Jayhawk Invitational (Class of 2019 Forwards)
Here is a look at the top Class of 2019 forwards from last weekend’s Jayhawk Invitational in Overland Park, KS
Tyem Freeman 6’6″ MO Team Carroll (Parkview): The premiere athlete at the tournament, Freeman is a highlight reel dunk waiting to happen; and he delivered his share of rim-rattling slam dunks. Once he draws you in with the wow factor, you also get a chance to see his overall skill set, which includes good handles, slashing drives and a nice jumper. He’s still getting better. New Missouri State head coach Dana Ford got a good one when Freeman gave a commitment last month.
Dalen Rigdnal 6’5″ KC Spurs Black (Rockhurst): A strong and solid forward who got hurt in his team’s first game against KC Run GMC. He is a good athlete with a blue-collar work mentality on the court. He is a tireless worker on the boards at both ends of the floor. He can score around the basket and he still has that reliable jumper from 15 feet off the catch.
Trent Smith 6’5″ MO Team Carroll (Carl Junction): A strong post player who can really produce around the basket. He’s physical and loves to bang, plus he has a nice variety of moves in the post and the shooting touch to finish. He also stepped out and knocked down some 3-pointers. A nice addition to his game.
Michael Englebrent 6’5″ Marcus Denmon Elite (Park Hill): A versatile combo forward who was very comfortable on the perimeter. He is a good ball handler and a very willing passer, which makes it possible for a team to run offense through him. He could score, but he is a very unselfish player who seemed to take pride in making the right pass.
Darius Pennington 6’6″ NdaGym (North Kansas City): A solid power forward who had a good stretch of play in a game I watched on Saturday afternoon. He was very active on the offensive boards and had a couple of nice rim-runs for buckets. He topped it off with a nice 3-pointer from the wing. Very solid performer who competes hard.