Versatile Wings and Forwards Shine at High Academic Showcase

The High Academic Showcase brought together an impressive mix of frontcourt talent, featuring versatile wings, skilled stretch forwards, and physical interior presences. Here is a breakdown of the top forwards who made a major impact with their style of play, motor, and skill set.   [player_tooltip player_id='3430149' first='Matthew' last='Logue'] | 2027 | New Trier   Logue was everywhere throughout the event, displaying a complete and well-rounded forward skill set. At 6'6", he boasts a rangy frame that allows him to impact the game on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he knocked down corner threes with consistency and showed the ability to put the ball on the deck to attack the rim off the bounce. Logue plays with continuous energy on the glass, using smooth touch to finish in the mid-range and score in traffic. Add in his active hands on defense resulting in opportunistic steals, and he established himself as one of the most complete frontcourt prospects in attendance.   [player_tooltip player_id='2405910' first='Denym' last='Wallace'] | 2029 | New Trier   A 6'7" big man with immense upside, Wallace put his high-level scoring touch on full display. He showcased a lethal mid-range game, consistently burying turnaround jumpers along the baseline and step-back fallaways over defense. Near the rim, Wallace utilized his length and frame to back down opponents, scoring through contact on the block with strong back-to-the-basket moves. His ball-handling continues to make strides, allowing him to step out and hit fluid step-back threes. Defensively, his athleticism and instinctual timing stood out, anchored by a impressive block on a rim-attack dunk attempt.   [player_tooltip player_id='2125685' first='Tommy' last='Donahue'] | 2027 | Deerfield   Donahue delivered an absolute clinic in perimeter shooting, punishing defenses whenever he was given an inch of space. Possessing a lightning-quick release with extended range well beyond the arc, he connected seamlessly off both the catch and the bounce. Beyond his perimeter stroke, Donahue operates as a gifted three-level scorer. He was pinpoint with his pull-up game in the mid-range and showed the aggressiveness to drive all the way to the cup when defenders overextended. His shot-making efficiency made him one of the most lethal offensive weapons at the showcase.   [player_tooltip player_id='2834476' first='Daniel' last='Spychala'] | 2027 | Crystal Lake Central   Spychala is an active, mobile 6'7" left-handed forward who brought tremendous versatility to the floor. Able to put the ball on the floor, he flashed high-level slashing ability, using superior body control to absorb contact and finish through defenders around the rim. What truly separates Spychala is his basketball IQ and feel for the game—he consistently made the extra pass, making unselfish reads rarely seen in showcase settings. His mobility, length, and advanced feel make him an intriguing target for small-college programs looking for a high-value steal.   [player_tooltip player_id='2834320' first='Danny' last='Simon'] | 2027 | Lake Forest Academy   Simon provides a physical interior presence, using his wide frame and strength to command the paint on both ends. A classical, powerful post player, he excels at sealing defenders deep on the block, backing them down, and powering through contact for high-percentage finishes. Beyond his brute strength, Simon plays with great poise on the catch, showing strong court vision to locate cutters from the post. Defensively, he relies on textbook verticality, anchoring the paint without committing foolish fouls and battling relentless on the glass to secure possessions.   [player_tooltip player_id='2409831' first='Elie' last='Ghattas'] | 2027 | DePaul Prep   Ghattas turned heads all afternoon, consistently producing highlight-reel finishes that drew the attention of coaches across the facility. Standing 6'6" with long arms and quick-twitch agility, the explosive forward made dynamic plays in and around the key. His length and vertical bounce were on full display as he threw down multiple stretched-out, one-handed rim-rattling dunks in traffic, solidifying his reputation as one of the most explosive elevated finishers at the showcase.   Cassius Collins | 2027 | Warren   A standout performer who made a big statement, Collins brought relentless energy and high-flying athleticism to the court. The high-motor wing put on his own dynamic dunk show during game action, attacking the rim with speed and bounce. Defensively, Collins was a menace—his sheer motor and lateral length allowed him to guard multiple positions effectively. He kept his hands high, disrupted passing lanes, and consistently made winning hustle plays that shifted momentum for his squad.   [player_tooltip player_id='2829440' first='Ben' last='Newcomb'] | 2027 | Lakes   Newcomb provided elite perimeter spacing at 6'4", lighting it up from deep with a quick, effortless release. In the game evaluated, he drilled 6 three-pointers, showing zero hesitation even with hands draped in his face. In addition to his high-volume perimeter scoring, Newcomb functioned as an effective distributor from the top of the key, making crisp reads to keep the offense flowing. He also chipped in on the offensive glass, using his size to track down long rebounds and create extra possessions.

The High Academic Showcase brought together an impressive mix of frontcourt talent, featuring versatile wings, skilled stretch forwards, and physical interior presences. Here is a breakdown of the top forwards who made a major impact with their style of play, motor, and skill set.