Throughout April 14-16 in Dallas, I saw many forwards stand out as catalysts for their respective teams. Here are just a few of those names in a quick recap article from DFW/Duncanville.
Jailyn Sledge | BYC Elite NXT | ‘24 | 6’7 F
Sledge is one of the most quiet yet competitive players on the court. Down-to-earth demeanor and very respectful, he’s an extremely fun wing to watch for BYC. He’s grown a couple inches since last grassroots season running with both BYC’s 16s and 17s, but now as a 17U player himself, the experience he gained from that has helped in his efforts so far this season for certain.
Active, wide defender and has improved as an interior defender thanks to that growth spurt. Explosive with the ball in limited amounts of space, a soft touch on the inside whether they are floaters, lay-ins or close jumpers. Still displays his athleticism and motor plenty, constantly out in transition and getting above the rim. Skilled, humble and physical scoring and defending forward for BYC.
Myles Mayfield | 1Family PRO16 | ‘25 | 6’7 F
Mayfield was electrifying as an athletic forward in transition for 1Family. Lengthy defender who flusters his matchup. High-motored defense subsequently leads to transition opportunities where he thrives. His combination of athleticism, length, size and finishing skill leads to a plethora of slams and scores around the rim. Against some solid competition in a Max Levels PRO16 team, these plays continued to happen and demoralize the opposition.
He was a part of a well-coordinated team in 1Family, and was a primary factor in the derailment of a talented Max Levels squad.
Joshua Olutayo | Cooz Elite PRO16 | ‘24 | 6’5 F
Olutayo’s explosiveness and strength around the cylinder abetted him greatly throughout the weekend in Dallas. In the game I saw, his width, sheer strength and tenacity on the boards was tearing up the opposition’s effort on the interior. Very explosive and athletic at his size, runs the break well and can finish it softly and with emphasis in fast-pace situations. In a half court setting on offense, he’s difficult to gain position against, and is a tough matchup for anyone who can’t embrace his physicality and call for contact. Olutayo’s presence on the offensive boards and ability to out-muscle defenders and score through them is another aspect that makes him special.
Kuol Atak | 3D Empire PRO16 | ‘24 | 6’9 F
Atak had another impressive outing for 3D Empire in Dallas. Helping 3D to a 3-1 record on the weekend with their only loss coming to a highly skilled Max Levels PRO16 team, Atak’s game translated and upheld its quality against some very solid PRO16 competition. Still displayed his fluid shot coming out of shot preparations in the post or pull ups at the elbow, as well his 3PT efficiency from the corner and wing. Proficient scorer out of 3D Empire.
Excited to see what’s to come for Atak in the first live period in STL April 21-23.
Caleb Carr | West Texas Blazers | ‘24 | 6’10 F
Carr’s pure size makes him a target immediately for small schools. At a massive 6-foot-10 with a filled out frame, he’s a tank defensively on the interior. Has decent mobility around the cylinder even at his size, length to alter shots and strength to deter finishers from scoring. Offensively, his mobility around the rim also aids him in navigating for scores combined with spatial awareness, a soft touch and physical presence.
Very intriguing unsigned forward for the Blazers.
