Top Class of 2027 Forwards of Note at the Hoops and Beyond

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at a group of Class of 2027 forwards who caught our eye at the Hoops and Beyond Summer Showcase at Webster Groves High.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3662208,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/IMG_1832.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/IMG_1832.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-3662208" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2225554' first='Will' last='Grus'] (Hickman): A 6'5" forward who was one of the most impressive and consistent players that we watched during the event. He provided matchup problems all weekend with his size, physical strength and his skill set. He was constantly getting to the rim on the drive and finishing with either a layup or a dunk. He was posting up and scoring with power moves and also stepping out and knocking down 3-pointers. He had some moments where he was really dominant on offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3662209,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/IMG_1770.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/IMG_1770.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-3662209" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3584197' first='Cameron' last='Aikens'] (Bayless): A 6'7" forward who has good size and athleticism to impact play at both ends of the floor. On the first play of the first game, he knocked down a 3-pointer on the pick and pop from the top of the key. It was very smooth. He was also very effective on the drive from the high post. He showed a nice spin move to score in the lane. He was also a big factor on the defensive end with his shot blocking with his length and excellent timing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img alt="" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Solomon Reed (Lutheran North): A 6'4" forward who is such a valuable player for his team because of all of the different things he can do on the court. He plays with a tremendous motor and he combines that with good defensive instincts to get deflections and create turnovers. On offense, he gets the ball in the middle of the press and attacks to either make the right pass or drive for the bucket himself. He is an excellent rebounder who also guards multiple positions. Whatever is needed to help his team, he will do it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3658492,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/IMG_1814.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/IMG_1814.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-3658492" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Peter Oliver (Webster Groves): A 6'3" forward who is an unsung player for the Statesmen as he does so many things to help his team succeed. He really shot the ball well from 3-point range throughout the weekend. He was especially good from the corners. When he wasn't knocking down triples, he was making high-energy players with his rebounding and chasing down loose balls. He was also battling inside against bigger players with his positioning.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3241187,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/IMG_7577.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/IMG_7577.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-3241187" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2899531' first='Vernon' last='Harlan'] (John Burroughs): A 6'4" forward who plays a solid game in the low post in an old school style. He uses his big body to establish very good position inside and he holds it very well. He catches the ball and can score on a variety of moves. His jump hook is very effective and his drop step is strong. He can also work the high post well as a passing threat.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->