Positional Breakdowns: Class of 2021 Forwards/Posts

<p>Prep Hoops Missouri concludes its positional breakdowns with a look at the top Class of 2021 forwards/posts.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="583712" first="Yaya" last="Keita"] 6’9" DeSmet: A physical big who plays with a tremendous motor at both ends of the floor. He runs end to end with great zeal for either a chase down block or a transition dunk. He does a nice job of controlling the defensive boards. As a junior, he averaged eight points and nine rebounds while shooting 54 percent from the field. He holds several Division I offers from schools such as Missouri, Iowa, Southern Illinois, Missouri State and several others.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="994434" first="Sekou" last="Gassama"] 6’10" DeSmet: A long and athletic post player who runs the court like a gazelle. He is an excellent rim protector with his length and timing. He is a strong finisher at the rim and he can go outside and knock down the high post jumper and the 3-pointer on occasion. He picked up early offers from Indiana State and LSU with interest from several other Division I programs.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="583715" first="Sam" last="Thompson"] 6’10" Francis Howell: A very skilled big who had a terrific summer of 2019, but had health issues through the 2020 season, but still toughed it out and had an effective year. At full health, he is a talented low post scorer who can step out a shoot the 3-pointer and find open teammates with his passing. He moves well and can also block shots. He helped the Vikings to a 28-2 season and berth in the Class 5 state quarterfinals.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="824130" first="Jonathan" last="Dunn"] 6’7" Hazelwood Central: A hard-working forward who plays with great energy around the basket when he’s running the court, throwing down impressive dunks and attacking the offensive boards. He also displayed an improved skill set with some solid moves off the dribble and the ability to hit catch-and-shoot 3-pointers. He averaged 11 points and five rebounds while shooting 60 percent from the field and 40 percent from 3-point range. He has already picked up a Division I offer from Louisiana-Monroe.</p> <p>Mayen Maen 6’8" St. Louis Christian: One of the top shooting bigs in the state, the long and athletic Stretch 4 can fill it up from long distance with his comfortable stroke off the catch. He is also an excellent shot blocker who runs the floor with ease. He is a strong finisher at the rim with his power dunks.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="994438" first="Josh" last="Robinson"] 6’8" Cardinal Ritter: A solid post player who rebounded from an early injury to help the Lions to a Class 3 state championship. He has good size and a big body who operates well with his back to the basket. He is a strong finisher in the paint with power dunks and layups. He already has a Division I offer from Louisiana-Monroe.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="824138" first="Harrison" last="Wilmsen"] 6’8" Priory: A two-sport standout who also excels as a quarterback on the Rebels’ football team. He is a skilled and finesse big with a nice turnaround jumper in the post and the ability to run the court and score on rim runs. As a junior, he averaged 16 points and 7.1 rebounds while shooting 54 percent from the field.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="824145" first="Caleb" last="Legrand"] 6’6" Cape Notre Dame: One of the top post players in Southeast Missouri, he can impact the game at both ends of the floor. He has smooth moves in the low post and excellent mobility, which enables him to excel on the defensive end as a shot blocker.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="824164" first="Karl" last="Moore"] 6’6" Jennings: Athletic forward who is one of the best rim protectors in the state. His length, athleticism and terrific timing enable him to averaged seven blocks a game last season. He was also a consistent double-double threat as he averaged 11 points and 10 rebounds a game.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="824168" first="Aaron" last="Hendricks"] 6’7" MICDS: A bouncy southpaw post who has been coming on strong in the past year. He is a solid rebounder and a good shot blocker with his length and athleticism. His moves in the low post have improved and he has a nice one-dribble move from the high post. He also has a solid turnaround jumper over the right shoulder.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="824171" first="Donnie" last="Brown"] 6’6" New Madrid Central: One of the top front court players in Southeast Missouri, the 240-pounder is a wide-body post with a solid skill set. He can score in the low post and operate in the high post as an effective scoring and passing threat. He is also a very capable 3-point shooter who can really stretch the floor for a big.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="824173" first="Lucas" last="Morrison"] 6’9" Salem: A robust back to the basket post player who checks in at about 290 pounds and he knows how to move around the post. He can establish a wide base in the past with the ability to catch the ball in traffic and finish. He has a nice shooting touch that extends out to 15 feet.</p>