Updated 2026 Rankings: Forwards (21-14)
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We recently updated our 2026 rankings, with over 30 new additions and a total of 105 prospects across the state getting ranked. Now that we’ve looked at the new additions and stock risers, it’s now time to take a look…
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Continue ReadingWe recently updated our 2026 rankings, with over 30 new additions and a total of 105 prospects across the state getting ranked.
Now that we’ve looked at the new additions and stock risers, it’s now time to take a look at the positional rankings. We’ve broken it down into three different categories in guards, wings and forwards.
Here’s a look at part one of the forwards rankings, looking at some of the best power forwards and centers in the class.
21) Grady Hill Grady Hill 6'5" | C Robinson | 2026 State VA | 6’5” C | Robinson (#95 Overall)
Hill is a player we’re looking forward to watching as he goes into his junior season on a Robinson team that should take a big leap this year. The 6’5” big man is an inside-out threat who can stretch the floor with his shooting ability, he delivers passes to cutters and he has good soft touch around the rim with good post moves and counters.
20) Kong Tangwa Kong Tangwa 6'5" | C Potomac | 2026 State VA | 6’5” C | Potomac (#81 Overall)
Tangwa is part of a Potomac front court that will be tough to contend with over the next few years, and his motor is one of the best you’ll see across the state. The 6’5” big man has long arms that allows him to challenge shots and rebound, he is mobile enough to move his feet and get up and down the floor and he can impact the game without needing to score the ball.
19) Merrick Rillstone Merrick Rillstone 6'5" | PF South Lakes | 2026 State VA | 6’5” PF | South Lakes (#71 Overall)
Rillstone was a big reason for South Lakes state championship run this year, and he could see himself jump up this list as he continues to develop over the next few years. The 6’5” hybrid forward is a mismatch wit his ability to knock down shots and put it on the deck on the perimeter, he can guard multiple positions with his length and athleticism and he is a good rebounder and outlet passer too.
18) Medwyn Opoku-Arthur Medwyn Opoku-Arthur 6'6" | PF Potomac | 2026 State VA | 6’6” C | Potomac (#70 Overall)
Opoku-Arthur is the guy I believe may take the biggest leap in the next rankings, as he’s likely going to be a late bloomer much like his brother was. The 6’6” big man is still growing and as he grows into his body his athleticism and timing will improve, he challenges and blocks shots without fouling in the paint and he is steadily improving on the offensive end every time we see him.
17) Mannie Villegas Mannie Villegas 6'8" | PF Benedictine College Preparatory | 2026 State VA | 6’8” PF | Benedictine (#69 Overall)
Villegas is part of a young Benedictine team that could be on the rise in the next few years, and he’s an intriguing long term prospect with his skill set and potential. At 6’8” he has a nice frame and is strong in the post with the ability to create space, he’s a good athlete who can run the floor and play above the rim, he has soft touch and he has a solid base skillset with a lot of room for improvement.
16) Deng Deng Deng Deng 6'10" | C S3 Academy | 2026 State VA | 6’11” C | S3 Academy (#65 Overall)
Deng is a player that we look forward to getting to know more of, as he’s a new face and is a very intriguing prospect who could move way up this list in the near future. At 6’11” you don’t find many players with his athleticism at his size, he impacts the game defensively with his length and ability to challenge shots, he gets up and down the floor and he is just scratching the surface with how good he can be.
15) Ryan Brzezanski Ryan Brzezanski 6'6" | PF Briar Woods | 2026 State VA | 6’6” PF | Briar Woods (#62 Overall)
Brzezanski is looking like he’ll be one of the top players in NOVA public schools over the next few years, and he’s going to be a tough matchup with his inside-out game that makes him a mismatch. At 6’6” he’s a good athlete who is strong in the paint and attacks the glass on both ends, he can stretch the floor and has good ball skills on the perimeter and he can post up with soft touch and good footwork in the paint too.
14) Darius Gray Darius Gray 6'5" | C St. Christopher's | 2026 State VA | 6’5” C | St. Chris (#55 Overall)
Gray would likely be higher on this list if he wasn’t such a talented and highly touted football recruit, but while his future is with his hand in the dirt he still is one of the best players in Richmond on the hardwood too. He’s a player who doesn’t fit the mold you’d expect at his size as he has great vision and ball skills despite being a bruiser, he is surprisingly quick and gets up and down the floor and he has a lot of finesse to his game as well.