Top Forwards 16U: Hard Work Finals
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Bloomington, MN – Jefferson High School is where I watched the Hard Work Region Finals. I took in games Saturday and Sunday. I saw many great forwards, PF, SF, BIGS, and posts. Read below to see who was the best…
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Continue ReadingBloomington, MN – Jefferson High School is where I watched the Hard Work Region Finals. I took in games Saturday and Sunday. I saw many great forwards, PF, SF, BIGS, and posts. Read below to see who was the best of the best…
Alphabetically, here are the Top Forwards from the 2023 Class:
AJ Akot 6’4 || O’gorman || Sacred Hoops || SD
Why? Timing and patience, elite athlete, soft-touch, team player, disruptor on D. A smooth finisher that can do it in many ways. Akot elevates very quickly and his arms a super long. He is a star on the rise.
Aiden Johnson 6’4 || Heritage Christian Academy || Northstar Titans || MN
Why? Crafty up-and-under, proper/correct footwork, soft finishes, 3-point shooting ability. Johnson is a well-rounded and versatile forward that can do it all.
Brett Van Dyke 6’6 || Sioux City East || Arena Basketball Club || IA
Why? Shot-blocker, intimidator, rim protector, great hustler, runs like a deer. Van Dyke did a great job at attacking the middle-of-the-zone defense. I liked the confidence that he plays well. Brett is a long and big kid with loads of potential.
David Ackles 6’8 || Whitefish Bay || ABC Young Lions Teal || WI
Why? Extra-long arms, offensive rebounder and quick putbacks, rim protector, he can step out and hit the 3-ball. Ackles has the size and frame to be a dominant big man. He also has the tools and mobility to be a special player.
James Warren 6’4 || Pius || ABC Young Lions White || WI
Why? A serious force in the paint, AND-1 producer, hard worker, extra physical. A nice-sized forward that is not afraid of contact. Warren has a high ceiling.
Justin Pickens 6’4 || Farragut || Old Gold Dream Team || IL
Why? Strong inside-man, runs the floor hard, attacks contact, supreme finisher, great offensive rebounder. Pickens has a great feal for the game and a nose for the ball. Pickens is a producer.
Logan Lowther 6’2 F || Eastview || Minnesota Magic Elite || MN
Why? He never backs down, is extremely physical, loves contact, is gritty, competetive. Lowther is tough as nails. He can bang down low with bigger forwards. He is enthusiasm and effort were fantastic.
Will Opsahl Will Opsahl 6'8" | SF Goodhue | 2023 State MN 6’6 || Goodhue || MN Lightning Ellerbusch || MN
Why? Fleet-footed forward, awesome spin-move, very long, quality fakes, excellent patience, AND-1 finisher. Opsahl can drill 3-pointers and score from all levels. He is a do-it-all player.
Prince Adams Prince Adams 6'7" | C Evanston | 2023 State IL 6’5 || Evantson || Illinois Hoops Stars Gardner || IL
Why? Very very strong, shot-blocker, stout defender, aggressive rebounder. Adams has stellar handles for a BIG. I was impressed with his slashing ability and his feet. Prince is a studly and strong big man.
Ryan Lenear 6’5 || Bellevue East || Sal Elite || NE
Why? Long, tall, wingspan, one of the best rebounders I watched, top-notch outlet passer, efficient finisher. Lenear is a tough a resilient forward. He can finish through contact and he never backs down.
6’5 Tate VanOtterloo || Beresford || Sacred Hoops || SD
Why? Great motor and runs well, flexible and athletic finisher, handles the rock with both hands. An exciting player with a bright future. Tate is a matchup problem. He is too big for guards to handles and too athletic for BIGS to stay with.