ATL Summer Slam: Versatile Forwards

Inside, outside, these forwards gave opponents issues in a variety of ways. <strong>2021 5-9 W [player_tooltip player_id="186284" first="Maddie" last="Futch"] – EOTO Black Diamond – White County</strong> Not much went right in EOTO Black Diamond’s loss to the Lady Phoenix. Even Head Coach Reed Tipton came away bloodied after punching a wedgie ball out of the rim. But with all that being said, [player_tooltip player_id="186284" first="Maddie" last="Futch"]’s trademark toughness and effort still managed to shine through. An inside-out threat that is capable of playing multiple positions on offense, Futch managed to put up 11 points, 4 rebounds and 1 steal. The hardnosed wing embraces contact when driving to the basket and can rebound in a sea of players. She’s got a nice mid-range shot and has the strength to move opponents out of the way. <img class="size-medium wp-image-191157 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2020/07/IMG_7443-300x197.jpg" alt="[player_tooltip player_id=" width="300" height="197" /> <strong>2022 6-0 F [player_tooltip player_id="79189" first="Zahirah" last="Walton"] – Douglasville Tigers – Eastside Catholic, WA</strong> It did not take long for the northwest product to catch my eye. Walton is big, strong and skilled. The versatile forward moves well and can play multiple positions. She did damage at the high post but also scored on the block. Walton would grab rebounds and ignite her own fast break. She showed off a soft mid-range stroke and even a downhill eurostep. It pains me to know that she will be returning to Washington for the rest of her career. She’s got major talent and a college future ahead. She had 10 points, 10 rebounds, 4 steals and 1 block in a win over the FBC Playmakers. Washingtonites: Follow Walton closely! <strong>2021 5-11 W [player_tooltip player_id="118124" first="Shaquice" last="May"] – Douglasville Tigers – Rockdale County</strong> The wiry wing got busy in the corner, canning three three-balls en route to 13 points. May has length and athleticism. She’s more than just a 3&amp;D player however as she can slice through defenses to get to the lane. May could be a stock riser in the 2021 class. <strong>2021 5-11 F Tiara Lewis – Lady TRU Elite – Osborne</strong> A combo-forward capable of playing on both the wing and the block, Tiara Lewis hurt EOTO Sisters with her aggressiveness and activity. Lewis worked the high post well and would turn and get to the basket. She was tough on the glass and altered shots at the rim. She posted 14 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 blocks. <strong>2021 5-11 F Cynthia Engler – Lady TRU Elite – East Paulding</strong> Back at East Paulding for her senior season after stops at Paulding County and Osborne, Cynthia Engler might be able to flourish her final year. She showed flashes throughout the day of what she could eventually become. She’s got good size and is comfortable working from 10-feet in as scoring-minded forward. She had a nice drop step on the left block for a quick two points and remained active in the paint on both ends of the floor. Engler can hit the mid-range jumper and from time-to-time help out handling the ball. She finished with 8 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and 3 blocks.