2021 Direnna All Star Team Matchups We’d Love to See: Forwards

<p>The list for the 2021 Direnna All Star game is loaded with talent across the board. We will check out some of the forwards from the Kansas side we would love to see go toe to toe with forwards from the Missouri side. With COVID precautions taking affect with the playing of the game,  some of these matchups will just have to stay as a wish.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1042403" first="Joey" last="Schultz"] (Platte County) vs. [player_tooltip player_id="889460" first="Nate" last="Barnhart"] (De Soto)</p> <p>Schultz is a long, rangy, and athletic forward that covers a ton of ground blocks a lot of shots, and finishes very efficiently attacking the rim. He has some perimeter ability as well and can catch on the move and make things happen. The 6’6 athletic Schultz going against the future 7’ Wyoming start Barnhart and his athletic prowess and perimeter ability would be a blast. The rim protection, ability to score against length, and athleticism from both guys would clash.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Kyren Spiller (Center) vs. [player_tooltip player_id="889464" first="Will" last="Townsend"] (SM East) (Pictured)</p> <p>Spiller is a big bodied point forward who I would love to see matchup with the big Townsend, making him come play out on the perimeter some while Townsend could battle back in the mid post area against the strong Spiller. Both guys play tremendously physical and hard, and with their high level talent would put on a battle inside the 3 point line. Spiller and Townsend are both tremendous passers of the ball, Townsend more from the post and Spiller more from the perimeter, but how they got others involved would be fun to see.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Cole Keller (Grain Valley) vs. [player_tooltip player_id="747099" first="Nikko" last="Taylor"] (BVN)</p> <p>Keller the big bodied 6’5 forward going against Taylor the big, athletic, versatile player, would be a terrific matchup. Keller and Taylor are both versatile on the court at both ends so seeing them adjust and make plays against the other would be a fun little chess match. Keller is terrific at blocking shots and converting transition breaks running the floor, Taylor has expanded his range in his high school playing career, still finishes well inside, and is a great defensive player in his own right.</p>