2023 Rankings: Forward Prospects

<span data-preserver-spaces="true">As I continue to break down some of the kids in the 2023 class, I’ll highlight some under-the-radar forwards. The forwards I’ll name have played well the last six months and deserve some recognition. </span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">[player_tooltip player_id="206730" first="Alana" last="Zarneke"]</span></strong> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">The Kaukauna forward finished her season strong with an outstanding performance against Germantown in a narrow loss. That game encompassed what Zarneke can be at her best, a versatile stretch four who can beat you with her jumper and attack the basket. I love how she competed with some of the most talented kids in the state defensively. She never backed down and gave some of the toughest matchups she came across fits.</span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">[player_tooltip player_id="156082" first="Megan" last="Schuman"]</span></strong> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">Schuman is someone who can play 2-4, but I think most dangerous as a four. She scores wherever and whenever she wants on the offensive end. On the other end, she’s athletic enough to move her feet and defend quick guards on the perimeter and strong enough to handle some posts on the block. I got told I was a bit lower on her than I should’ve been, so I went back and watched some game film of her. I was impressed by how she moved on offense and defense, and her accolades speak for themself.</span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">[player_tooltip player_id="206577" first="Paige" last="Lambe"]</span></strong> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">After seeing Lambe play for Verona and Let it Rain, it feels like I watched two different players this last year. She looked much more aggressive with the ball on the block and wasn’t shy to shoot the ball from the 3-point line. Even if Lambe made none of those 3s, I would’ve been impressed with her mentality and wanting to do more. She has always been a solid rim protector, and I believe there is potential for her to defend guards for a few dribbles. Whichever school she attends will get a kid who’ll keep getting better throughout her four years in college.</span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">[player_tooltip player_id="264942" first="Jorey" last="Buwalda"]</span></strong> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">The Division 5 state champion was the most effective player in small school basketball in Wisconsin. She drew as much attention as anyone in the state tournament and used it to pass some fireballs to open teammates. She is a bit mysterious as a prospect right now because I haven’t seen her play for Wisconsin Elite yet. She has the potential to have an absurd senior season at Randolph. </span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">[player_tooltip player_id="206726" first="Morgan" last="Adams"]</span></strong> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">There aren’t many kids who defend like Adams does. The Kewaskum native is a legit 6-foot wing/forward who can defend posts and guards. She’s a swiss army knife on that end, and college coaches will love her once she gets on someones campus. </span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">[player_tooltip player_id="156072" first="Allison" last="Hampel"]</span></strong> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">Hampel, like Lambe, has expanded her game during the spring season. She did an excellent job showing off what she does outside of what we knew going into the spring. She shot the ball well and overall showed she’s a college-level player. The more I see her, the more I can understand why small school coaches love what they see in her. She’s a dominant 4-5 who wins most rebounding battles and is more athletic than you’d think.</span>