Updated 2026 Rankings: Forwards (5-1)
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The first ever Prep Hoops VA class of 2026 rankings came out, ranking the top freshman/rising sophomores in the state. Obviously with this being the first one, there will be a lot of changes moving forward as players grow, develop…
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Continue ReadingThe first ever Prep Hoops VA class of 2026 rankings came out, ranking the top freshman/rising sophomores in the state. Obviously with this being the first one, there will be a lot of changes moving forward as players grow, develop and emerge over the next few years. The 48 player prospect rankings are just a starting point, and we’re excited to continue to monitor and learn new names moving forward.
Here’s a look at the top 5 power forwards and centers in the 2026 class.
5) Ripp Kodi Ripp Kodi 6'5" | PF Bishop Ireton | 2026 State VA | 6’6” C | Bishop Ireton (#18 Overall)
Kodi is part of a talented young Ireton team, and he played major minutes off the bench as a freshman and showed flashes of brilliance with a lot of upside moving forward. He’s a strong post player who has good hands and feet in the paint, he has good touch and can score it over both shoulders and he does the dirty work as he rebounds and protects the paint with his size and length. He has shown the ability to step out to the perimeter where he can make shots and is a good passer, and as he continues to develop and grow he’ll be a guy to keep an eye on in the WCAC.
4) Connor Lyons Connor Lyons 6'7" | PF St. Anne's-Belfield | 2026 State VA | 6’6” PF | St. Anne’s-Belfield (#10 Overall)
Lyons could easily be listed as a small forward, but the way his body is I still expect him to grow a couple of inches and if he gets to say 6’8” he’ll have the ability to be a stretch four or hybrid forward that can play multiple positions. Regardless if he grows or not, Lyons already has good length and size and he’s a high level knock down shooter from deep who is a natural shooter and fits the prototypical mold as a D1 wing. He has an effortless stroke with good range and consistency in his form, he moves well off the ball and can set his feet quickly and his length allows him to challenge shots and get deflections on the defensive end as well.
3) Evan Brown Evan Brown 6'7" | PF Bishop Ireton | 2026 State VA | 6’7” C | Highland School (#7 Overall)
Brown started for a Highland team that shocked many on their run to a VISAA D2 state championship last year in Coach Logan Miller’s first year, and they’re only going to get better as most of their top players return. Brown is especially intriguing when it comes to their prospects, as he is a young big with good size and length and is productive in a number of different ways. He has a knack for making plays in the paint as he’s a good rebounder in and out of his area and is a good rim protector as well, he can post and catch on the block where he has good back to the basket moves and he can step out where he has good touch out to the three-point line too. He’s a good athlete who is likely still growing and will become more explosive as he grows into his body.
2) Kosi Mgbejiofor Kosi Mgbejiofor 6'10" | C Winston-Salem Christian | 2026 State NC | 6’9” C | Catholic (#3 Overall)
Mgbejiofor came to an already talented Catholic team and started from day one, and he wasted no time showing he’s one of the top big men prospects in the state if not on the east coast and has as much potential as anyone in this class. At 6’9” he’s a unique talent at his age as he runs and jumps like a track star, and is able to make plays others simply can’t make at his age. He’s an elite level rim protector with length and explosion as well as great timing, and he not only swats shots but he punishes them off the glass and into the stands. He runs the floor effortlessly with his guards, he’s a super explosive finisher who dunks everything in the paint and he still has room to improve his body and game moving forward.
1) Latrell Allmond Latrell Allmond 6'8" | C John Marshall | 2026 State VA | 6’8” PF | John Marshall (#1 Overall)
Allmond was the no brainer #1 in our first 2026 rankings, as he was one of the best players on one of the best teams in the country and wasted no time showing that with his dominance on a team full of division one players. He’s a man amongst boys even when he’s playing against guys much older than him, as he’s a physical presence who uses his strength and athleticism to clear out space to rebound and finish in traffic and above the rim. He’s mobile for his size as he’s able to run the floor and moves well defensively, he’s a good post defender who can wall up and protect the rim and he has good touch out to the perimeter too. He’s a super productive player who is well advanced for his age already and his production against older and bigger players already is very impressive.