Forwards Looking to Step Up into Bigger Roles

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Girls Hoops Missouri takes a look at a group of frontcourt players who we feel have a chance to step into some bigger roles for their respective teams this season. These players are at different stages of their careers, so it will be fun to watch how they progress this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='929528' first='Avery' last='Young'] (Notre Dame de Sion): A 5'9" 2026 power forward from Kansas City who is a physical player who plays her role very well. When I watched during the summer, I was impressed with a lot of things she did. She was setting great screens, rebounding and running the court with great effort. She averaged about five points and five rebounds a game last season as a junior. With top frontcourt player Taelyn Smith having graduated, Young has a chance to really increase her productivity. She has already given a commitment to Baker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='622852' first='Addison' last='Carr'] (Hickman): the 6'6" 2026 center is a bonafide Division I player who has already given a commitment to Cleveland State. She is coming off a strong summer with the [program_tooltip program_id='712484' first='Della' last='Lamb'] 17U team. The Kewpies graduated their top two players in Sy'rae Stemmons and Jayla Griffith. They have a lot of young talent back, but Addi is the returning rock in the middle. She showed some stretches of dominance at times. She has a chance to become a consistent force in the paint, which could take Hickman to another level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='716772' first='Klarabelle' last='Turner'] (St. Joe Benton): A 5'11" 2028 forward who came off the bench to provide quality minutes as a freshman on Benton's Class 4 state runner-up team. She has a nice combination of strength and finesse. The young lefty is a physical player in the post who can post up and get buckets. She is also an excellent 3-point shooter off the pick and pop. She should step into a bigger role this season after the graduation of All-State forward Andrea Simmons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='983019' first='Carisa' last='Germain'] (University Academy): For the past four years, UA has ridden the talents of All-Stater Anonda Ford, who graduated with more than 1,700 points. The 6'1 2026 Germain has the talent and experience to emerge an All-State player herself. With her size and skill set, she can impact a game in a variety of ways. She is a matchup problem with her height and ability to excel on the perimeter. She can defend multiple positions as well. She will score more this season, but she will really stuff the stat sheet in all areas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='999537' first='Savannah' last='Swinton'] (Parkway South): The Patriots have a big vacancy in the post with the graduation of All-State forward Ava McCulla, who averaged nearly 20 points a game last season. One player who is looking to fill that gap is Swinton, who is a talented 5'11" 2028 forward with a lot of potential. She saw some varsity action last season, averaging four points and rebound rebounds a game. She was impressive during the summer when I watched her. She has length and athleticism and she has a good skill set. She plays the high post well as a passer and scoring threat. She also rebounds and runs the court well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='777616' first='Hadleigh' last='Todd'] (Lutheran-St. Charles): A 5'10 2027 forward who has a chance to be a bigger factor this season after being a solid complimentary player last year where she averaged four points and four rebounds. Her skill set is quite versatile as she can score inside with strength and good footwork. She can also shoot 3-pointers and operate on the perimeter. I think she will fit well alongside 6'2 Division l recruit [player_tooltip player_id='409880' first='Kennedy' last='Stowers'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->