Way-Too-Early Season Preview: Class B Forwards to Watch
Fall sports are right around the corner. With a few more grassroots tournaments still in store for summer, hoops aren’t completely over yet. But with the AAU season being salvaged to a degree, there’s a clearer picture of what to…
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Continue ReadingFall sports are right around the corner. With a few more grassroots tournaments still in store for summer, hoops aren’t completely over yet. But with the AAU season being salvaged to a degree, there’s a clearer picture of what to expect next season.
Here are some of the forwards to watch at the Class B level:
Sam Oase, Hettinger/Scranton
Oase earned all-state honors for the second year in a row, leading Hettinger/Scranton to the Class B State Tournament – also for the second year in a row – as a junior. She’s one of the most consistent and dominant low-post presences in the state and after spending the summer months playing with ND Attack, she’s in store for a terrific senior season. If she continues to add range to her inside repertoire, she’ll be unstoppable.
Grace Kelly Grace Kelly 6'1" | SF Shiloh Christian | 2022 State ND , Shiloh Christian
Kelly took her game to a big-time level as a sophomore, averaging nearly 15 points and six rebounds while leading Shiloh Christian to the state tournament. If the Skyhawks are going to make a third state tournament in a row next spring, Kelly continuing her ascension into one of state’s elite – and forming a dominant frontcourt with Jacee Hall – will be a big reason why.
DeContee Smith, Central Cass
Smith led Central Cass in scoring despite coming off the bench during her freshman season. With the Squirrels graduating three starters from a year ago, Smith has a clear path to even bigger minutes and more volume. She’s strong, athletic and highly active. That should allow her to put up strong numbers consistently and help the Squirrels vie for another run at the state tournament.
Mykell Heidlebaugh, Rugby
Heidlebaugh was another one of the state’s best freshmen last year, averaging nearly 12 points and eight rebounds for a Rugby team that won two games at state. The whole Rugby team is set to return and if the Panthers are going to tap into another gear, it’ll be a player like Heidlebaugh going from good to great. She’s got the skills to do it, as she’s a smooth athlete who can create her own shot, make plays and defend all over the court.
Terryn Johnson Terryn Johnson 6'1" | C Kindred | 2022 State ND , Kindred
Johnson earned all-state honors as a sophomore, averaging 16 points and 11 rebounds for a Kindred team that was the state title favorite until being upset in the Region 1 final. The Vikings will go into next year ranked in the top three thanks in large part to star power that Johnson – and teammate Abby Duchsherer – brings to the table. Johnson is one of the most consistent two-way forces in the state and has the ability to dominate games in the way few other bigs can.