Georgia's top high school boys basketball players: Meet the state’s best power forwards

Who are the top power forwards in Georgia high school boys basketball this season?

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be taking a position-by-position look at some of the top players in Georgia high school boys basketball.

Our first list focused on the point guards, next were the shooting guards and then the small forwards. Now it's the power forwards' turn.

There are hundreds of standout boys basketball players in Georgia, and these lists are not intended to be comprehensive! Use the comments section to discuss the other power forwards worthy of fans’ attention in 2021-22.

Pictured above is North Gwinnett's Duke Clayton (photo by Jamie Spaar).

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Nate Brafford, Rabun Gap

A prolific scorer whose offensive skill set resembles that of a guard, Brafford has been lighting it up this season for the Eagles. Rhode Island, Western Carolina, Winthrop and more are recruiting the 6-foot-8 forward who tallied 30 points in a win at Buford on Jan. 12. 

Kendall Campbell, TSF Prep

An injury derailed Campbell's senior year at Pebblebrook before it even started, so he reclassified to the 2023 class and joined TSF Prep. The 6-foot-7 forward played an integral role for Milton during its run to the 7A state championship in 2021. 

Tony Carpio, Providence Christian

Carpio is a well-rounded forward with soft hands and good touch on the glass, and he has good vision finding an open shooter when defenses collapse on him. The 6-foot-8 Citadel signee finished with 25 points, 15 rebounds and four assists in the Storm’s win over Mill Creek on Jan. 18. 

Elijah Chol, Forsyth Central

Chol’s height and wingspan make him an intriguing prospect on paper, and he backs it up with his ability to score inside-out and block shots. Florida Southern, Howard and more are recruiting the 6-foot-10 senior who averages 20.3 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.4 blocks per game. 

Duke Clayton, North Gwinnett

A two-sport star who recently committed to play football for Hutchinson Community College, Clayton is a double-double machine on the hardcourt. The 6-foot-7 bruiser is a player few defenders are brave enough to take a charge from when he's heading for the rim.

Dylan Faulkner, Calhoun

A natural rim protector who has the ability to step out and hit 3s, Faulkner has been a force for the Yellow Jackets. The 6-foot-9 junior averages over 22 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks per game. In a 72-70 loss to Paulding County early in the season, he posted a triple-double with 28 points, 14 rebounds and 12 blocks. 

Delrecco Gillespie, East Coweta

Gillespie is an energetic forward who is physical in the paint and has a knack for rebounding. The 6-foot-7 Kent State signee averages 14 points and 12.2 rebounds per game, and he went for 15 and 13 in the Indians’ 71-65 loss to Pebblebrook on Jan. 11.

Aidan Hadaway, LaFayette

A dominant scorer and rim protector, Hadaway is a monster on the court, and he is putting up monster numbers this season. The 6-foot-8 Ohio signee averages 29.1 points and 12 rebounds per game for the undefeated Ramblers (19-0).

Micah Hoover, King’s Ridge

Hoover excels in the pick and roll, and if you give him a lane to the basket he will take off for a slam. On defense, the 6-foot-6 junior’s length and athleticism help him protect the paint. Hoover put up 35 points for the Tigers (16-3) in a win over Lakeview Academy on Tuesday.

William Jobe, Frederica Academy

A knockdown shooter who does a great job using his length to affect shots on defense, Jobe should only improve as he matures physically and gains more experience at the high school level. The 6-foot-9 sophomore finished with a triple-double of 29 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in Frederica’s win over Southside Christian on Dec. 18, and he already has Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Indiana, Xavier and more major programs pursuing him.

Wade Kahl, Centennial

Kahl has great hands, helping him reel in passes in the post and grab rebounds at a high rate, and he uses his length to be a disruptor on defense. The 6-foot-7 senior posted 21 points, nine rebounds and four blocks in the Knights’ win over Riverwood on Jan. 20. 

Mason Lockhart, Columbia

Lockhart brings a strong presence with him whenever he steps in the paint, changing the direction of shots and snatching rebounds out of the air. The 6-foot-7 senior leads the way in scoring and rebounding for the Eagles (18-3).

Connor McKay, Rabun County

He’s not your typical power forward, but in an ever-evolving game, McKay can wear many hats. And what he lacks in size, he makes up for with his bounce and speed. The 6-foot-5 Lander signee is putting up over 26 points and 10 rebounds per game for the Tigers (16-5), and he had a ridiculous stat line of 47 points, 16 rebounds and four blocks in a win over Union County on Thursday.

Daniel Pounds, Newton

Pounds has crazy bounce and plays with a high motor, fitting in perfectly with a fast-paced, high-flying Newton squad. The 6-foot-7 senior with an offer from Stetson reliably throws down a slam dunk at least once per game.

Brigham Rogers, Blessed Trinity

Rogers runs the court and attacks the basket with confidence, off the dribble and off the boards. The 6-foot-9 junior was good for 24 points, 14 rebounds, five assists and six blocks in a win at Cartersville on Jan. 14.

Jared Russo, River Ridge

One half of the massive “Twin Towers” roaming the paint for River Ridge, Russo is a versatile forward who can score at all levels and plays bigger than his already-large frame. The 6-foot-9 senior dropped 32 points and grabbed seven rebounds in the Knights’ win over Riverwood on Jan. 25.

Dennis Scott III, Mount Vernon

The son of the former Georgia Tech and NBA forward with whom he shares a name, Scott is making a name for himself as a versatile stretch big. The 6-foot-9 sophomore received his first college offer last summer from Indiana, and he’s averaging 14 points and 10 rebounds per game for the Mustangs.

Jaiun Simon, Pebblebrook

An athletic forward with a strong outside jumper, Simon has elevated his profile this season as one of the top players on one of the top teams in the state. The 6-foot-6 junior grabbed 13 rebounds to go with 20 points, two steals and two blocks in the Falcons’ big win over Newton on Jan. 10. 

Chauncey Wiggins, Grayson

From pounding the paint to draining threes, Wiggins and his game are dynamic. The 6-foot-10 Clemson signee went for 18 points and 17 rebounds in the Rams’ win over Carmel Christian on Dec. 28.