Bluegrass State Standouts: Top 2026 Power Forwards
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After an exciting year of high school basketball action in the Bluegrass State, it’s time to look back at some of the best and brightest standouts on both sides of the court last year. Today, we will be continuing my…
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Continue ReadingAfter an exciting year of high school basketball action in the Bluegrass State, it’s time to look back at some of the best and brightest standouts on both sides of the court last year. Today, we will be continuing my “Bluegrass State Standouts” series as we move onto a new group of rising sophomore prospects in a new position. After breaking down some high-level shooting guards in the state, it’s time to explore the power forward position. Without any further ado, here’s my list of the top 2026 power forwards in Kentucky to watch for this upcoming season.
Highlights
At the top of my list of standouts is Kendall Phillips Kendall Phillips 6'5" | PF Wayne County | 2026 State KY , a 6-foot-5 power forward at Wayne County High School. Phillips was one of the most productive players on the Cardinals’ roster during his freshman stint of high school basketball last year. In 31 contests, Phillips was both the strongest scorer and best rebounder on Wayne County’s roster, collecting a total of 535 points and 324 rebounds, averaging 17.3 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. The rising sophomore out of Monticello, KY. additionally shot 52.6% (200-380) from the field, 35.3% (49-139) from beyond the arc and 74.8% (86-115) from the free throw line. In addition to solid size and speed, what stands out about Phillips his outstanding shooting, smart passing and his confident playstyle. Another aspect of Phillips that caught my eye was his versatility and footwork, showcasing his ability to both hit long-range jumpers and drive to the rim.
Highlights
Claiming a second place finish on my list is Gabe Weis Gabe Weis 6'8" | PF Montverde Academy | 2026 State FL , a 6-foot-7 power forward at Washington County High School. Weis made his presence known on both sides of the court during his freshman season with the Commanders last year. In 32 games, Weis was the third-strongest scoring machine and the second-best rebounder on Washington County’s roster, recording a grand total of 367 points and 225 rebounds, averaging 11.5 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. The rising sophomore out of Springfield, KY. additionally shot 53.9% (153-284) from field goal range, 27.8% (10-36) from three-point range and 58.6% (51-87) from the free throw line. With great size, speed and athleticism, Weis showcased his ability to control the pace of the game with strong ball control and a well-balanced passing effort. Weis also impressed me with his pin-point accurate shooting and rebounding effort, using his height and wingspan to muscle his way to the ball.
Finishing in the number three spot on my list of talented prospects is James Turner James Turner 6'6" | PF Newport | 2026 State KY , a 6-foot-6 power forward at Newport High School. Turner was a significant contributor for the Wildcats during his freshman stint of high school basketball last year. In 33 contests, Turner was one of the best scorers as well as the top rebounder on Newport’s roster, recording a total of 280 points and 216 rebounds, averaging 8.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. The rising sophomore out of Newport, KY. additionally shot 56.6% (111-196) from the field, 13.0% (3-23) from beyond the arc and 56.7% (55-97) from the free throw line. In addition to excellent size, speed and toughness on both sides, what stands out about Turner is physicality and ability to bully the opposition in the paint and underneath the rim. Turner’s well-balanced playstyle consisted of smart passing and a consistent effort to both score the basketball and grab second-chance opportunities.
In the number four spot on my list is Reece Davidson Reece Davidson 6'7" | PF North Laurel | 2026 State KY , a 6-foot-7 power forward at North Laurel High School. Davidson was an efficient addition to the Jaguars’ roster during his freshman season of high school basketball last year. In 27 games, Davidson was a valuable scorer and rebounder, picking up 74 points and 34 rebounds, averaging 2.7 points and 1.3 rebounds per game. The rising sophomore out of London, KY. additionally shot 46.8% (29-62) from field goal range, 36.4% (12-33) from beyond the three-point line and 100% (4-4) at the free throw line. Davidson stood out due to his size, speed and overall physical playstyle, frustrating the opposition with his ability to quickly blast his way to the rim despite defensive pushback. Davidson’s height and wingspan helped him to haul in tons of second-chance opportunities as well.
Highlights
Coming in at number five on my list of standouts is Gavin Lightning Gavin Lightning 6'5" | PF Hilliard Bradley | 2026 State OH , a 6-foot-5 power forward at Bowling Green High School. Lightning was a crucial playmaker on the Purples’ roster during his freshman campaign of high school basketball last year. In 35 contests, Lightning proved himself as one of the stronger scoring machines and rebounders on Bowling Green’s roster, collecting a grand total of 198 points and 183 rebounds, averaging 5.7 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. The rising sophomore out of Bowling Green, KY. additionally shot 58.7% (84-143) from the field, 30.0% (3-10) from beyond the arc and 60.0% (27-45) from the free throw line. In addition to impressive size, speed and athleticism, what makes Lightning so efficient is his overall composure and ability to control the ball. Lightning also stood out because of his well-balanced passing, shooting from around the perimeter and his team-focused playstyle.