Prep Hoops’ Midwest Cup: Top 2018 Forwards (Part 1)
Seybian Sims, 6’6 SF (Dynasty 17U)
One of the best overall prospects in Iowa’s 2018 class, this Iowa City West stretch-four gets it done in a variety of ways whenever he’s on the floor. If left open he’ll bury a triple, and if he’s anywhere near the rim, look for him to slam it home. He was at times a starter on last season’s state championship squad, and look for him to have a major role on another very good West team next winter.
John Carlson, 6’4 PF (Cornsharks 17U)
What a nice surprise this Bondurant-Farrar power forward was. He explodes off the ground, and despite being just 6’4, he’s as effective of a rim protector as there is in the state. He skies to the ball defensively, and has the leaping ability to swat the ball at its highest point. Look for him to swat and slam with regularity next winter for the Bluejays.
Grant Arnold, 6’4 SF (Team Iowa 17U)
His versatility was on full display when we saw him on Sunday, and his ability to can a 3-pointer is a real threat. He’s big enough to throw some weight around in and around the paint, and skilled enough to hit a jumper. The Southeast Polk senior-to-be could have a breakout season next winter with the Rams. There’s very little that the big and skilled wing cannot do.
Damani Hayes, SF 6’2 (Minnesota Rise 17U)
As physically mature as you’ll see in a high school junior, Hayes is shredded and with some decent height to pair, that makes him a handful in the paint. He was getting to the free-throw line more than anyone else in the tournament last weekend, and lucky for the eventual champion Minnesota Rise squad, he’s a formidable shooter from the line.
Uhana Ochan, 6’4 F (Minnesota Rise 17U)
He may have provided the best high school dunk I’ve ever seen; and if not the best, then certainly a top five. It wasn’t that he dunked on or through anyone, it was the fact the he seemingly flew before punishing the rim. His vertical must be among the best in the country, and that will make for some electrifying jams next season for Mankato East (MN). The rest of his skill-set is a bit raw, but his ability to grab boards, block shots and excite the crowd with jaw-dropping slams make him an exciting prospect.