inside and is comfortable on smaller guards as well while consistently altering shots or changing trajectories. Continued upside to go.     Laterally moved block to block with consistent effort on both ends. Presents a physical interior presence that comes with a strong frame and solid hands. Wade's footwork allows him to finish through contact and score on low post touches while also squeezing and timing right for rebounds. Rim protects with clean verticality. Showed flashes of driving capability with a baseline take and back door cut finish. Will be a productive front court contributor next 2 years for Lancers.     High motor forward that consistently produced for team in a track meet style contest in late morning game on Saturday. Was a work horse underneath aggressively and diligently finding opportunities around the basket. Versus more length he was able to play off of 2 feet and then consume contact to draw a whistle or finish himself. Compliments with coordinated and established hands and feet on both sides. Cuts off the ball to open areas and popped out for a 3 once as well. An interior anchor that competes.     Sanders continues to gain momentum in multiple skill sets. The last time I saw him live was last Spring. His coordination, timeliness, and IQ has continued to come along. Thrives in PnR scenarios and rolls correctly to openings after hedge man gets dragged out. Works cohesively well with his talented guard playing 2 man game. Had a reverse layup and multiple scores at the rim in these situations. Runs the floor faster with length and versatility. Finished on a two handed slam on one breakaway and kept pace with his point guard plenty of other times to gain advantage. His wing span is effective in passing lanes and in defensive trapping schemes. Going to be a consistent factor for JC next two years.

The Midwest Crossroads Showcase took place this past weekend in Normal, IL. I had the chance to be in attendance for all three days catching teams throughout the state compete. Here we will take a look at a half dozen Forwards from the class of 2028 who stood out.