EBA Fall Fest: 2022 Forwards

Colby Giacubeno September 14, 2021 @ 01:20 PM

This past Sunday the Elite Basketball Academy took place at Glen Arm Sports featuring 17 teams from both the Baltimore Metro Area and Pennsylvania. It was a great chance to get early eyes on prospects from various classes as the high school season looms closer. I’ll break down some eye-catchers from each class as I move onto the 2022 forwards. For the 2022 guards, click here! Emezie Egenou | 6'6 | Parkville Egenou caught the attention of the college coaches in attendance with his endless pursuit for rebounds both offensively and defensively. He wasn't hitting jumpers or his free-throws as he usually does, but it was still evident that he has the capability due to his form and confidence. I haven't seen Egenou have too many off games in the past shooting the basketball, but was glad to see that his off day didn't derail him from sustaining an impact. The 6-foot-6 forward helped boost his team to a win with 6 points and eight rebounds. Charley Hepting | 6'7 | Loyola<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Charley-Hepting.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1282728 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Charley-Hepting-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a> Hepting was a force in Loyola's first outing, where he had a clear height advantage. He used that advantage by establishing quick position on the block and overwhelming his matchup with his length by the basket. Hepting recorded 14 points and eight rebounds in the first game against Reservoir. Against Red Lion, the opposition had more size to throw his way. Hepting struggled a bit more on his finishes, but still managed to chip in with seven points and four rebounds in the one-point victory. AJ Williams | 6'4 | West York Williams was another energy guy that didn't take long to establish himself within conversations between the coaches. At 6-foot-4, the southpaw can mix up his offensive attack, but did a nice job of drawing contact on drives to the basket and converting at the charity stripe. He proved to be a versatile defensive weapon, a steady rebounder and someone who's willing to do the small things to help his team win. Ja'Vair Powell | 6'5 | West York Powell was everywhere on the glass throughout his team's two games. While his overall skillset is still a work in progress, his work ethic and energy help him win matchups against players that may be more talented. He has a blue-collar approach to rebounding and next to Williams, West York has a nice experienced frontcourt heading into the 2021-22 season. Justin Minor | 6'5 | Largo Minor was a prospect that caught my eye and presented a body and frame with upside in the skill department. He didn't showcase much from a perimeter perspective offensively, but is efficient with his looks around the rim and a consistent finisher in the open floor. Minor's best game came against West York where he tallied 13 points and five rebounds. He'll be a main staple for Largo this season. Waruru Mubia | 6'3 | Aberdeen There aren't many 6-foot-3 forwards out there that can impact the game quite like Mubia. He simply understands how to play and use angles despite his lack of true size and athleticism. He takes what his defender gives him and seems to always sneak in for offensive rebounds and second chance opportunities. If his defender isn't respecting his jumper, Mubia can knock down three's as he showed in a win over McDonogh when 12 of his 14 points came from beyond the arc. Ian James | 6'7 | Red Lion James was similar to Hepting in that they both are rail thin at 6-foot-7, but I like the fire that James brings to protecting the basket. It seemed like anytime he was around the rim and an opposing player challenged him, he sent the shot out of bounds with a block. When he wasn't scoring off dump-offs, James showed potential with a face-up game in the mid-range area. He ran the floor consistently and rebounded at a fair rate.