Forwards Who Went Hard in the Paint at March Madness

There was some serious talent hanging out in the paint at the March Madness Tournament. In this article, we look at the prospects who were mixing it up down low and getting the job done.   [player_tooltip player_id='400775' first='Amaya' last='Shaw'] / 2025 / 6'2 PF / Kathleen / SE United South   This past season Shaw averaged nearly 17 points per game and nearly 13 rebounds per game and it was no surprise that she was dominant in the March Madness tournament. The play of the tournament was also compliments of Miss Shaw's blocked shot against a fast guard on the fast break. Shaw was in a chasing mood against one of the fastest guards in the building. The talented Sohpomore tracked the guard and when the ball was released Shaw elevated and blocked the ball out of the air. Shaw never gives up on a play and getting back in transition is what she does on every change of possession. Offensively, she has a nice midrange jumper from the free-throw area and can put the ball in the basket in a variety of ways. Shaw shined in the pick-and-roll game, scored in the paint, had drives to the basket with left and right-hand finishes, and she was exceptional in the transition game.   [player_tooltip player_id='514204' first='Dariasia' last='Pitts'] / 2025 / 6'1 PF Bartow / SE United South   Pitts flat-out balled at March Madness. She mixed it up in the paint and no shots were uncontested. Her combination of size, speed, and athleticism was amazing. Her abilities are elite and she was one of the best players in the entire tournament. Offensively, she scored very well in the paint and rebounded anything within reach. She can score in a variety of ways. She ran the floor like a guard and when she got the ball in transition it was usually money. Pitts averaged nearly 15 points last high school season and over 9 rebounds per game. She is capable of a double-double every game out and the way she performed at March Madness, anything less would be a surprise.   [player_tooltip player_id='743436' first='Kayla' last='Debrow'] / 2025 / 6'2 PF / St Augustine Deaf and Blind / SE United South   Debrow played well at the March Madness tournament. She played in the front court and there really wasn't much penetrating the defense that included Debrow and 2 other six-footers. Debrow was very solid in the rebounding department and on defense. She used her length to deflect passes, get blocks, and defend the paint. She had a few scores on the inside, but her defense it what stood out.   [player_tooltip player_id='349326' first='Nykeria' last='Thomas'] / 2024 / 5'10 SF, PF / Mandarin / SE United   Thomas had a great showing at the tournament and really showed she can play at the post position exclusively. Thomas scored well on the inside and was able to run the floor well. In high school, Thomas played the point and the off-guard positions, so rebounding and going coast to coast is what she does. She provided a dose of that action at March Madness and showed her versatility from the "4" position. Thomas is a versatile offensive player who can face the basket or play with her back to the basket. During March Madness, Thomas was exclusively down in the post and excelled. Thomas has very good handles and is a point guard's best friend. She also excels in the rebounding department and can really pass the ball to the open player.   Kylie Johnson / 2025 / 6'0 PF / Atlantic Coast / SE United   Johnson really played well and her improvement from her Freshman to Sophomore season has been impressive. She has always had a nose for the ball and made things happen on the court, but this year it looks even better with the additional confidence. Johnson is handling the ball on press breaks and using her dribble to get out of trouble and advance the ball. Her skill level has definitely increased. She was a standout at March Madness because of her good defense, good rebounding, and her versatility as a player. Johnson mixed it up in the paint and also defended wing players out in space. Offensively, she showed the ability to finish around the basket with her left and right hand. Johnson is a rising star on the First Coast and is a player to keep our eyes on.   Ar'Nayshia Griffin / 2026 / 6'2 PF, C / Bradford / Tre Mann Elite   Griffin played well at March Madness and was matched up against a few upperclassmen, including one of the best players in District 1 - 7A in Junior, Nykeria Thomas. Griffin who was the player of the year in District 6- 3A , held her own, scoring on the inside and defending the paint with blocked shots and steals. Griffin a has great touch on the offensive end and ran the floor very well.