Prep Hoops 2k21: Top 2024 Forwards
The Prep Hoops 2k21 event last weekend was the final live evaluation period for the summer and did not disappoint. There were numerous standout prospects from the event in the class of 2024. Today, we take a look at some…
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Continue ReadingThe Prep Hoops 2k21 event last weekend was the final live evaluation period for the summer and did not disappoint. There were numerous standout prospects from the event in the class of 2024. Today, we take a look at some of the notable forwards from the event.
Dezmon Briscoe (C; 6-6; Grand Park Premier DeFur; Matchbook Learning)
Briscoe was a 2025 playing up a year and he dominated. His physical frame is way more developed than most 2024’s. He was dominant on the block using solid footwork to go with his power and ability to turn over either shoulder. He has some good post moves, but he still tries to overpower the defender at this stage. Showed a good ability to step out to around 15 feet and had good touch on mid-range jumpers.
Justin Sims Justin Sims 6'6" | PF Chesterton | 2024 State IN (PF; 6-5; Indiana GAME 2024-1; Chesterton)
Sims was very impressive all weekend. His versatility at the forward position gives him the ability to play anywhere on the floor. He has a slender build but does have good strength when he’s on the block. He has good length that allows him to finish around and above most defenders. What was good to see, was his post work. He had some of the more developed post moves at this stage. Whether it was a drop step, two-dribble spin, or up and under, he flashed a lot of tools. He even hit a few 3’s and has a good stroke. Defensively, he did a good job impacting many shots, regardless of if he came up with a block or not.
Malcolm Morris (PF; 6-5; EG10; Urbana)
One of the more impressive forwards I saw was Morris. He has good size, a built out frame, good length and athleticism. His athletic ability allows him to take defenders off of the dribble from the top of the key and usually either finish at the rim or get fouled. He is a good rebounder and his jumping ability allows him to finish above opponents at the rim. He was one of the most aggressive players in the front court in all of the games I saw, often times having multiple trips to the free throw line where he showed a solid touch and stroke. His length allows for a good shoot blocking ability on the other end of the floor.
Jaelyn Johnson (PF; 6-5; 94 Feet Elite; Portage)
Johnson was one of the more athletic power forwards I saw. He has tremendous length and athleticism and flashed that on both ends of the floor. He sees most of his action around the rim and it comes off of lob passes or off of rebound putbacks. He also does a good job finding openings in the defense which led to many crosscourt passes for easy buckets. Defensively, he had multiple blocks and even more shots that he impacted. He can bite on the pump fake at times, however, but does a good job getting back in the air with his second jump.
Kanon Catchings (SF; 6-4; EG10; Brownsburg)
Catchings is a fluid athlete with good length. He is a bit on the slender side, but most of his work is done on the perimeter or in the mid-range game. He showed a good ability as a jump shooter from 15-feet and out, usually after a two-dribble pull-up. Because of his size on the wing and his high release on his jumper, it’s very difficult for defenders to get into his view. Can play either forward position with his ability to stretch the floor, but he isn’t someone who is going to bully a defender on the block in most occasions.
Evan Lawrence (C; 6-5; Indiana Ice 2024 Gold; Danville)
Lawrence is a big body and has a really solid frame to him. He has decent length, but doesn’t necessarily need that at this point due to his size. He sees most of his work get done around the rim, but does have a decent touch with either hand. Solid rebounder on both ends. He did show the ability to be a shot blocker at times too.
Reis Butcher (PF; 6-4; INB 2024 Elite; Brebeuf Jesuit)
Butcher is a talented hybrid forward who was one of the main sources of offense at times for INB Elite. He is long, lanky and athletic and has a good ability to take defenders off to the dribble and use his athleticism at the rim. He will always try to get to the rim, but if he doesn’t, he showed a good mid-range jumper. He was also put in multiple ball screens as the ball handler to create mismatches and was usually a good decision maker.
Kadyn Ellery (SF; 6-3; Indiana Attack Basketball Red; Lincoln Junior)
Ellery is a long, lanky and versatile forward who was often used as a main ball handler. The games I saw of Ellery’s were very up-and-down and his athleticism showed out. He showed the ability to break a press by himself, go full court and finish at the rim. He has a solid ball handling ability and an aggressive mindset, always attacking the rim. Really good leaping ability and solid rebounder as well. Most of his scoring came from inside the paint in a slashing manner.