Elite watchlist: 2020 Wing/Small Forwards
With a few camps taking place over the weekend, many players have been showcasing their talents to major scouts, as well as craft their games and compete against other competition around the state. There are a good list of wings and small forwards who have been dominating the hoop circuit and playing to their rankings in various camps around the state and southeastern region. Overall, this 2020 class of small forwards are considered unique for the state of Georgia with a wide range of players displaying their talent the entire summer. Here are a group of small forwards to watch for the remainder of the summer and the upcoming season:
Ja’Queze Kirby – 6’6 195 lbs. – Jeff Davis/Upward Stars 2020 (Hazlehurst, GA)
The Jeff Davis forward has been one the top names mentioned throughout the hoop scene and is on many top Division 1 programs recruiting boards right now. Ja’Queze Kirby is a major player in the 2020 class for the small forward position, for his style of play is a bit different from most forwards in the class. His ability to finish in transition and play above the rim, is what made Kirby a familiar face in the hoop circuit. In the NCAA Georgia Team Camp, Kirby notched a 21 point game against Stars Mill, showing off his range from deep and great leaping ability when attacking the rim in transition. He was offered by Ole Miss recently and currently has offers from Georgia State, Georgia Southern and South Alabama. UGA, Troy and Florida have also shown interest in the 6’6 forward rising star.
Chris Youngblood – 6’4 200 lbs. – East Coweta/Georgia Knights (Sharpsburg, GA)
One of the top bucket-getters in the state of Georgia, Chris Youngblood has been raising noise the entire summer. Leading his team to victory in the U17 back in May and putting up eye-popping numbers in the Summer Explosion, made him one of the big time players to watch out for in the 2020 class for the wing position. Youngblood’s game is constantly on the rise as the Georgia Knights member is one of the premier knock-down shooters in the state. In the game, Youngblood likes to get to his spots on the floor, for good looks and shooting opportunities. He has an inside-outside scoring capabilities and can torch an opponent when he gets in his groove offensively.
Toneari Lane – 6’6 220 lbs. – Grayson/Atlanta Celtics (Loganville, GA)
Competing in various showcases and camps this summer, Toneari Lane has been proving to the state that he is one of the top players in the class and that he could possibly be one of the best forwards in the nation. Lane plays tough around the rim and knows how to bang with opponents along the perimeter. The Grayson Forward can also use his height to shoot over defenders and knock down difficult jump shots inside the arc. Playing efficiently in showcases and camps these past couple months has landed Lane recent offers from Nebraska and Appalachian State. Lane’s ability to be versatile in his scoring and ability to defend will land Lane many offers in the future.
Kent Garard – 6’6 197 lbs. – Camden County/Tampa Jayhawks (Kingsland, GA)
When it comes to players who have a good ceiling just based on work ethic and skill, Kent Garard is that player. The 6’4 wing man from Kingsland, GA is highly slept on in the rankings for the guard can basically do it all on the floor. Garard is a crafty forward who is versatile in his scoring. He has great foot work and ball handling, with a knack for scoring and finishing at the basket. Competing in the NCAA Georgia Top 100 camp, Garard is definitely a player to keep your eye on for the remainder of the summer and upcoming season. He currently has interest from mid-level school like Bethune-Cookman, Georgia Southern and FAMU.