Courier Service: Post Players that Deliver
All of the players here are, to some degree, modern forwards. They’re capable of comfortably stepping out to the wing as floor spacers and a number of them have three-point range. But oddly, some forwards today lack post skills, and such abilities are crucial for any player, but especially forwards. Well, this crew is chock full of well-rounded forwards who have back-to-the-basket moves, the ability to face-up from 10 feet, as well as the ability to step out to the perimeter. I do see the potential for some players here to evolve into wings as time goes on, but their post moves will come in handy even then. Check out these post players that deliver!
Addison Hunter Addison Hunter 6'0" | PF Champlain Valley | 2023 State New E , 5’11 F – Lone Wolf Athletics Class of ’23
Addi is simply a joy to watch hoop. Hunter has a great motor on the glass, boxing out even on offensive rebounds. She has a keen awareness of where the ball will come off the rim too, all of which translates into an impressive ability to collect offensive and defensive rebounds. She’s patient in the lane, letting the play develop so she can make a quick drop-step to the hoop or sell the up-and-under. Furthermore, Addi has a great passing ability out of both the high and low post and makes great reads setting teammates up for good looks inside or out. Defensively strong and poised, Addi rarely finds herself out of position or committing bad fouls. Hunter is a player with great hoop IQ and the potential to be a three-level scorer.
Reese Perry Reese Perry 5'9" | PF Norton | 2025 State New E , 5’11 F – Lone Wolf Athletics Class of ’22
Perry is a tough cover, as she has range to shoot from 20+ feet as well as the quickness and handle to beat defenders from the perimeter. If the opposition sticks a smaller defender on her, she’s highly capable of taking them into the post and putting them in the blender with her array of post moves. Defensively, Reese is adept at clogging the lane and forcing guards to take tough shots while also being quick enough to recover to her assignment. Moreover, Perry has a strong frame and can defend players who have strength on her with her good sense of post defense. Reese will be playing with St. Michaels College next year; I look forward to seeing her ongoing development.
Allison Fullem, 6′ F – Blueprint Basketball Class of ’23
Fullem is a long forward who makes a lot of plays that don’t show up in the box score. Alli asserts herself as a force in the paint, and with her length and presence, most players think twice about putting shots up in fear that they’ll be returned to sender. Fullem is also great at securing loose balls while keeping her eyes up in hopes of advancing an outlet pass to spark the transition break. Moreover, she’s dangerous as a trailer as she loves to step into a clean three-point look. In the post, Alli can back her defender down with her strength and shoot over the top with a little hook shot, and once she has that established, she counters with a smooth up-and-under. Fullem rebounds well with her length and serves as a well-rounded forward on both ends of the floor.
Samara Ashooh Samara Ashooh 6'0" | PF Champlain Valley Union | 2024 State New E , 6’1 F – Lone Wolf Athletics Class of ’24
Ashooh is a glue player who is coming into her own. Samara can occupy the high post and low post with ease, using her frame to get position and she consistently extends a hand for a passing target. She passes out of the paint well, and her length allows her to get her shot off comfortably over the top of defenders while also making guards question their shot inside. Ashooh’s post game features a nice hook shot over either shoulder, and she’s shown the ability to knock down jumpers from 10-12 feet. She sets solid interior screens, working well with fellow forwards to provide space and time to open up inside shots. Ashooh’s sound basketball senses and interior skills give her great upside.
Brianna Brownell, 5’10 F – Blueprint Basketball Class of ’24
Brownell’s game is evolving right before our eyes. Brianna is adding guard skills to her repertoire, such as slashes from the perimeter and an outside jumper that is increasing in range; her mid-range is already locked in. But she still has all the post skills deeply ingrained in her game. Brownell is a proficient inside finisher with great touch around the rim. She has a hook shot over the right shoulder and likes to counter that with an up-and-under. Brownell is a talented rebounder with an impressive drive to clean the glass, and she’s developing the ability to push the ball in transition herself. Her game is becoming position-less, as she’s a natural hooper.
Nylah Mitchell, 5’10 G/F – Blueprint Basketball Class of ’25
Nylah may currently be a freshman, but her patience and basketball IQ make her look like an experienced upperclassman. Mitchell’s poise on the block is uncanny; she catches the ball with confidence and calmness, examines the defense in a mere moment and makes her move. She may catch and look opposite for a shooter she intuits is open, or she may attack the basket with her blend of post moves and fakes, opening up space to finish inside. Nylah crashes the boards well because she does the early work of getting position and boxing out, and her outlet passes are crisp, but she’s also a coast-to-coast threat herself. Mitchell has exhibited an ability to hit the three or space the floor, working seamlessly inside and out. Defensively Nylah may be a little undersized, but again, it’s her early work that allows to her to control the paint against larger opponents. Nylah’s game is a joy to watch.