Queen City’s Top Unsigned Forwards
There is plenty of talent in the class of 2018 in the Cincinnati area that is still looking for a home at the next level. And while a lot of those players are ranked as the best in the state, some are under the radar talents. Here is a list of the top unsigned senior forwards in the Cincinnati area.
Terry Durham, Woodward High School- This young man has had an exceptional season for the Bulldogs, averaging 23.5 points and 12.8 rebounds per game. And he put up those all-state type numbers despite facing double and triple teams all season. While also a recruit on the gridiron, Terry would be a nice addition to a D-II roster needing an athletic wing scorer.
Shawn Hawkins, Hughes High School- Hawkins is the true definition of a stat-sheet stuffer. At the time of this article he is in the top ten in rebounds, assist, steals, blocks and field-goal percentage in the CMAC. And at 6’5 Shawn has the ability to guard everything from 1-4’s and as he gets stronger will probably be able to guard 5’s at the next level in small-ball line-ups.
Jalen Rose, Deer Park High School- The Wildcats forward finished the season strong with 6 straight double figure scoring games and in 3 of those games Jalen scored at least 27 points. As solid a shooter from all three levels as there is in Cincinnati, Rose shooting splits so far this season is 46/37/77. Combine his efficiency with his length and athleticism and he would be a perfect fit in a small-college setting.
Arian “AJ” Smith, Hughes High School- Another steady year for the senior Big Red forward, averaging 10ppg while shooting 46% from the field. Smith moves well without the basketball and at 6’5 can guard in the post and on the perimeter. He also starting to find his stroke from the outside as well shooting 41% from three over the last 5 games.