Rankings Review: Class of 2026 Small Forwards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class of 2026 has a nice crop of talent that plays the small forward/wing position in Louisiana. These players may play in the paint for their high school teams. However, they have the skill to play on the perimeter as well. The players at the top of the 2026 list have a ton of potential to be high level players on the next level. In this rankings review, we will take a look at this class and their players at the small forward position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1. [player_tooltip player_id='1967568' first='Lavell' last='Lane'] - </strong>The Richwood junior-to-be is the prototypical small forward/wing in Louisiana. He is a long and athletic player who can run the floor and shoot it from distance. The versatility he displays makes players like him hard to guard. His shooting ability can really swing a game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. [player_tooltip player_id='2307970' first='Monte' last='Farmer'] -</strong> Farmer is that small forward who plays more in the paint. However, he is just as effective as a small forward. Farmer, oftentimes, acts as a rim protector. When he does block a shot, he usually ignites transition opportunities for his team. Farmer is active off the floor and likes to finish at the rim. He is a small forward who gets it done in the paint. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. [player_tooltip player_id='1679406' first='Antonio' last='Dixon'] - </strong>Dixon is one of the more explosive wing/small forwards that this class has. While he can play the post, his best play comes when he is playing in space. Dixon can attack from either wing or shoot from the mid-range and distance. He is a quick leaper off the floor and can flush the ball at a moment's notice. Dixon has a huge upside with the skill set he possesses. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. [player_tooltip player_id='2414908' first='Ja'Dell' last='Demery'] - </strong>During a district game this past season, Demery outplayed all-stater [player_tooltip player_id='1105536' first='Jeremiah' last='Evans'] for small stretches of the game. That is the kind of potential Ja'Dell has. Demery can face up and attack the rim. He can also attack the offensive boards to garner extra possessions for his team. Demery is a player who is only going to get better this summer. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5. [player_tooltip player_id='2307977' first='Victor' last='Fisher'] - </strong>Fisher may be the tallest of these small forwards but he has the more traditional build at this position. He is a player who can run the floor very well and he is a great rebounder. Fisher also has great hands and can finish around the rim in tight spaces. He is also a rim protector which makes him a threat on the offensive and defensive ends. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other Small forwards to watch:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1543652' first='Mason' last='Delaney'] - </strong>A forward out of Ruston who can finish above the rim. Deceptively athletic</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1680526' first='Jamarcea' last='Gardner'] -</strong> Another wing who can shoot it or drive it. Has "3 &amp; D" potential</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1543665' first='Travis' last='Gallien'] - </strong>A wing that likes to bang in the paint as much as shoot from the perimeter; very skilled player</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The top five small forwards in this class all have the potential to be big time contributors to their team next season. Many of them play during the travel season and should make huge gains over the summer. Watch out for these names during the months to come. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->