2024 Forwards I’m Excited To Watch This Season (Part II)
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The upcoming high school season is about a month away and prospects are getting ready for the new season. Prep Hoops Florida is your year-round source of high school and grassroots basketball coverage from across the state. Here are some…
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Continue ReadingThe upcoming high school season is about a month away and prospects are getting ready for the new season. Prep Hoops Florida is your year-round source of high school and grassroots basketball coverage from across the state. Here are some 2024 forwards I’m excited to see take the floor this season.
Brandon DeMartino, A 6-5 senior forward is a true three-level scorer with limitless range when it comes to shooting from beyond the arc. He also displays great footwork at both ends of the floor where he can create separation to get off a solid shot selection. He plays with a high IQ on the offensive end and plays with an unselfish knack when it comes to making the extra pass. On the defensive end, DeMartino is a high-level rebounder who has a quick first-step at getting the basketball up the floor in transition. He is also a solid on-the-ball defender where he can apply pressure forcing the opposition into taking tough shots.
Colin “CJ” Kearns, A 6-8 senior forward is sneaky athletic when it comes to rim protection as he is an above-average rebounder with great length. He is also a reliable three-level scorer whether it’s coming from in the post or can extend his range up to 15-20 feet out. He is unafraid to draw contact on his drives where he can get to the free throw line as well. On the defensive end, Kearns can guard positions 1 through 4 where he can challenge shots out on the perimeter as well as in the paint. He is also a proven winner and has the intangibles to play at the next level whether it’s as a guard or out on the wing.
Highlights
Donnie Morris, A 6-5 senior forward has the true handle of a playmaking guard who gets his teammates involved early and often. Morris plays multiple positions on the offensive end whether he can get looks from the post or playing out on the perimeter as a combo guard. He can impact the game in a variety of ways whether it’s beating his opponent off the dribble finishing at the rim or scoring off the catch. On the defensive end, Morris is a high-level rebounder with great length and can create second-chance scoring opportunities at the front of the rim. He had a great summer playing for Born To Impact Elite where he has huge upside heading into the upcoming season.
Elijah Payne, A 6-6 senior forward that is a rare left-handed scorer where he does most of his work in the paint shooting from 15-feet and in. Payne plays with great length and is a solid rebounder on both ends of the floor whether it’s scoring off put-backs or pushing the basketball in transition. On the defensive end, Payne plays with a ton of length where he can get out on the perimeter with his elite footwork. He is unafraid to play with a little physicality on the defensive end as he has continued to improve his body positioning.
Highlights
Max Slavik, A 6-9 senior power forward who transferred from Hamilton Heights Christian Academy (TN) to North Tampa Christian over the summer still has plenty of room to grow his game. His height does speak volumes but is looking to improve his ability to score from the outside with more consistency. On the defensive end, Slavik is highly skilled and adds his great rebounding instincts as well as rim protection. Look for Slavik to make more plays off the dribble this upcoming season as he has the size and frame to play at the next level.
Ibrahima Traore, A 6-9 senior power forward and recent University of Oregon commit is long and athletic when it comes to rim protection. Traore is dangerous when it comes to making explosive plays whether it’s blocking shots or put-back dunks. He has also continued to improve his game out on the perimeter where he can knock down shots with a ton of consistency. Traore is an ultimate competitor who plays with a high motor and tons of energy at both ends of the floor.
Myles Hosten, A 6-8 senior forward is a skilled big who has a great feel for the game on the interior. He moves exceptionally well for his size and can also knock down shots from the perimeter. He is very attractive on the defensive end as well where he can guard multiple positions and has continued to improve his footwork out on the perimeter. Look for Hosten to have a solid senior season where he could gain some interest from high-major D1 programs.