The Fast Break: Austin Forwards off to a quick start

Preseason action has concluded in Central Texas and a group of talented Austin players have put together a string of impressive performances during the five-week stretch of non-district games played this season. In The Fast Break Series, we highlight players from the Central Texas area who are off to a fast start to the beginning of their season. Rounding out the series we dive into the top-performing small forwards, power forwards, and centers from the Austin-Metroplex, as well as an honorable mention list, who have been balling out for their respective teams to start the 2020-21 season.  Previous Articles San Antonio Guards San Antonio Forwards/Centers Austin Guards   Here are the top-performing forwards and centers from Austin during non-district play this season: KJ AdamsKJAdams6'7" | PFAustin Westlake | 2021State#69NationTX | PF | Westlake (2021) Adams has been flexing on opponents all throughout the non-district slate, leading the Chaparrals to a 10-1 preseason record while putting up several 30+ point performances. The 6’8" Westlake forward has a college-ready frame and is the strongest player on the floor every time he steps on the court. The Kansas signee has been busy showing why he is a top-five player in Texas, from highlight dunks to dominating the paint, to hitting knock down shots and setting up his teammates with accurate passes, Adams has been nearly impossible to stop in the first half of the season.    Noah RobledoNoahRobledo6'6" | SFLeander | 2021StateTX | SF | Leander (2021) Robledo has elevated his game to another level in his senior year averaging 24.3 points and 6.5 rebounds for Leander in the five non-district games with stats recorded. A prototypical small forward prospect with good length, Robledo can shoot it from all over the court and is doing a great job of knocking down tough shots and creating space from his pull-up mid-range jumper. In addition to his shot, Robledo also does a great job of getting past defenses and driving to the basket with a purpose, where he finishes strong through contact or with aggressive dunks. Robledo is set to make his college commitment on January 22, and currently holds offers from Idaho, San Diego, UC-Irvine, and the University of Illinois-Chicago.   Rob WadeRobWade6'5" | SFMcCallum | 2021TX | SF | McCallum (2021) An underrated small forward prospect who is having a big senior season for McCallum, Wade has averaged 17 points and 8 rebounds per contest in 9 non-district games. Wade is a high-motor and high IQ player who is strong around the basket and plays tough on defense. He is constantly moving and making plays and does a great job of getting in position and being aggressive on the boards. The 6'5" forward is also a plus athlete who can finish above the rim in the open court, as well as hitting shots from beyond-the-arc and nailing mid-range jumpers. Wade currently holds several offers from Division 3 programs.    Aaron JacobAaronJacob6'8" | PFLake Travis | 2021TX | PF | Lake Travis (2021) Jacob is new to the Austin area since transferring from Colorado this summer, but his presence for Lake Travis has been huge as he has averaged 19.6 points per game in the non-district games with recorded stats. A true stretch-forward who stands at 6’8", Jacob is lighting it up from beyond-the-arc this season, whether it's from a catch-and-shoot position or coming off screens with a quick release. Jacob has a pretty shot and high release where he can hit tough shots with opponents in his face. His top two scoring outings so far this season come in a 29 point performance against San Antonio Madison and 21 points versus Vista Ridge.    Tyson WhybrewTysonWhybrew6'5" | SFPflugerville Weiss | 2022StateTX | SF | Weiss (2022) A versatile forward who has played three different positions this season for Weiss, Whybrew has done an admirable job at each spot and averaged 12.3 points and 6.6 rebounds per game in the 9 non-district games. Whybrew plays strong and aggressive in the paint where he does a great job battling for rebounds and finishing through contact at the basket. Has a high IQ on defense where he is a plus help defender and shot blocker. On offense, Whybrew has enough athleticism to step outside the arc and hit threes, as well as drive-by opponents and finish above the rim. A true team player who gives his all on the court, Whybrew is on the rise for the 2022 class.   Ma’Shy HillMa’ShyHill6'9" | CPflugerville Henrickson | 2023StateTX | C | Hendrickson (2023) Hill is one of the top players in Texas for the 2023 class and is doing a good job of anchoring the paint for Hendrickson while averaging a double-double during non-district play. The 6'9" center is a dominating force in the paint where he gobbles up rebounds with his great length, and he is also one of the top defenders in Central Texas due to his shot-blocking and rim-protecting ability. With an improving offensive game added to his already elite defense and rebounding, it is easy to get excited about Hill's potential moving forward. Hill currently holds offers from Houston, Rice, and SMU.      Honorable Mention List PF Larson Featherstone - Round Rock (2021) SF Cade HolzmanCadeHolzman6'6" | SFAustin Bowie | 2021StateTX - Bowie (2021) SF Kade Killeen - St. Michael's (2021) C Miguel Mantilla - Lake Travis (2021) SF Kason O’Riley - Marble Falls (2021) C Tyler Stephenson - Lockhart (2021) PF Marcel BryantMarcelBryant6'6" | PFRound Rock Cedar Ridge | 2022StateTX - Cedar Ridge (2022) PF Joemori Francis - Hutto (2022) PF Nehikhare IgiehonNehikhareIgiehon6'8" | PFAustin Westlake | 2022StateTX - Westlake (2022) SF Joseph WaringJosephWaring6'5" | SFGeorgetown | 2022StateTX - Georgetown (2022) SF Gunter Daniels - Liberty Hill (2023) SF Hank Howard - Vista Ridge (2023) SF Malik PresleyMalikPresley6'4" | SFSan Marcos | 2023StateTX - San Marcos (2023) SF Levi RutledgeLeviRutledge6'5" | SFCedar Park | 2023StateTX - Cedar Park (2023)