Class of 2022: Forwards to Know

Moving right along with the class of 2022 rankings release, I will now narrow in on the power forwards of this class. I have gotten some feedback on "no, I am this or that position" but please understand that positions are sometimes blurred. One forward might like to hang on the perimeter and shoot threes, while the other might be a more traditional power post player, that isn't quite the height of a center. Some players are more 4/5s and others might be more on the side of 4/3. They are forwards either way you look at it. Back to the players, here are some forwards to know about in the rising sophomore class! 6'3 F<strong> Lauren Glazier</strong> (Mt. Si HS) - Lauren is a long framed forward with good mobility and agility for her height. She prefers to attack from the outside and use her reach to get to the basket. Lauren provides a shot blocking presence on defense and has potential down the road to be good for fending off guards from attacking the basket when hedging on ball screens. She definitely needs to keep working on getting stronger and playing a more physical game, but that can come with continued progression. You cannot teach length and athleticism! 6'2 F/C <strong>Cori Wilcox</strong> (Lake Stevens HS) - Cori is more of a throwback power forward. She prefers to bang in the paint and she brings a toughness on the interior that is harder to find with many Washington kids. She is good rebounder and screen setter as well. The next step for Cori is her shooting stroke and consistently finishing over taller defenders, which can always be improved with great footwork and shot fakes. 6'1 F <strong>Allie Harrison</strong> (Newport HS) - I have been watching Allie play for years and always knew she had potential to be a good ball player, because of her mobility from the forward position. To this day, she still runs the floor well and is active on the glass. She has solid length for the defensive end as well. I am looking for her to make a big jump in her sophomore season at Newport. 6'0 PF <strong>Mercedes Tinder</strong> (Issaquah HS) - Strong forward with very good aggressiveness and all around physicality. Mercedes is a good rebounder and has a nose for the ball. She made solid contributions at the varsity level as a freshman, but as with anyone else on this list, she should make a big jump for this upcoming season. <em>Other forwards to know:</em> 6'0 PF <strong>Rachel Sapirstein</strong> (Overlake HS) 5'10 PF <strong>Taija Mackey</strong> (Pasco HS) 5'11 PF<strong> Alli VanKooten</strong> (Lynden Christian HS) 5'9 PF <strong>Cheyenne Huff</strong> (Spanaway Lake HS) &nbsp; <em>2022 PF Analysis:</em> This group of forwards is solid and has some Division 1 prospects, but the exact number remains to be seen. Further evaluation will be needed to pinpoint exactly how many there are. Division 2 and NAIA schools would find it worth their time to note some of the players on this list, as you never know how certain players may develop over time. The potential is there, but college coaches will quickly be looking for more consistent production and more fine-tuned skill sets. 4's are being asked to do more than ever before on both sides of the ball. A good mixture of athleticism, skill and height is needed to be an impact forward at most colleges in today's game. The more versatile, the better!