Best of The West Watch-list; Forwards
The high school basketball season is coming into the home stretch and players and teams are starting to separate themselves from the rest of the pack. Earlier, I released my watch-list for the best guards in the area. Now, let’s…
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Continue ReadingThe high school basketball season is coming into the home stretch and players and teams are starting to separate themselves from the rest of the pack. Earlier, I released my watch-list for the best guards in the area. Now, let’s take a look at the forwards who have stepped their game up the most.
Mykel Bingham, Grand Rapids Catholic Central, 2020
Mykel is a lanky athlete who posses a variety of problems for those guarding him. He has the ability to score in the post and from the wing, but his biggest asset may be his natural ability to score in transition. When his motor is turned up, he’s one of the more explosive forwards in the state.
Offers: Davenport University, Ferris State University, Saginaw Valley State University,
Ru’Quan Buckley, Godwin Heights, 2021
Ru’Quan will be playing Division I football, likely for a top tier program. The skills he uses on the football field translates to the basketball court, as he has shown the ability to dominate the paint. A rebounding machine, he’s a load to handle for any player he matches up with.
Nathan Claerbaut, Zeeland East, 2021
Nathan is a lanky big who has a soft touch around the basket. Nathan’s ability to produce second-chance opportunities for the Chix is valuable asset and can wear down opposing defenses. Once Nathan fills out his frame, he’ll be an even bigger force to deal with.
Offers: Calvin University, Ferris State University, Saginaw Valley State University
Ryan Corner, Allendale, 2020
Standing at a true 6’11”, Ryan’s stature alone is enough to overwhelm opposing bigs. What makes him a prized recruit is his footwork, which is something Ryan has worked on vigorously throughout the course of his career. Ryan already has a number of back-to-the-basket moves he uses to score consistently in the paint, which is why he’s on the radar of several college programs.
Offers: Grand Valley State University
Terrel Givens, Grand Rapids Christian, 2020
Another top gridiron talent finds his way on this list. Givens is as sturdy of a big as I’ve seen this season, but what stands out to me is how quick he is on the defensive end. He routinely is the first one on the boards, clearing out the ball to start the transition break. Terrel has also flashed the ability to knock down the occasional perimeter jumper.
Committed to play football at Saginaw Valley State University
Dan Gutierrez, Forest Hills Northern, 2021
Dan has been a crucial piece in Forest Hills Northern’s success this year, proving he can knock down a big shot or make a defensive stop when the Huskies need it the most. Dan’s length is a problem for opposing forwards, and his range which extends beyond the three-point line can give opposing teams fits.
Justin DeGraaf, Hudsonville, 2020
Justin transferred in from Indianapolis, propelling an already great Hudsonville team to state title contenders. Justin may be the most polished forward on this list due to his ability to score from all three levels. He’s proved multiple times this year that if you don’t check him, he score on you at will.
Offers: Hillsdale College, Lake Superior State University, Northwood University, Trinity Christian College
Jack Karasinski, Grand Rapids Catholic Central, 2022
Jack might be labeled a true 3 when he enters his college career, but for now we’ll group him with the forwards due to the physicality he plays with. Only a sophomore, Jack has flashed next-level athleticism and strength that allows him to match-up with both guards post players.
Offers: Oakland University
Johnny Miller, Hudsonville, 2020
Johnny is another key piece on the Hudsonville front line. What makes Johnny stand out from other forwards in the state is his consistency. The Eagles can always rely on him to play an efficient game offensively, as he’s shown he can go get a bucket when their offense stalls at times.
Tanner Wiegerink, West Ottawa, 2020
Tanner is a key source of offense for a solid West Ottawa team that is looking to make another deep post season run. He has a soft touch in and around the paint and has proven he can step out and shoot from the mid-range extended.