Puma 2026 Forward Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On July 11th-14th I attended the&nbsp;<strong>Puma circuit</strong>&nbsp;at the big facility of the Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa/AZ.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There were 5 local programs I watched with Apex Athletix, AZ Venom, Factory, Jump Athletics and Team Supreme.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Here were some of the standout 2026 Forwards </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1763218' first='AJ' last='Harris'] Canyon View (Factory 16)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A long and athletic wing forward can rip thru and go to work. He rebounds well in and out of his area and he is very fluid and quicker forward than many out there. He works best inside the paint but can step out and shoot it plus made some clutch free throws in a big win.&nbsp;He is a versatile multi-positional defender. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2333011' first='Myles' last='Liimatta'] Valley Christian (Factory 16)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A true strong power forward sores and defends. He will put points on the board with drop steps, put backs and tough contact finishes. He is a strong two-handed rebounder and powers his way up to score. His frame, long arms and wider shoulders allow him to get most of his work done.    </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2344608' first='Kofi' last='Idris'] Supreme Academy (Team Supreme 16 Black) (Pictured)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A high powered forward has a great body and frame. He is a supreme shot blocker with incredible timing. He is a top rebounder in his area and will score in the dunkers spot and dunk it or lay it in. He had some vicious blocks at the rim and shows upside. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1150903' first='Rocket' last='Schwertley'] Brophy Prep&nbsp;(Team Supreme 16 Black)&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A strong framed power forward with a big IQ and skill. He can score inside with put backs and post footwork but is best facing up from the three point line. He can catch and shoot it or pull-up off the dribble and rebounds well in his area.  </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1680907' first='Josh' last='Dillard'] Ironwood (Jump Athletic 2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A versatile defensive wing forward. He can rattle in catch threes, rebounds at a good clip and block shots in and out of his area with a plus motor. He runs the court well and scores in transition. He will defend multiple positions, bring energy and make shots. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2318330' first='Jarod' last='Hemsley'] Canyon View (AZ Venom 16)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A long and lean power forward scores it around the basket with tough inside moves and fights for points. He rebounds well in and out of his area and will score on put backs and mini hook shots over the defender. He runs the court and brings a little size. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1956213' first='Ben' last='Lambe'] Pusch Ridge (Apex Athletix)&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A powerful forward is a top notch rebounder who has a nose for the ball. He scores with his left or right hand in the paint and will step out and shoot the three with nice ball rotation. He plays smartly off of the pick and roll game and slips quickly to the rim. He moves without the ball and cuts to the basket, as he plays the game from the neck up.  </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2052364' first='Nitai' last='Buchler'] Tucson (Apex Athletix)&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A power forward who is very fluid. He is quick in the lane and will rip thru to score around the basket. He rebounds well in his area and he is a good passer with a cerebral approach to the game. He will battle inside for rebounds and boxes out well.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->