GRBA National Championship: Standout 2021 Forwards
Mission accomplished as far as catching up on Ohio’s 2021 class in July. This weekend more than any other, we evaluated plenty of the top rising sophomores, even if we were late to the party by a couple months.
In mid-to-late August, this class will also be the focus of the website, including our first class rankings.
Anyways, check out who really emerged onto our radar at Spiece.
Henry Raynor, 6’6” F, TNBA South / St. Ignatius
Raynor is a fluid big man who runs the floor, can switch on screens, and has a natural scoring touch. Within an Ignatius system that has pumped out forwards for the last several years (class of 2018 being an exception), we expect Raynor to develop into a productive prospect. Although he has a slight build, Raynor is a fighter in the paint who plays with obvious toughness.
TJ Pugh, 6’5” W/F, Extreme Heat / Shelby
Pugh handles the ball a lot for the Extreme Heat. The big wing likes to push the ball after securing a defensive board. He takes on a facilitator role most of the time and has nice poise in the lane once help-side slides over. Pugh can handle it in the open floor, but it will be interesting to see him develop a go-to move from the perimeter when the game slows down. Currently, Pugh is mostly effective using his size and touch inside when he needs a bucket. We’d like to see his defensive awareness become more consistent and it would be good for him to consistently play the best of the best during grassroots ball going forward. Like any prospect at this age, Pugh needs quality reps.
Josh Irwin, 6’5” F, TNBA East Black / West Geauga
Irwin is one of the most impressive 2021 prospects we’ve evaluated all season. At a solid-bodied 6’5”, Irwin has a ton of skill and toughness. The lefty can shoot it with distance, off the dribble or on the catch. We hope he doesn’t get into a habit of settling for the 3-pointer though, because Irwin’s defenders are hopeless when he has his back to the basket or faces up in the mid-range. Very advanced scoring package inside, including ambidextrous finishing and any number of post moves. He also has great court vision from the high post. Big hands.
Irwin’s defensive communication and intensity also need to be applauded. He didn’t shut up on the defensive end, as he was calling out coverages and being a coach on the floor. He wears his emotions on his sleeve and is clearly passionate about winning.
Brenton Walker, 6’3” F, Indy Heat EYBL / Wayne
Walker looked the part as an enforcer in the paint against 16U competition this weekend. He has a rare amount of sheer muscle for a kid of his age, which allows Walker to defend post players. It also helps that he does the little things with tremendous effort — things like always sprinting the floor to get back on defense. With the ball, Walker has nice foot-work inside and scores/draws fouls off pump fakes.