Charlie Hughes Showcase Preview – Class of 2026 Forwards to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There is no better event on the calendar from an evaluation or recruiting standpoint than the annual IBCA/IHSAA Charlie Hughes Showcase. This weekend, which is a live evaluation period for Division I college coaches, 170 of the best teams in the state of Indiana will descend on Carmel and Westfield High Schools for an absolutely excellent three days of basketball. Prep Hoops Indiana will have boots on the ground coverage from the opening tip-off to the final buzzer. However, before the event even starts, we will be rolling out content all week long to preview this outstanding event. Let's dive on in and take a look at some of rising junior forwards that college programs of all levels will want to start to get to know at the 2024 Charlie Hughes Showcase.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1981703' first='Stephen' last='Akase']: 6'6" Center (Tippecanoe Valley H.S. 2026) - Akase is one of the better rebounders in Indiana's Class of 2026. He plays with a great motor, is very physical, and will go get rebounds outside of his area. As a sophomore, Akase led Tippecanoe Valley in both scoring and rebounds averaging 13.6 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. Looking forward to seeing him again this weekend at the Charlie Hughes Showcase.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1560969' first='Tyler' last='Crews']: 6'9" Center (Gary West Side H.S. 2026) - One of the bigger prospects in Indiana's Class of 2026, Crews has been a prospect we've been high on for awhile here at Prep Hoops Indiana. The overall package is still developing, but he has a soft touch at the rim, can rebound his area, and protects the rim defensively. 6'9"-6'10" center with a high upside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1561051' first='Cody' last='Evans']: 6'7" Power Forward (Greencastle H.S. 2026) - Evans is a very skilled, versatile offensive player. Really like his game at 6'7". As a sophomore, Evans averaged 12.7 points per game while shooting 38-108 (35.2%) from three-point range. That pick-and-pop ability makes him a really intriguing prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2272826' first='Javionne' last='Harris']: 6'4" Power Forward (Taylor H.S. 2026) - Harris is a highly productive forward that averaged just shy of a double-double for Taylor as a sophomore putting up 11.8 points and 9.7 rebounds per game. Definitely an under-the-radar front court piece that should garner some attention starting this weekend at the Charlie Hughes Showcase.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2046170' first='Cooper' last='Hess']: 6'7" Power Forward (Zionsville H.S. 2026) - We have remained high on this Zionsville High School product since he came onto our radar in the fall. Hess moves really well for his size and is just as comfortable operating out on the perimeter as he is around the basket. The Eagles feature two high-scoring rising senior wings, but look for Hess to really breakout as a versatile interior threat this coming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1561624' first='Brogan' last='McNiece']: 6'5" Power Forward (Homestead H.S. 2026) - A versatile, left-handed forward, McNiece is ready to continue taking on more and more responsibility for Homestead this coming season. He can step out to three-point range and knock down open shots, attack closeouts off of the dribble, and finishes well over his right shoulder inside. Really like his well-rounded offensive game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1560993' first='Logan' last='Peters']: 6'8" Center (Heritage Christian 2026) - Peters is a high-upside prospect that is really starting to develop into a two-way threat around the basket. He moves well for his size both as a rim-runner end-to-end and vertically around the basket. The 6'8" big man rebounds his area well, flashes some rim protection ability, and finishes inside with good hands.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2398995' first='Brady' last='Scholl']: 6'7" Power Forward (Northridge H.S. 2026) - An under-the-radar prospect from Northridge High School averaged 15.2 points and 8.0 rebounds per game as a sophomore. He is highly effective around the basket with some vertical athleticism and good footwork. Definitely a big man in Indiana's Class of 2026 to get to know.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2046166' first='Joe' last='Taylor']: 6'7" Power Forward (Roncalli H.S. 2026) - Taylor really came on strong during his sophomore season averaging 10.0 points and 6.0 rebounds per game for Roncalli. He is a skilled front court player that can face-up and do some things off of the bounce. The 6'7" forward moves well with his back to the basket and continues to expand his game. Should be a go-to guy for the Royals this coming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->