2023 Playmaking Forwards to Start the Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2023 class has a few high level passers at the forward position, a role highly sought after by programs. These are a variety of athletes who are selfless, yet incredibly creative within halfcourt situations. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1577986' first='Eli' last='Robinson'] - Lewis Palmer</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":1589371,"width":248,"height":188,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/09/204-Eli-Robinson-e1663538616314.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/09/204-Eli-Robinson-e1663538616314-1024x777.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1589371" width="248" height="188"/></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Robinson brings a steady presence at 6'6, rarely rushing decisions under presssure. The Air Force commit has led the team through a successful beginning to the season, going 4-0 so far. While Robinson's numbers do not pop off the page, he knows how to leverage his impact when needed most, contributing 58% of his field goal attempts. One intriguing aspect with his shooting efficiency has been his craftiness around the rim, utilizing euro steps to manuever around the defense. Although a low sample size of six attempts, Robinson has made 33% (2) of those attempts and possesses a very high set point on the shot. This will be a technique that speeds up the shot and provides him potential as a higher volume shooter than we know, given the low shot diet with LP. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1622362' first='Cole' last='Holloway'] - Dakota Ridge</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":1428679,"width":230,"height":153,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/04/Holloway-Cole-2.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/04/Holloway-Cole-2-1024x685.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1428679" width="230" height="153"/></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 6'5, Holloway is capable seeing over the defense for passing opporunities or going after the dirty work for loose balls. Holloway plays a vital role in Dakota's offensive system as a kick out passer, arguably the most physical athlete on the roster at 195 pounds. In their matchup against Thomas Jefferson, Holloway posted 12 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists. Another fun note is that these numbers are career highs in both the points and assists column for Holloway. Given the potent three guard lineups thrown out by Dakota, Holloway will have ample opportunities as a passing forward who can see above the defense. With an increased role, Holloway could be one of the premier offensive rebounders in 5A although undersized for his role. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jaleel Dixon - Overland</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dixon has made a key impact for Overland as a passer with plus size. At roughly 6'4, Dixon has put incredibly team friendly stats of 3.5 points, 7 assists, and 7.5 rebounds per game. The forward is constantly surveying the floor for open teammates, always looking that extra pass, turning a good shot from him into a great shot for a teammate. Dixon will be an intriguing forward to jump onto the varsity scene, especially once 2024 forward Johnny Lyons returns. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='973177' first='Andrew' last='Koclanes'] - Colorado Academy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Koclanes has arguably been CA's most impactful athlete given his all around impact at 6'5. The forward possesses high IQ for the game, while making selfless plays all over the floor. To start the season, through three games Koclanes has posted 10.7 points alongside teams highs at 8.7 rebounds and 7 assists per game. Koclanes has contributed a very efficient 69% of his two point attempts, a tribute to his physicality with size and overall patience within the halfcourt. The forward rarely rushes his decisions, while proving consistent as a decisionmaker. The forward's three point percentage will be a key area worth monitoring, although the slow start, Koclanes has contributed 80% of his free throw attempts (10 att.). </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->