2025 Forwards On the Rise

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1848551' first='Elijah' last='Eschmeyer'] - Peak to Peak</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Eschmeyer brings a modern playstyle at the wing, effectively knocking down shot attempts out beyond the arc. The junior is capable of attacking downhill with straight line drives, utilizing his gravity to take advantage of open lanes. Of course, Eschmeyer is a knockdown shooter off the catch, forcing opponents to get up quickly versus such a tall shooter. Another area of intrigue has been the forward's upside as a pull-up shooter, effectively getting downhill for a couple dribbles to step into those attempts. His defensive presence will be valuable this upcoming season, capable of sending away shot attempts while rotating from the weak side or recovering onto a driver, putting up 4 blocks per game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1493068' first='London' last='Praytor'] - Liberty</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Praytor is likely a hidden gem ready to be showcased out of the Colorado Springs region. An especially mobile forward who stands especially tall, somewhere around 6'9+. Capable of getting up for dunks with ease off one or two feet, the forward shows notable athleticism for his reach. The area of significant intrigue will be his offensive ceiling, already showing flashes throughout the summer of pull-up scoring off the bounce. Recently garnering an offer from MSU Denver, Praytor is beginning to get traction for his unique and notable skill set. With a vastly different opportunity awaiting him this upcoming season, there will be ample room for growth and opportunity, unlike his past season with Liberty. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1479351' first='Jayce' last='Bahl'] - Ralston Valley</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bahl possesses a consistent form at his size, capable as a spot-up shooter from pick and pop opportunities. The forward is difficult to slow down once confident with the shot, given his high release point and willingness to rise up immediately following the catch. As he continues to progress as a playmaker with the ball, Bahl has ample room for growth as a perimeter shotmaker. His continued growth on the defensive is worth a watch, as he continues to get stronger and more dynamic contesting attempts around the rim.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1991210' first='Nathan' last='Baack'] - Cherokee Trail</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Baack has shown room for growth in volume throughout the preseason, adding consistency as a shooter while maintaining value on the defensive side. Possessing good size at the guard position, the shooting guard has shown progression as a off the dribble shooter, capable of getting to side steps for jumpers. Equally effective off the catch, Baack will provide immense value as a perimeter shooter with Cherokee Trail. Defensively, he is active on rotations, getting a hand up to contest shot attempts from 1s, 2s, and some 3s.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1478277' first='Gunner' last='Hughes'] - Crowley County</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hughes has been a valuable downhill scorer, dynamic around the rim. Capable of getting to spin moves while with a head of steam, the guard is adept at operating in tight spaces. Possessing above average reach for his position at roughly 6'4, the guard can see above the defense while on attack, making quick reads. Hughes shows value anticipating his defender on drives, getting a hand out to poke away the ball. He's even shown upside hitting shots off of movement, not fazed by immediate contests.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->