Forwards to Watch This Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We might as well talk about some specific positions today. We'll start by highlighting some under-the-radar-type post kids and close out the day by discussing some guards and wings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='842210' first='Gracie' last='Clary']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Athletic kids that have length always have a place at the next level. Clary is another 5'11 versatile defender coming through the ranks with scholarship-level talent. The Lodi wing has defended the opposing team's tallest kid since she got there when they played man-to-man. However, she's been among the most disruptive zone defenders in Wisconsin. She can cover plenty of ground, use her length to deflect passes, jump passing lanes, and contest shots around the rim. She may not be a household name at the moment, but scholarship programs will start keeping tabs on her if they haven't already.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ruby Rengo</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Whenever I see 6'2 players with any semblance of touch and footwork, I assume they'll be a scholarship-level player. The Grantsburg junior is an intriguing case because she's a small-town kid who plays club softball, so that's probably the route she ends up going. However, it's worth talking about her skillset. Rengo has a solid turnaround jumper, and at 6'2, few people will get real contests on her shot. I love that Renho high-points the ball when she rebounds, stays vertical without fouling kids attacking the rim, and plays physically around the basket. From some of the clips she has on Twitter, she looks like a standout softball, but someone to keep tabs on the next few seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='914331' first='Hannah' last='Neubert']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Menasha post is undersized for the next level, but you can't argue the production over the past few seasons. Last season, she averaged a double-double for the Bluejays and was as consistent as any post in D2. She's a physical back-to-the-basket kid with an excellent drop-step and uses her physicality to move people around the rim, but she has touch. Neubert consistently got to spots she wanted to get to and made 77% of her free throws while taking around six and a half free throws per game. Over a season, that number adds up, which makes her a handful to defend around the basket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1228818' first='Rianna' last='Dye']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Similar to Rengo, 6'2 kids will always draw attention from next-level programs. Dye is another one with some other tools that make her intriguing. The motor she has is the first thing that jumped out to me when I watched parts of her games. The Platteville post dives to the rim aggressively, gives her guards a target to throw the ball, and finishes with both hands around the basket. Another thing about her that isn't common with kids her age and size is that she rebounds outside her area. Her motor and willingness to go the extra mile for her team give the Hillmen extra possessions, and those win games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>As a reminder, if you're reading this and considering attending either the Top 250 Expo or Freshman Showcase next month. Use code PetersonPGH2024 for a discount if you decide to head to Appleton!<br>Links for each event are below.</em><br><a href="https://events.prepgirlshoops.com/e/1182/register/wisconsin-freshman-showcase">PGH Wisconsin Freshman Showcase</a><br><a href="https://events.prepgirlshoops.com/e/1260/register/the-expo-wisconsin">PGH Wisconsin Top 250 Expo</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->