2026 Rankings: Off The Radar Forward Newcomers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With 340 players, there is bound to be some new talent that was eventually going to be discovered.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There were 34 new players and here are some of the standouts that are not top-10 for position but are very good players in their own right.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Here are 8 Forward newcomers from the last four months that are off the radar:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2367880' first='Saleem' last='Gakiza'] <strong>The Academy Phoenix (Pictured)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A physical framed small forward can score from all three levels. He can hit the three off the catch, pull-up from mid-range plus get downhill using his thicker frame. He rebounds well and can take it coast to coast in traffic. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2784892' first='Kaeden' last='Everett'] <strong>North</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the more athletic forwards in the AIA that many people do not know about yet. He is a graceful mover and will defend from inside and out. He will score it way above the rim and he is a natural downhill threat. He rebounds well in his area and seems to defend literally every position on the court. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2759109' first='Christian' last='Saric'] <strong>Phhoenix Prep</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A bigger sized point forward type with next level court vision. He plays the game like a big point guard and will make pinpoint passes straight to his teammates. He will get to the basket plus he is a capable perimeter shooter. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2697397' first='Isaiah' last='Carter'] <strong>La Joya</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A skilled and long wing forward was the region player of the year in the Central Valley. He is a natural scorer with catch threes, downhill drives and he will throw it down easily on the break.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2423942' first='Apollo' last='Jennings'] <strong>Chandler </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A strong power forward can carve out space and handle some physicality in the painted area. He will score thru contact and rebound the ball with boxing out and using some length and a motor. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2764046' first='Malachi' last='Hicks'] <strong>Gilbert </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A stong power forward with some springs transferred back to Gilbert and had to sit the year off of varsity. He dominated junior varsity nightly on the glass with his size, strength and skill in the paint. He should breakout next year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2806856' first='Amaru' last='Williams'] <strong>Brophy Prep</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A decent sized wing forward with incredible skill. He is one of the better catch three point shooters. He squares up like you should and lets it fly. He has one of the shots that looks good every attempt. He should get more playing time next year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2790643' first='Shay' last='Patel'] <strong>Paradise Valley</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A big, strong based post player with longer arms. He uses his brawn and girth to rebound inside and out. He has a plus motor to grab a ball out of his area and will score it efficiently with layups, hook shots and has a nice free throw touch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->