5 Fantastic Forwards In Rhode Island
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The forwards of the state are a very versatile group of girls that stand out amongst some of the other positions. The ladies in this class typically play multiple positions and deserve some love because so often do they go…
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Continue ReadingThe forwards of the state are a very versatile group of girls that stand out amongst some of the other positions. The ladies in this class typically play multiple positions and deserve some love because so often do they go overlooked. These young ladies are a group with different skillsets and attributes that truly make them an interesting category to dive deep on.
Shanell Smith-Akpan Shanell Smith-Akpan SF State New E (2025)/ SF/ Classical High School/ Rhode Island Basketball Club
One of the best natural scorers at her position. A truly gifted scorer playing small forward, especially when she gets going downhill. Shanell has the amazing combination of size, speed and strength that make her a very tough cover. Shanell has a bag full of different finishes with either hand after beating defenders to the rim. SSA has a tight handle and uses a notable in and out move that gets defenders on her hip with ease. She is a very crafty scorer and will use finesse and power to get to the rim in the open court. Shanell usually draws multiple defenders and will dish out quality assists both in the halfcourt and in transition. Shanell also gets open looks for 3-point shots because most defenders are so concerned with her ability to attack the basket. SAS is true gem at the small forward position and a must-see talent.
Bridgitt Van Etten
Bridgitt Van Etten
Bridgitt Van Etten (2024)/ PF/ Cumberland
Bridgitt is a tough traditional scoring forward that can do a little bit of everything on the floor. Van Etten is scoring just above 16 ppg this year for the Cumberland Clippers and she is top five in free throws and top ten in field goals made in her last campaign. BVE has a nice touch around the rim, scoring lots of tough angled shots in the post area. Van Etten sports a pretty jump shot that she uses very effectively as a weapon when she gets the opportunity to get clean a clean look. BVE is the forward you want on your team; her skills translate to winning plays.
Isys Dunphy Isys Dunphy 5’10” | PF Barrington | 2025 State New E (2025)/ 5-8 SF/ Barrington
Isys is one of the best 2-way players at the small forward position. She uses her defense to help propel her offense in transition. She plays the passing lanes very well and uses her length to disrupt passers to come up with steals that she can easily go coast to coast with. Dunphy plays with a stellar motor and has great speed for her size. She can score over either shoulder when going to the basket and uses her length to finish over defenders that may look like they are draped all over her. Isys is a stat sheet filler that affects the game on many levels.
Lilly Dasilveira
Lilly Dasilveira
Lilly Dasilveira (2026)/ 5-8 PF/ Mt. Hope (Bristol)
Lilly is a well-rounded prospect that is cracking the top 5 for double doubles in Rhode Island. In just her second year Lilly is scoring just under 13 ppg and just over 9 rebounds. Dasilveira uses her long arms to affect passing lanes and entry passes causing her to pick up steals to start the break on offense. Lilly gets position early and picks up plenty of fouls in the half court, making her top ten in free throws made.
Jorday Johnson
Jorday Johnson
Jorday Johnson (2027)/ 5-11 PF/ Hope (Providence)
Jorday Johnson is an outstanding talent in her first year on the court. Johnson is a long agile big that is an efficient scorer as a young player, which is hard to come by. Johnson is scoring just about 16 ppg using a more conventional style of using head fakes, simple counters and using nice touch around the basket. Johnson is a talent that is tough to stop when she gets going, there is so much room to grow with her game, but she is already tough to stop.