Top new wings/forwards from 2026 Rankings Update
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Our 2026 rankings update saw over a dozen prospects make their debut in our list. After already breaking down eight guards who were added to our list, now it’s time to take a look at some wings and forwards who…
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Continue ReadingOur 2026 rankings update saw over a dozen prospects make their debut in our list. After already breaking down eight guards who were added to our list, now it’s time to take a look at some wings and forwards who stood out this summer.
The son of Toledo Head Coach Todd Kowalczyk, Race got minutes as a freshman on a Division I state final four squad at Toledo St John’s. A skilled forward who started to hit an athleticism bump in the spring, I saw Kowalczyk start to throw down some dunks in transition and his body is starting to develop. Able to knock down an open shot and attack a closeout from the stretch forward position, I’m intrigued to watch how Kowalczyk develops over the next few years.
One of the top shooters in the 2026 class, I expect Mattucci to breakout in central Ohio this season. Putting up impressive numbers for Nova this spring, I also was able to catch Mattucci with New Albany in June where he stood out as a floor spacer from the wing. New Head Coach Tim Casey was running Mattucci off screens and usually knocks it down when his feet are set. For Mattucci, a focus defensively against older and more physically mature players this winter could help New Albany be a surprise team in central Ohio.
A player who could fit the category of guard or wing, I decided to put Hill in here because of his ability to attack a closeout and comfort playing as a wing guard off the ball. The lefty wants to attack downhill and does so with good patience in the half-court. Best in transition where he can use his athleticism to finish at the rim with a dunk or a layup, Hill will look to throw one down when he gets a runway. The duo of Hill and fellow 2026 guard Gregory Price Gregory Price 6’1″ | CG Hawken | 2026 State OH should help Hawken this winter as a sleeper team to watch in northeast Ohio.
A new transfer to Ohio, Lightning is moving from Bowling Green, Kentucky to Hilliard, Ohio to play for the Jaguars. Already a player I was familiar with prior to the move, Lightning played with Midwest Basketball Club’s 15 U 3SSB squad this grassroots season. A power athlete from the forward position, Lightning is able to overpower smaller defenders in the paint and stretch out and hit an open shot from the perimeter. I’ll be curious to see how he fits in with the Hilliard Bradley system that is projected to be one of the top teams in Ohio this winter.
Highlights
A small-town standout, Toombs showed his talents with Nova this season with some big games on the UA Rise Circuit at the 15 U level. Also a football standout, Toombs has the body to perform on the football field as a linebacker/TE and on the basketball court as a forward. Transferring to Fredericktown for his Sophomore season, I expect Toombs to be one of the most dominant forces in the KMAC despite only being an underclassman. With his ability to stretch the floor and score in the paint, Toombs will have mismatches no matter where he’s positioned this winter.