5A Northern Area Forwards To Watch For This Season

While traditionally many of the top players with size have come from schools south of Denver, there is a nice crop of young players with great size emerging in northern Colorado right now. I expect all the athletes on this list to have big seasons, but keep a special eye on the super sophomores.    Transitioning from club and middle school sports to high school sports is not easy and takes a lot of hard work. Avery not only made the girls varsity basketball team at Silver Creek as a freshman last year - She was a starter, the team's leading rebounder, and a vital contributor. Six footers are hard to come by in the girls game, especially ones that are skilled and athletic such as Avery. I anticipate White making a huge jump in productivity during her sophomore campaign and emerging as a top forward in northern Colorado.     Kaylee is as physical and tough as they come and she was a big reason why the Frederick girls basketball team made the 5A elite eight last season. Gardner is a physical post defender, solid rebounder, and big-time presence around the rim. During the club season Kaylee made a major impact with her [program_tooltip program_id='712413' first='BC' last='Denver'] squad. She is an intriguing prospect with a big upside. Frederick is poised to make another post season run and keeping Kaylee healthy, out of foul trouble, and on the court could be the difference down the stretch.     Brooklyn is a returning all-conference seasoned vet, proven winner, and team leader for the Windsor Wizards. She is an absolute force defensively because of her high motor and aggressive style. At 5'11, she moves her feet well and can guard multiple positions. Jiricek also contributes offensively by scoring at the rim, earning free-throws, and at times has shown the ability to knock down open 3's. The ultimate "glue" player, Brooklyn will be a big x-factor for Windsor's team success this season.     Ava earned consistent varsity playing time and carved out a valuable role as a freshman for the 5A state champion Roosevelt Roughriders. Her tall and strong frame and aggressive mentality afforded her the ability to compete physically at the rim by rebounding and scoring, but her sweet outside shooting touch and driving ability make her a top-notch sophomore prospect. With a slew of seniors graduated, expect Grosboll to step up and play a much bigger role this year for the defending 5A state champs.     The best part about having a young team is when they grow up. Windsor is poised to reap the benefits of the groundwork they have laid the past two seasons. Gracie's growth over the last few years has been special, which is why she is projected to have a breakout season. Worsley is strong, aggressive, skilled and confident enough to play on the wing or on the block. She is an underrated passer and her outside shooting continues to improve every time I see her play. Fresh off several college scholarship offers this summer - This honorable mention all-conference player is ready to make some big noise this season.

While traditionally many of the top players with size have come from schools south of Denver, there is a nice crop of young players with great size emerging in northern Colorado right now. I expect all the athletes on this list to have big seasons, but keep a special eye on the super sophomores.