Potential 2022 Spring Stock Risers: Forwards
In this article:
Our potential stock riser series continues with the forward group in the 2022 class. These could be guys jumping levels in their recruitment, improving their play from their high schools seasons, guys that will be in a better fit for…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingOur potential stock riser series continues with the forward group in the 2022 class. These could be guys jumping levels in their recruitment, improving their play from their high schools seasons, guys that will be in a better fit for the grassroots run, or a mixture of all of these. The junior class across the board is loaded, but the group of forwards is extremely versatile so they are really fun and intriguing to cover.
Jevon Hill Jevon Hill 6'7" | PF Trinity Christian | 2022 KS , 6’8, Wichita Trinity, Stretch Forward: Hill is the epitome of a long stretch forward, with his smooth shooting ability, length to make his shot really hard to contest, and his ability to extend his range well beyond the high school three point line. He has a long and lanky frame and it will be interesting to see how his body develops throughout the rest of his high school/grassroot days, but his length is a huge weapon for him. He is able to hit 3’s in transition, popping off screen and roll, and coming off screens himself. He is a high level shooter who can get really hot and knock down a flurry of threes quickly. His toughness and rebounding picked up as well as the season went on, even recording a couple of double doubles down the stretch. His length and shooting ability should pop out this spring.
Landon Wagler Landon Wagler 6'8" | PF Shawne Mission Northwest | 2022 State KS , 6’4, Shawnee Mission Northwest, Versatile Inside-Out Forward (Pictured): Wagler helped lead the front court activity for a SMNW that probably played one year a head of schedule this season and were really impressive. Wagler averaged 16.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game, playing a variety of roles for the team and showing off his versatility. He can knock down perimeter shots off the catch and shoot and pull up game shooting 36% from 3 this season on 107 attempts. He has a great frame and is getting comfortable using it to be physical, create contact, and get scoring angles for himself inside. Overall he hovered around 50% from field this season. Wagler will be a player who’s versatility should really stand out to coaches this spring, look for him to take a big leap.
Jace Linenberger Jace Linenberger 6'7" | C Hays | 2022 State KS , 6’6, Hays High, Forward/Center: The big and long forward for the loaded Hays front court Linenberger strung together a really solid season inside for Hays. He averaged roughly 16.5 points per game and upwards of 8 rebounds per game as well. He has some touch on his jumper, but he gets his work done in and around the painted area, and shot a whopping 66% from the field this year. He plays really well off the catch in post up situations and gets into his move with quickness. The big forward is good with either hand and can get himself good scoring angles over and around post defenders. A solid spring run for him is on the horizon.
Adrian Dimond Adrian Dimond 6'7" | SF Mill Valley | 2022 State KS , 6’7, Mill Valley, Forward/Wing: Dimond could be the most athletic player on this list, and his athleticism should really shine and help his stock out immensely in the more open court grassroot style of play. He has the size and athleticism to have the versatility to both rim run and run the wing and be effective in both areas. On the defensive end of the floor he can guard guards on the perimeter and can wall up players in the post. He is a versatile weapon on both ends of the basketball court, seeing him being able to showcase that against some high quality talent this spring should be fun. He has guard like ball skills with his handle and has a really solid face up game in the mid post area where he can shoot over guys or drive hard with either hand.
Jayce Smith, 6’3, Bonner Springs, Forward: Smith really stood out this season in games on the defensive end of the floor, and I think if he has the ability to showcase his versatility on that end in the grassroots scene, he will be a name to take note of. He is really aggressive and can blow up ball screens blitzing as a hedge, he reacts to the pass well and gets deflections, and he boxes out hard and attacks the defensive glass. He had quite a bit of games this season with multiple blocks and steals in the same game. He is not flashy but can get the job done on the offensive end as well, but scores more off of hustle plays and set ups from teammates rather than creating his own opportunities. He averaged 9.5 points, and 5 rebounds per game this year.
Brady Klotz Brady Klotz 6'4" | SF Royal Valley | 2022 State KS , 6’5, Royal Valley, Forward: Klotz continued to take on more of a figurehead role for the extremely successful Royal Valley squad. Getting to grow along side Nahcs Wahwassuck Nahcs Wahwassuck 6'5" | CG Royal Valley | 2022 State KS has helped create quite the 2 man game there for them as well as they continue to run rough shot over the Big 7. Klotz is really strong, has a big frame, and is explosive off the ground, making him effective around the rim, but can improve on catching and finishing off hard dives. His mid range touch and shooting ability is top tier, and he has extended his range to the 3 point line i the last year. This is a big breakout opportunity for Klotz this spring, should be interesting to watch develop. He has great hands and rebounds the ball well at around 8 per game this past season. Showing he can defend and be effective scoring over length will be a big stock boost.