2026 Preview: Impactful Forwards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These forwards have brought value for winning programs across the state, notably through their willingness to play physically inside the arc. Active on the glass and help rotations, keep tabs on these 2026 athletes to make a major impact this coming season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1534007"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Mendez is a long forward who possesses a notably wide reach, allowing him to impact quite a few areas inside the arc. Active digging into smaller opponents in the post, the sophomore showed value initiating position for entry passes. Should opponents front the post, Mendez has shown value getting into an advantageous position for passes over the top. Given his wide reach, Mendez is valuable rotating to contest shots early on. Through his initial season at Pojoaque Valley, the forward put up 6.1 points and 5 rebounds per game. Following the departure of guard Derek Sanchez and Tobias Velasquez, the forward looks to take a leap with a larger opportunity this season. Adding strength will be valuable for Mendez, capable of guarding multiple positions in due time.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-653875c0ef66d"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1717247"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Giron shows upside as a floor spacer, capable of getting up the shot over incoming contests. Staying shot ready on spot-up attempts, the wing is an immediate threat following a pass. Along with his impact spacing the floor, he was an active shot blocker throughout this past season. Active rotating on the help side or maintaining position versus an opposing forward, Giron looks to be a versatile defender over the coming seasons. The sophomore is especially active pushing the break following a block, typically looking to dish it to one of Hope Christian's guards. Following averages of 8.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game, the forward is certainly among the more intriguing names within the 2026 class.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-653875c0ef70e"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1717329"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Wallin is a notably strong forward who shows intrigue as an impactful rebounder, particularly on the defensive end. Capable of setting powerful screens for ball handlers, Wallin provides plenty of intrigue through his raw strength. Through his initial season with Logan, the forward put up 7.2 points and 4.7 rebounds per game for 18-12 Logan. Active in the post, Wallin is capable getting to short fadeaways when provided an opportunity, simply too strong for the vast majority of frontcourt opponent.s","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-653875c0ef791"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1717249"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Bruhn is a tall complementary guard who looks to quickly make an impact off the catch. Active attacking closeouts for rim penetration, the guard already has an excellent pivot and rip through, allowing him greater opportunities. As well, Bruhn is active taking shot attempts off the catch, showing confidence when given space. Through his previous season for Logan, the sophomore recently put up 4.3 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. His continued activity on the glass cannot go overlooked, proving to be a necessary component for this group's impact on the glass over the coming seasons. Bruhn's continued growth in efficiency behind the arc will play a vital role in his complementary impact.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-653875c0ef813"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->