Late July Standout 2026 Forwards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the last of these <em>Late July </em>updates, we take a look at some 2026 forwards who look ready for a big season heading into their junior years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1601813' first='Michael' last='Masini'] <em>Gig Harbor </em>| [program_tooltip program_id='2076260' first='FOH' last='']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Masini does a great job of staying focused through the entirety of the possession and finishing plays. Whether it's following his own misses in close, working back to defensive boards when his man misses a shot, or hustling to chase down long rebounds, he is aware of the importance of seeing the play through. He also moves well without the ball, can score from each level, and has been very effective facing up and going to work.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2021650' first='Malachi' last='Bowman'] <em>Lynden </em>| Sammamish Select</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bowman's a player with a good physical makeup and a foundation of skills that could translate to some big growth in his game over the next year. He's long, strong, shows good touch from 3-point at times, and can make plays around the rim. He's shown some really good flashes with Sammamish Select to end the AAU season, and should be a name to watch up at Lynden this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2380113' first='James' last='Huff IV'] <em>Lindbergh</em> | [program_tooltip program_id='2451463' first='NW' last='Drip']<em> </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Huff showed out at the 3SSB Championships in Rock Hill, averaging 10.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.5 blocks, and 1.3 steals over the entire six-game stretch. He can be a big factor defensively when he digs in, and can be just as effective on the offensive end, rebounding and putting in shots by the rim. If he can get a little more consistency with his outside shot, he could be in for a big season this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1685489' first='Yeabsera' last='Aklog'] <em>Eastside Catholic </em>| NW Rotary Rebels</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He had a favorable size matchup in their game against Paul George Elite but quickly saw double and triple teams thrown his way. He was pretty impressive both passing out of the doubles and working through them. He showed some real strength to step through and split defenders, finish over multiple guys, and be able to play with some skill and touch while being super strong with the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Daniel Trotenya </strong><em>Kennewick </em>| Yakima Flight</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He's a long and strong guard who has put in some good work with Yakima Flight to end the season. He's able to throw some moves together on the perimeter and get a beat on his man, then has the physicality to bump his man off, use his shoulders to create separation, and finish at the rim. Trotenya has also shown some deep range at times and has the potential to be a big riser this winter at Kennewick.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->