Rankings Update: 2029 Forwards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rankings coverage continues for the&nbsp;<em>Class of 2029</em>&nbsp;with another positional breakdown - a look at the&nbsp;<em>Forwards</em>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In all, 27 prospects were ranked in this update, with 7 of them being categorized as <em>Forwards</em>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below are four <em>Forwards </em>of note from the latest rankings update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2571872"],"_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-69710fbbba9c1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hadden, a forward out of <em>CATS Academy</em> in Massachusetts, is the <strong><em>#2</em></strong> ranked <em>power forward</em> and checks in at <strong><em>#7</em></strong> overall. A physically developed 6'4" forward with long arms, he's at his best in space, where he can use his quickness and strength to attack defenders off the bounce while getting to the rim. He finishes with soft touch over size, has the ability to get by the initial defender in isolations, and shows good instincts on the offensive glass. He's a multi-positional defender that can guard on the wing or in the paint, does a nice job of quickly taking away space, and plays with a good motor on the glass. Some of his development will occur out of sight, as he's part of a loaded program at <em>CATS Academy</em>, but he's definitely one to watch in the coming years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2571893"],"_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-69710fbbbaa7d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Leese, a forward out of the <em>Noble and Greenough School</em> in Massachusetts, is the <strong><em>#3</em></strong> ranked <em>small forward</em> and checks in at <strong><em>#8</em></strong> overall. The 6'6" forward has done a nice job of adjusting to NEPSAC play, showing plus instincts, a high level of skill, and an understanding of how to play within team principles on both ends of the floor. He's 6'6" with broad shoulders and a strong frame, both of which allow him to play with some physicality in the paint. He excels off the ball as a scorer, showing good footwork around the basket and the ability to really make shots from behind the arc in catch and shoot situations. He's already carved out a big role at <em>Nobles</em> and will be a player to watch for the next three years in the NEPSAC.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2969380"],"_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-69710fbbbab08"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Pelletier, a forward out of <em>Madawaska High School</em> in Maine, is the <strong><em>#5</em></strong> ranked <em>small forward</em> and checks in at <strong><em>#18</em></strong> overall. Pelletier burst onto the high school scene last winter as an 8th grader and has only continued to impress in his freshman season. Part of an impressive group of <em>2029s</em> out of Maine, he plays with great patience as a scorer with the ball in his hands, but has also started to show some improved athletic pop as of late. As a scorer, he gets it done at all three levels, doesn't force the issue when he shouldn't, and continues to make plays that contribute to winning. Defensively, he can guard up and down a position, really works on the defensive glass, and plays at a high level as a grab-and-go rebounder that can start the break in transition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2625312"],"_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-69710fbbbab86"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Taku, a foward out of <em>Malden Catholic High School</em> in Massachusetts, is the <strong><em>#6</em></strong> ranked <em>small forward</em> and checks in at <strong><em>#20</em></strong> overall. There might not have been a team that lost more to graduation and the prep ranks than <em>Malden Catholic</em> coming into this season, but Taku has stepped up in a big way and been a major contributor from opening night, when he posted a 15 point - 12 rebound double-double. The 6'6" forward has a great combination of positional size, strength, and athletic pop, which make him a mismatch for most forwards in the MIAA. He's got a great motor, can makes plays from the perimeter off the bounce, and is a high level finisher around the rim. On the other end of the floor, he does a nice job of keeping opposing bigs away from their scoring spots and is an absolute workhorse on the defensive glass. Don't be surprised if he's in the all-state conversation in Massachusetts as soon as next winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Keep an eye out later this week as we continue our&nbsp;coverage for the&nbsp;<em>Class of 2029</em> with a look at the <em>Bigs</em> and prospects from the <em>Watch List</em>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->