Class of 2019 (Forwards and Posts)
Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at the top forwards/posts from the Class of 2019.
Darrius Hughes 6’6″ Rockhurst
A big bodied post player who combines explosive leaping ability around the basket and a very capable skill set on the perimeter. He is a good rebounder and an emphatic finisher at the rim with slam dunks in traffic. He will also step out and showcase his ball handling chops and make good decisions with the ball. Plays with a blue collar mentality to compliment his athleticism. He has received an offer from Division I Abeline Christian.
Josh Wallace 6’6″ CBC
An undersized post player who outworks bigger opponents with this athleticism and high motor which runs hot at all times. If they kept a stat for rim runs, he would be near or at the very top of that list. Even when grabs a rebound, he takes off and will beat everyone else down court. His offensive game has improved with his ability to score off the dribble from the high post and knock down short jumpers. Has early offers from Bradley and SIUE.
Roman Wilson 6’10” Park Hill
A very skilled post player who did not play during the high school season in 2018. He is one of the most talented shot blockers in the state with his size, athletic ability and good timing. His offensive game is also very good as he can put the ball on the floor and make perimeter shots to compliment his ability to score in the post.
Trey Jenkins 6’7″ Sikeston
Athletic post player who entered the high school ranks as a skilled shot blocker and defender, but has improved his offensive game throughout the course of his career. He is a strong finisher around the basket and has developed an accurate stroke from 3-point range off the catch. Already has an offer from Louisiana-Monroe.
Dalen Rigdnal 6’5″ Rockhurst
A very active power forward who is one of the best rebounders in the class. He really does a nice job of rebounding out of his area. He is also a very accurate jump shooter from the high post area. Will be a big piece of a Rockhurst team that will be a contender in Class 5. Has an offer from Drury.
Nick Zeil 6’7″ Park Hill
A Truman State commit who plays a very solid and unselfish game around the basket. He’s a physical performer who will rebound, block out and set excellent screens to get his teammates open. His post moves are very sound and he can also step out and knock down 3-pointers to stretch the defense.
Kamto Eze 6’7″ Grandview
A big, strong athletic post player who is one of the best rim protectors in the class. His defensive presence was a big factor in helping Grandview win a Class 4 state championship a year ago. He should play a bigger role in the offense as a senior this upcoming season.
Erik Lahm 6’10” Lindbergh
A long and lean post player who can impact the game at both ends of the court. His thin frame doesn’t curtail his ability to go to the basket strong and dunk in traffic. He has a nice shooting touch from the perimeter. His length enables him to be a very capable shot blocker.
A.J. White 6’4″ Rockhurst
A strong, athletic combo forward who plays much bigger than his actual size. He plays with a high motor and his skill set has continued to improve. He is a very good rebounder and shot blocker with an excellent shooting touch from the high post area.
Trenton Smith 6’6″ Carl Junction
The Southwest Baptist commit returns after leading CJ to a Class 4 district championship. He is tough to handle around the basket with his size and athleticism. He can finish with both hands and will throw down slam dunks in traffic. He has stretched out his shooting range to beyond the 3-point line during the summer.
Trent McBride 6’7″ Eminence
The returning Class 1 Player of the Year returns after leading the Redwings to the state championship as a junior. McBride averaged more than 20 points and 10 rebounds last season. He has tremendous fundamentals in the low post and a nice left hand touch around the basket and at the high post.
Dylan Caruso 6’9″ Mansfield
A very talented forward who is one of the most skilled small-school bigs in the state. He has good moves in the post and he has the ability to handle the ball and make plays on the perimeter. He is also a very mobile defender who will block his share of shots.
(Photo courtesy of SWMO Basketball)
Stevie Wright 6’5″ Webster Groves
An aggressive combo forward who played a key role off the bench for the Statesmen’s Class 5 state championship. He has excellent bounce and he plays with a high motor, especially when its comes to attacking the offensive boards. He is a very good operator on the baseline.
Braeden Wiggs 6’6″ St. Charles
A robust post player with an wide array of offensive moves around the basket. He uses his big body well establish excellent position in the post and he finishes well around the rim. He has a good spin move and a very effective jump hook. He is also a good passer out of the double team.
Dylan Massey 6’6″ Mountain Grove
A strong post player who was a big force in the paint for Mountain Grove’s third-place team in the Class 3 state tournament. He came up with a couple of big performances during the Final Four in Springfield. The big lefty is strong around the basket and can also knock down an open 3-pointer.
(photo courtesy of SWMO Basketball)