Top 10 Class of 2024 Power Forwards: 6-10
In this article:
10. Daniel Fuentes Daniel Fuentes 6'3" | PF Albuquerque | 2024 State NM – Albuquerque (51st Overall) Fuentes is an intriguing player who is somewhat positionless. His height allows him to play big, but his versatility stands out, as he…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue Reading10. Daniel Fuentes Daniel Fuentes 6'3" | PF Albuquerque | 2024 State NM – Albuquerque (51st Overall)
Fuentes is an intriguing player who is somewhat positionless. His height allows him to play big, but his versatility stands out, as he has the mobility and speed to play on the wings and attack downhill. He averaged 9.8 PPG and 4.7 RPG in 24 games played, shooting 44% from the field (1st on team). He had multiple games with 10+ points and 6+ rebounds, the highlight of his season being his 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 steals against Santa Fe High School, a true display of his potential moving into next season. Fuentes is an inside-out player who allows the Bulldogs to spread the floor, providing quick offense when needed. On an Albuquerque team losing 3 key seniors, Fuentes will have an expanded role in their offense and will be the anchor of their frontcourt moving forward.
9. Marcus Sharp Marcus Sharp 6'2" | PF West Mesa | 2024 State NM – West Mesa (46th Overall)
Sharp has evolved as a player, becoming more and more valuable to the Mustangs’ as his high school career progresses. He’s a strong forward who bullies players inside, crashing the boards at all times, and creating second-chance opportunities for his team. Though his stats were unavailable, the eye test would show that Sharp can rebound with the best of them, and is able to finish around the rim with ease. His ability to finish through contact also makes Sharp a valuable source of offense who can be depended on at a moment’s notice. With West Mesa losing 4 of their 5 starters, Sharp will be among those looking to earn a starting role on a shifting Mustangs team. He’ll be a prime candidate to earn a spot in their frontcourt and hold down a rather inexperienced varsity squad.
8. Trel Griego Trel Griego 6'4" | PF Farmington | 2024 State NM – Farmington (37th Overall)
On a Scorpions team that lacks size, Griego is the main stake of their frontcourt, anchoring the middle. He had 7 games with 7 rebounds or more, including two games where he accumulated 17 points and 12 rebounds (he shot 5/7 and had one steal in both games coincidentally, almost identical stat lines). Griego averaged 9.5 PPG (2nd on team), 5.5 RPG (led team), 1.4 APG, and 1.0 SPG (tied for first on team). He’s a muscular, well-built forward who not only can hold his own on the inside, but has a lethal three-point shot, and is a valuable inside-out player. Griego is a Kevin Love-esque player, one who thrives on catch-and-shoot opportunities and is great at getting the fast break started with a good outlet pass. Farmington is in prime position to bounce back after barely missing the playoffs this past season, and Griego will be a big part of their success.
7. Alec Giron Alec Giron 6'4" | PF Valley | 2024 State NM – Valley (34th Overall)
Valley thrived off of playing a two-big set, and Giron was the power forward who manned the inside. He’s the tallest player on their roster and is built like a tank, able to plow through defenders and clear the lane to get offensive boards. He averaged 3.2 PPG and 3.5 RPG while playing in all but 1 of Valley’s games. While his stats don’t pop off the page, his impact stretches beyond the stat sheet, as he affects any shot that comes in the paint and is dependable to make shots close in. He’s begun to expand his range in the offseason as well and has been consistently knocking threes during tournament season. He’s an exciting player to watch and continues to evolve his game, which will only help this Vikings team that looks to improve on their already successful year.
6. Charles Lopez-Burton Charles Lopez-Burton 6'0" | PF Valley | 2024 State NM – Valley (26th Overall)
Lopez-Burton is the leading big man for Valley, leading a strong three-forward rotation. He was the glue guy for the Vikings, leading their frontcourt in most of the statistical categories. He averaged 10.8 PPG (3rd on team) and 4.2 RPG (2nd on team), leading the team in offensive rebounds. Lopez-Burton was the most consistent player for Valley, shooting 55% from the field (led team), and finishing everything near the basket. He and Giron played a high-low game to allow for spacing, and Lopez-Burton capitalized off of any opportunities near the basket, as well as dominating the middle, something desperately needed by this guard-oriented Valley team. He’ll continue to play an enormously important role for the Vikings as they move forward, especially with the new pieces joining the Vikings being guards. Lopez-Burton will thrive in his role as the main frontcourt piece for Valley and will be fun to watch this next season.