Sleeper Forwards for Week 8

Josh White

December 26, 2021 @ 02:27 PM

Though these forwards may not have household names, they have game and serious impact for their respective teams. They're playing great at the right time of the year and could very be next up. Check them out! [player_tooltip player_id="725180" first="Caleb" last="Paige"] 6’5 SF Eufaula 2022 Paige is a solid 3&D wing with next-level size. His ability to succeed and impact the game while working off-ball is complimentary to more ball-dominant guards or playmakers. Paige has a quick release that diminishes close-outs. He’s very streaky, so the basket seems to widen for him if he sees one go in. Defensively he has excellent instinct and an ability to disrupt passing lanes at a high level. He possesses all the intangibles to be a solid defender at the next level with his size and motor. When in transition, he runs the court well and nearly always finds a way to finish off fastbreaks. Rodrice Merkson 6’3 SF Wetumpka 2023 Merkson is a big body wing who is a solid slasher and attacks the rim with authority. Throughout the week, he showed an ability to be a bruiser when driving to the basket while consistently initiating and finishing through contact. They also displayed an ability to finish with both hands, making him even more effective as a finisher. Merkson does an excellent job of using his frame to box out and gain optimum position for rebounds. When he does collect boards, he knows how to push the break and make the right decision to get quality looks at the basket. Barton Elliot 6’3 SF UMS-Wright 2022 Elliot is an essential 3&D wing who can make huge plays on both sides of the court. As a defender, Elliot is very instinctual and always around the ball. His ability to roam and pick up on plays makes it hard for offenses to get in a rhythm. He’s an excellent trap defender and seems to relish applying pressure to ball handlers. In addition to his effort, Elliot shows a very high IQ on defense; he always uses the sideline as an extra defender, knows where the ball will go, and plays aggressively without fouling. Offensively Elliot is a knockdown shooter from deep who spaces the floor and can make the extra pass when needed. He does an excellent job of knowing his role within the offense and optimizing his opportunities. Luc Cyr 6’4 SF/PF Holtsville 2022 Cyr is an offensive-minded wing who has a key or three mentality. He does an excellent job of finding and converting efficient shots and playing to his strengths. He shows a solid IQ for making timely cuts and dives to the basket. It also runs the lane well in transition and capitalizes on fast breaks at a high percentage. When moved to the four, Cyr can stretch the defense with his three-point shot. He also has a knack for collecting offensive rebounds and finishing off second-chance points. Brodin Grady 6’5 SF Hoover 2022 Grady is an elite defensive wing who contributes effort, IQ, and energy to the Hoover Bucs. He put on a defensive clinic against Mgcill- Toolen by drawing charges, causing turnovers with pressure on the ball, blocking shots, and making things challenging [player_tooltip player_id="890737" first="Barry" last="Dunning"] (Top player in the state) on the defensive end. He was relentless in pressuring him and forcing him into contested shots or passing the ball away on a good number of possessions.