2026 Review: Bruising Forwards

These forwards maximize their literal strength and height advantages in the paint. These prospects impressed through local events in the month of July, set to draw even more attention once the high school season begins.    A major riser from this past month, Lucas who is now attending Mesa Ridge, came into this club season without many eyes on him. A notably strong forward who looks to leverage his wiry frame for finishes around the rim. Bringing in a very high motor, he routinely secured rebounds versus taller and stronger opponents, thanks to his constant hustle once the shot goes up. Unfazed by incoming contests or hard fouls, Lucas will go up through the opponent regardless of the repercussions. His continued progression as a perimeter shotmaker will be imperative to rounding out his offensive game, although he is already at a highly productive baseline.     Hill finishes off a productive summer following the 1A state title for Cheyenne Wells, boasting a uniquely physical frame and soft touch with either hand. Effectively controlling his opportunities in the post, few opponents match his physicality, often fouling him on those attempts. His size allowed him to be a dependable screener for playmakers, creating plenty of space to throw opponents into difficult situations.     Leaping onto our page's radar this season, Andrews has impressed due to his skill down low to create efficient looks. Bringing an excellent drop step and pivot game, paired with the seemingly herculean strength, few matchups can contain him within the state. Ralston Valley will be set as one of the top programs, bringing the familiar elite perimeter playmaking now elevated by various forwards. Defensively, his size makes him a capable post defender who is not easily backed down, his patience paired with the strength makes him a routine shot blocker.     Roselle has been a routine threat on the glass, always on the prowl for second chance opportunities. Few athletes in this class boast his motor and consistent activity, when paired with the strong frame at roughly 6'5, opponents have no choice but to box him out. A double double threat on multiple occasions from various PrepHoops events locally, Roselle is a name to follow over at Timnath. His continued growth along the perimeter will be essential to round out his offensive game, although the high motor allows him to play in various lineup combinations.     Junker's motor and skill paired with the steady progression along the perimeter makes him one of the most exciting prospects in the class. Empowering Flyers 2025 throughout the summer, the 2026 forward is a vacuum on the glass, propelling that group from the sheer volume of second chance opportunities. Junker has continued to develop his face-up game out to the free throw line, drawing out opponents a bit farther for subsequent straight line drives. He brings excellent reactions for counter moves, actively getting to spin moves around his defender. On the opposite end, Junker has been a prolific shot blocker both at the point of attack or help side, nothing has regressed for him there.

These forwards maximize their literal strength and height advantages in the paint. These prospects impressed through local events in the month of July, set to draw even more attention once the high school season begins.