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NORTH CAROLINA RANKINGS: A LOOK AT THE TOP 10 SMALL FORWARDS IN THE 2022 CLASS

By Big Shots Nation, 09/17/19, 11:00AM EDT

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Check out the Top 10 small forwards in North Carolina's 2022 class.

1. Derrick "DJ" Nix Jr., Cannon School

Derrick "D.J." Nix clocks in as the top small forward in the 2022 class in the state of North Carolina. Nix is a long small forward at 6-foot-6 that has a nice all-around floor game that allows him to score on all three levels. He can put the ball on the floor and break down his defender to create his own shot and can even create in the post. He's a versatile player that can get boards and get up the floor as well. Nix holds offers from the College of Charleston, Boston College and Houston Baptist already.

2. Daniel Sanford, Vance

Daniel Sanford is due for a breakout season at Vance High School after having a strong summer. He's a big forward at 6-foot-6 that has the ability to finish above the rim with authority. He loves being physical, especially when he moves his game to the inside and continues to develop his shot from the midrange and beyond. Sanford holds an offer from Western Carolina.

3.Davis Molnar, Terry Sanford

Davis Molnar is an emerging forward that's full of versatility on the wing and on the interior.  Listed at 6-foot-6, he's capable of playing inside and out at his size. He's fundamentally sound with his approach of not forcing things and making the right reads with the ball in his hands. He'll look to pass just as well as he'll look to score, never overdoing things when he's in control. Molnar is one to watch at Terry Sanford in the fall.

4. Jeremy Dixon, Kinston

Jeremy Dixon is yet another emerging prospect out of Kinston High School, slowly approaching on the heels of 2021 forward Dontrez Styles. Dixon is due for a break out sophomore season with his ability on the wing. He's an aggressive slasher that finishes at the rim with authority and a solid 3-point shooter. He possesses the skill set of a 3-and-D guy despite his young age. Keep an eye on him at Kinston this season.

5. Dylan Wiggins, Cleveland

Dylan Wiggins is a versatile forward prospect that's due to make waves this season for Cleveland High School's varsity squad. He's an emerging wing but dominant as ever in the paint with his ability to secure rebounds and controls the paint. He's got double-double potential with his awareness around the rim to chase down rebounds and finish strong through contact. It will be interesting to see how he fits in this year on the varsity squad.

6. Elijah Gray, Carmel Christian

Elijah Gray didn't contribute much if any this past season but the 6-foot-7 prospect is another sophomore due for a break out season at Carmel Christian. Gray has solid instincts for a player of his size and really developed his game this past summer with Team Synergy/CP3 on the AAU circuit. He can play either forward position with his ability to score off the catch and in the post. He's still developing his ball-handling skills to become more versatile.

7. Shane Fernald, Hickory Ridge

Shane Fernald was a solid contributor to his team's success this past season and returns looking to do damage in his sophomore season.  He's confident off the dribble and has nice hands around the rim that allow him to finish strong. He moves well on the fastbreak for a player of his size and possesses the ability to finish strong through contact.  It will be interesting to see his progression this season at Hickory Ridge.

8. Kameron Byrd, Walter Williams

Kameron Byrd is due to contribute mightily on the varsity squad at Walter Williams this season. Byrd is an athletic, high-flying forward that loves to play above the rim. He's an aggressive slasher that looks to get to the paint with a full head of steam and finish with authority. Given his length and athleticism, he's bound to attract interest in years to come. 

9. Zach Weed, Heritage

Zach Weed got some experience at the varsity level this past season and is due to fight for a starting spot in this year's rotation. He has the ability to play inside and out with his size at 6-foot-5. He's got nice size and length that he uses well to get boards in the paint and stretches the floor with his ability to knock down shots in the midrange and from the outside. He's another young prospect to watch over at Heritage. 

10. Bralen Hamrick, Harding University

Bralen Hamrick is a solid forward prospect that establishes position well on the interior. He plays a lot bigger than his size, which is listed at 6-foot-3, and establishes position in the paint very well. He's got underrated vision with the ball in his hands and a knack for finishing with touch around the rim. He'll be one to keep an eye on at Harding University High School after a strong summer with Team Charlotte.