Some Standout SEMO Forwards

Prep Girls Hoops Missouri takes a look at some standout forwards and post players in the SEMO area. Many of them have been putting in work while operating under the radar.   [player_tooltip player_id='620696' first='Parker' last='Ernst'] (Neelyville): A 6'2" 2026 forward who has been a big producer for Neelyville since her freshman year. She was a consistent double-double as she led the Tigers to a district championship and a berth in the Class 2 quarterfinals. She earned All-State honors for her efforts. She can control the action in the paint with her scoring, rebounding and shot blocking. She scored 37 points as a high game, and 31 points in a victory over Malden in the sectional playoffs.   [player_tooltip player_id='1235028' first='Glo' last='Farmer'] (Portageville): A 5'11" 2026 forward who returns after leading Portageville to a Final Four berth in the Class 3 state tournament. She has good length and athleticism and she is a good finisher around the basket. She is also a very active rebounder who does a good job of getting out of her area. As a junior, she averaged 15 points and eight rebounds while shooting 52 percent from the field.   Marlie Crook (Sikeston): A 6'0" 2026 forward who earned All-SEMO Conference honors last season as a junior. She is one of the best shot blockers in the region. She blocked a whopping 15 shots in a game last season, was a school record. She uses her length and timing to get her swats without risking fouls. She is also a capable scorer who catches the ball well inside and can finish. She will assume a bigger scoring role with the graduation of top scorer Landri Hammontree.   Loren Dorey (Jackson): A 6'1" 2028 forward who excels on the volleyball court, but is also an excellent basketball player. The Indians are loaded with talented young guards, but Dorey can be an X-factor with her length and athleticism on the interior. She had some impressive performances when I watched her in June against some pretty strong competition. She runs the court well in transition and she is also a capable scorer in the post when she gets her touches.   [player_tooltip player_id='982948' first='Grace' last='Ancell'] (Delta): A 5'10" 2026 forward who plays with toughness and physicality in the low post. She is able to excel against taller opposition because of strength, footwork and ability to make the extra effort. She is a capable scoring with both hands inside and she also rebounds the ball very well. She had a good summer playing with the [program_tooltip program_id='948123' first='TC' last='Hoops'] 17U squad.   [player_tooltip player_id='886553' first='Mauriona' last='Menley'] (Dexter): A 6'0" 2027 forward who has good mobility along the versatility to cause matchup problems with her height. She can really stretch the floor with her 3-point shooting. Her ball handling is also very solid. She also rebounds the ball and can block shots on the defensive end.   Lilly Oliver (Twin Rivers): A 6'2" 2027 forward who is a very solid player inside who gets things done in a very meat and potatoes fashion that is very effective. She uses her height to her advantage very well as a consistent scorer and rebounder. She does a good job of keeping the ball high away from smaller guards. She can finish with either hand around the basket. She also has a strong defensive presence with her rebounding and ability to block shots.   [player_tooltip player_id='1307962' first='Kara' last='Barton'] (Bunker): A 5'11" 2028 forward who is going to be a problem in Class 1 with her size and versatility. She has experienced a growth spurt to get close to 6-feet, but she still has good guard skills. She can handle the ball against pressure and power her way into the lane. She can also go inside and use her height to her advantage. She will form a strong combination with her older sister, 2026 All-State guard [player_tooltip player_id='581056' first='Kinsey' last='Barton'].   [player_tooltip player_id='1219295' first='Ivy' last='Benson'] (Twin Rivers): A 5'10" 2028 forward who is a solid all-around player who can help her team in a variety of ways. She is a capable scorer who can shoot it from 3-point range, but she is also a good ball handler who can facilitate offense. She also rebounds and plays solid defense.   Mynena Thornton (Malden): A 5'9" 2028 forward who had a solid freshman season in helping Malden to a Class 2 district championship. She is a good rebounder as she has good athleticism and a strong motor. She has a nice touch in the lane and she can step out and hit a perimeter shot. She also plays well on the full court press on the second level with her ability to cover ground.

Prep Girls Hoops Missouri takes a look at some standout forwards and post players in the SEMO area. Many of them have been putting in work while operating under the radar.