Under-the-Radar Forwards to Watch
Yesterday’s piece was about some under-the-radar guards. Today I’m talking about forwards. These players have been ones that I may not have been paying enough attention to this season. These forwards may have some reason they have flown under the…
Access all of Prep Girls Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingYesterday’s piece was about some under-the-radar guards. Today I’m talking about forwards. These players have been ones that I may not have been paying enough attention to this season. These forwards may have some reason they have flown under the radar, whether that’s school size, their size, or something else. These are four forwards you should keep tabs on for the rest of the season. These players are in no particular order.
Jorey Buwalda Jorey Buwalda 6'0" | PF Randolph | 2023 State WI -6’0 F-’23-Randolph
The Randolph junior is the closest to a hidden gem I’ve discussed. Buwalda has dominated the Division 5 ranks, averaging 19.5 points and 10 rebounds. The 6-foot forward has led her Rockets team to a 15-0 record to start the season. From the video I’ve seen of her, she is a skilled big who can score in many ways. Buwalda has enough shooting touch to make defenses respect her ability to shoot from range. However, she also has the balance and skill to score in the paint out of post-ups. Her name may not pop up when discussing the most reputable juniors in the state, but make no mistake about it, Buwalda is in that class of talent.
Alli Bumby-5’9 F-’23-Ripon
Usually, I’d look past someone like Alli Bumby because she doesn’t have the size to be a college forward. However, Bumby is leading the state in rebounding with 17.8 rebounds per game, and she’s leading by over two rebounds per game. Bumby had an insane night that looked like it was from the ’60s when she pulled down 33 rebounds in a game against Winneconne. Finishing has been a bit of an adventure for her, partially because she’s undersized, but her ability to generate extra possessions is worth noting. I’m not sure how well she projects to the next level because she is an oddball of a prospect. That said, there is an apparent skill that she brings, even if she may not be the ideal prospect.
Julia Kellner-6’2 F-’25-Racine Lutheran
The sky is the limit for the Racine Lutheran freshman. Kellner has the size to play at any school in the country right now, but she has fine-tuning she needs to do before she becomes that level of prospect. I like that the Crusader has an apparent feel of where she needs to be on the floor to relieve her teammates of pressure. Kellner makes herself available near the basket and sets herself up for easy baskets. The freshman also can take multiple dribbles and make a play herself, although those are rare. There are building blocks that Kellner already has in place, but if she works at it, she could be special.
Leah Schmidt-5’7 F-’22-Green Bay NEW Lutheran/Providence Academy
Schmidt is, listed at 5’7, but I think she is taller than that. Schmidt is in the same odd group that Bumby is with as well. Schmidt is an undersized forward who rebounds at a high level regardless of size. In my opinion, rebounding is about 30% size and 70% determination. Schmidt is an example of why size doesn’t always matter when rebounding. There will be issues if she ends up playing at the next level, but having people like Schmidt around will push others, at the very least.