June Recap Part 3: 2027/2028 Forward Standouts Who Turned Heads

The month of June was full of basketball in the state of Illinois and the PHI team was in gyms everyday checking out players compete on their scholastic teams. It's tough to believe we are already a week into July as players are back playing with their travel teams. Today we are running a 3 part series breaking down players' games who had positive showings through the month of June. In this third and final segment, we will take you through some Small Forward and Power Forwards in the classes of 2027 and 2028 that impacted for their teams.    Ford shows a well-rounded offensive package at the Power Forward spot. I watched the Auburn team play a couple times at the East Summer League in June and he scored it from multiple levels consistently. He is comfortable creating off the bounce and knocking down pull-up jumpers from mid-range. Another intriguing aspect of his game is he can spread the floor and stretch defenses out on the perimeter as a shooting threat beyond the arc. Ford utilizes his length throughout and finished on pick and roll dives to the rim, conversions from low positioning on the block or short corner and also moves adequately off the ball. The combination he presents with size, shot making, and intentional movement makes him one of the more versatile forwards in the class of 2028 in Illinois.     Schweitzer is another talented and skilled dual sport athlete that will excel for the Hubs during his upcoming senior campaign. I had a chance to watch him earlier this spring on his Big3 squad where he impressed and he continued to present valuable skills for his scholastic team in June. He brings true size with a solid frame that is utilized as an interior anchor. Schweitzer runs the floor well at his position and competitively during primary break phases. He also remains active on the glass on both sides while battling for second chance opportunities offensively and using his wings span to his advantage. His activity level and movement at position will make opponents adjust schemes. Should be in a store for a standout senior campaign for Rochelle.     I had watched Kopp play a couple times with his [program_tooltip program_id='2078449' first='Meanstreets' last=''] EYCL team over the spring months but June was the first time catching the forward play with his Auburn team. He makes his presence felt with a high motor and toughness he brings to the game. His communication stood out on both ends of the floor where he directed teammates on screens or switches/stays. Defensively he also helps force turnovers by walling up effectively to rim protect and can challenge on the perimeter. Offensively Kopp plays with a head of steam to attack the basket at will. He converts off 2 step jab moves, cutting off the ball, shows touch on runners, and has continued to develop a bright spot form 3 land. His passion, physical motor, and layers of effort should continue to garner attention from coaches at the next level.     I caught Stokes play a couple of weeks in the East Summer League during June and the J-Hawk forward continues to impress. He has one of the highest motors at the wing spot I've seen through this off season as he immediately plays hard off the tip. His impact on the game is evident in a variety of ways. From a scoring standpoint he shows versatility while knocking down catch and shoot three's, comfortable getting into the midrange game, and repeatedly attacks the rim with a quick first step while utilizing that lengthy frame. His crafty finishing ability provides a tough challenge and his bounce at the rim gives him an advantage of adjusting in mid air for finishes. Stokes relentless energy keeps defenses on their heals the whole game.     A dual sporter Hub that will continue to make his name known over the next two years in the Fall and Winter months. Schweitzer possesses a true frame at 6'6 at the Power Forward spot playing alongside his brother at the other post position. I watched Eli compete a couple of times at the East Summer League and he consistently outworked his matchup with plus energy and physicality. Schweitzer can play above the rim in the open floor and helps ignite the break phase for transition buckets. He relentlessly attacks the glass and wins the board game in pursuit of put back opportunities to extend offensive possessions. Defensively he will wall up with solid verticality to challenge drivers utilizing a plus wingspan. A sure name to continue to track from Rochelle.     Saw Richmond play a couple of times with the Pretzels in June during the East Summer League. The 2028 Forward continues to show a productive two-way game with speed and agility. He slashes in the paint like a guard and can get downhill quickly while finishing through traffic. His euro-step in the lane, attacking baseline, and using jab steps to create separation allows him for paint touch opportunities. Richmond can also stretch the defense with 3 point shooting ability. Passing wise he provides quality reads by pitching ahead in transition or drawing help. Defensively Richmond helps generate stops and can guard multi-positionally with size and quickness. A plus athlete from Freeport that should be slated for a solid Junior season.     Brady brings plus length and a high energy presence in multiple phases of the game. He constantly sprints the floor in transition and rim runs accordingly both ways. Rebounding wise he will time right for offensive glass putbacks and provide team with second chance opportunities. With his activity around the rim, Brady will help draw fouls and fight through contact. His feel as a passer is adequate as well for a big. The combination of his motor and willingness to make tough plays will provide value for a newer look Hono squad during his junior year.

The month of June was full of basketball in the state of Illinois and the PHI team was in gyms everyday checking out players compete on their scholastic teams. It's tough to believe we are already a week into July as players are back playing with their travel teams. Today we are running a 3 part series breaking down players' games who had positive showings through the month of June. In this third and final segment, we will take you through some Small Forward and Power Forwards in the classes of 2027 and 2028 that impacted for their teams.