Summer Showdown Day 1 Forward Standouts
The live period is just around the corner and prospects are preparing themselves for an action-packed summer. The Summer Showdown at Hoop Group Headquarters was filled with exciting games and big performances, especially from the players in the frontcourt. Here…
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Continue ReadingThe live period is just around the corner and prospects are preparing themselves for an action-packed summer. The Summer Showdown at Hoop Group Headquarters was filled with exciting games and big performances, especially from the players in the frontcourt. Here are the top forward standouts on the opening day of the Summer Showdown.
Tyler Koenig Tyler Koenig 6'9" | PF Pioneer Academy | 2023 State NJ , 6’9 PF All-In
Koenig was tough to contain down low as he made an impact all night. The 6’9 forward was relentless on the offensive glass as he routinely got his team second and third possessions. Koenig got good position down low and showed off a nice touch around the basket. He swatted numerous shots around the basket and allowed very few offensive rebounds. Koenig’s stock is beginning to rise and it has a chance to go up even further if he continues to play like this.
Chase Clarke Chase Clarke 6'5" | SF Newark Academy | 2022 State NJ , 6’5 SF Unity Legends
Clarke had big moments for Unity Legends on opening day as he was able to show off his full offensive game. The 6’5 wing started the day off with a bang as he threw down a dunk off a lob and his momentum kept rolling from there. Clarke attacked the basket with a purpose as he was able to draw contact consistently. He knocked down a pair of triples as well, showing that he can hit open jumpers from the perimeter. Clarke is a scoring wing who should see his stock go up with more performances like that.
Gio Panzini Gio Panzini 6'5" | SF St. Rose | 2024 State NJ , 6’4 SF Team Rio University 15U
Panzini was making plays all over the floor throughout the day as he helped lead Team Rio University 15U to a pair of victories. The 6’4 wing was routinely able to beat his defender off the bounce and finish around the rim. Panzini made several good passes in both games and moved extremely well off the ball. He swatted numerous shots on the day, showing his ability to make an impact on the defensive end. Panzini’s ability to impact the game at both ends is something that will benefit his game as the summer season progresses.
Brandon Benjamin Brandon Benjamin 6'7" | PF St. Thomas More | 2025 State NLG , 6’7 PF Silverbacks
Benjamin played a big role in the Silverbacks’ comeback victory as they came back from being down 20. The 6’7 forward was a force on the offensive glass, which created put backs and second chances for his team. Benjamin has a nice touch around the basket and is capable of bringing the ball up the floor at times. He moved his feet well on the defensive end and used his length to swat shots around the basket. Benjamin is a talented forward prospect whose best basketball is ahead of him.
Koi Kirk Koi Kirk 6'4" | SF Covenant College Prep | 2022 State NJ , 6’4 SF Shore Shots Longo 17U
Kirk had a good showing on opening day as he showed how many ways he can impact the game. The 6’4 forward is comfortable bringing the ball up in transition and can beat his defender off the bounce. Kirk is a good finisher around the rim and is an underrated passer. He is a strong rebounder and moves his feet well on the defensive end. Kirk’s ability to affect the game in multiple ways is only going to help him as the summer goes on.
Other Players to Know:
Zack Meeks, 6’5 PF Team Rio University 15U
Tommy Conniff Tommy Conniff 6'10" | C Oratory Prep | 2022 State NJ , 6’11 PF/C Unity Legends
Malik Fields Malik Fields 6'4" | PF Neptune | 2022 State NJ , 6’4 PF Shore Shots Longo 17U
Ben Kipnis Ben Kipnis 6'3" | SG Holmdel | 2024 State NJ , 6’2 SG/SF Shore Shots Iasperro 15U
Sean Logan Sean Logan 6'10" | PF Westfield | 2022 State NJ , 6’10 PF Team Rio University 17U