2026 Forwards Stepping into Larger Roles
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Luke Williams Luke Williams 6'9" | PF Chaparral | 2026 State CO – Chaparral Williams has continued to show notable skill behind the arc, providing value through a smooth jumper on spot-up attempts. Capable knocking down attempts off the catch…
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Continue ReadingLuke Williams Luke Williams 6'9" | PF Chaparral | 2026 State CO – Chaparral
Williams has continued to show notable skill behind the arc, providing value through a smooth jumper on spot-up attempts. Capable knocking down attempts off the catch from the corners and wings, the forward shows upside as a floor spacer this upcoming season. Another area of value has been short hook shots from a few feet out, utilizing his height advantage over the matchup. When provided space to the rim, he shows flashes as a downhill scoring threat, capable of getting to his floater over help side defense. Versus opposing 4s, Williams can remain strong against post touches, keeping an arm up while getting up to block a shot. Williams’ growth in lateral quickness and willingness to attack with the ball will be two key areas to note with the sophomore out of Chaparral.
Drew Paine Drew Paine 6'8" | PF ThunderRidge | 2026 State CO – ThunderRidge
Paine boasts an excellent pivot game in the post, effective at utilizing up fakes and counter moves to create space around the rim. His combination of size and soft touch around the rim has made him a formidable opponent, looking to make an impact with top program ThunderRidge. Another area of intrigue from Paine has been his defensive value in the post, remaining fairly sturdy down low against opposing forwards. Doing particularly well at contesting shots without fouling, Paine raises his team’s floor at all times. His impact rebounding on both ends will provide plenty of value for an already very tall ThunderRidge program. Continuing to solidify himself as a floor spacer from spot-up attempts will play a role in his offensive versatility and wide ranging impact.
Eli Hughes Eli Hughes 6'5" | PF Fossil Ridge | 2026 State CO – Fossil Ridge
Hughes shows value as a gritty forward who competes on the glass every possession. Proving capable of rolling quickly while staying prepared for a pass over the top or down low. He gets up quickly for shot attempts at the rim, utilizing his wide reach to finish around incoming contests. Equally active on the defensive end, the forward has quick hands, allowing him to swat away attempts around the rim. Effective defending a forward in the post or rotating with urgency onto a driver, Hughes will have ample opportunities to showcase his defensive abilities next season.
John Elbe John Elbe 6'5" | PF University | 2026 State CO – University
Elbe shows value as a two-way rebounder, possessing a wide reach and a consistent motor on the glass. Active seeking box outs once the shot is up, the forward gives himself the best chance to secure rebounding opportunities. Especially consistent around the rim with the right hand, effective through contests or while getting to the turnaround push shot. One area worth noting has been his willingness to take corner three’s, certainly an area worth tracking throughout his sophomore season.
Noah Sevy Noah Sevy 6'6" | SF Grandview | 2026 State CO – Grandview
Sevy is a smooth wing who brings scoring capabilities out of the triple threat and spot-up opportunities. Capable stepping into mid-range shot attempts or taking fadeaways out of the pivot, he has upside as a refined perimeter scorer. Continuing to add strength to allow options on drives will be an area worth tracking down the line with Sevy.