MIAA Upperclassmen: Forwards to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today, we'll wrap up our look at upperclassmen in the MIAA with a look at the forwards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below are five prospects we'll be keeping an eye on this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2568438"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-692cd2e96a518"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ste. Marie, a junior forward out of <em>Manchester Essex Regional High School</em>, has a chance to be one of the breakout performers in the MIAA this winter. The 6'5" forward plays with a great motor on the defensive end of the floor and combines that with a high basketball IQ to be an effective post defender and high level rebounder. Offensively, he's an instinctive cutter, a willing ball-mover, and does a nice job of finishing with touch around the rim. His ability to do the little things helps his team win a lot of games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2341428"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-692cd2e96a571"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bernard, a senior forward out of <em>Natick High School</em>, is a versatile offensive performer that can do whatever is needed to help his team on that end of the floor. He can operate as a big decision maker with the ball in his hands, moves off the ball and knocks down shots at a high clip, and knows how to take advantage of mismatches to score at all three levels. His ability to operate as a grab and go rebounder stands out, as does his defensive versatility.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2875599"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-692cd2e96a5ba"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Berry, a senior forward out of <em>Cape Cod Academy</em>, stands out with his aggressive play and physicality. He's a strong rebounder that does a good job of initiating the break with long outlet passes. He runs the floor hard in transition, sets solid screens in the half-court, and is capable of scoring turning over either shoulder. Defensively, he is capable of switching onto the perimeter, guarding in the post without fouling, and protecting the rim from the help side.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2957215"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-692cd2e96a601"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cormier, a senior forward out of <em>Newburyport High School</em>, is a good bet to be among the top forwards in the state this winter after operating in a support role last winter. The 6'7" big man is a terrific two-way rebounder that does a nice job of using his frame to his advantage to carve out space in the paint. He runs the floor well in transition, scores it in a variety of ways around the rim, and has the ability to stretch the floor with his three point shooting. He's as versatile of an offensive big man as there is in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2696747"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-692cd2e96a646"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mayfield, a senior forward out of <em>Pope Francis Preparatory School</em>, is a terrific athlete that uses his combination of size, motor, and fluidity to dominate games around the rim and in transition. He's capable of finishing plays above the rim, can role or pop out of ball screens, and catches everything thrown his way. On top of that, he has a nose for the ball on the offensive glass and is capable of attacking defenders in straight line drives from the perimeter. He's a good shot blocker, can move well laterally, and even makes plays in passing lanes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Next up in the preview series will be Rhode Island!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->