Updated 2026 Rankings: Forward (5-1)

With the recent update of our class of 2026 rankings, we will take a look at positional rankings between guards, wings and forwards.   Here's a look at part three of the top power forwards and centers in the junior class.   5) [player_tooltip player_id='1963390' first='Kosi' last='Mgbejiofor'] | 6'10” C | Blue Ridge (#13 Overall)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/tempImageoTFOwj.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/tempImageoTFOwj.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2422159" /></a></figure>   <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol>   Mgbejiofor transferred back to VA as he moved to Blue Ridge over the summer, and he was a big part of their successful season as a paint presence and the anchor to their defense. At 6'10” there aren't many players his size that move like he does, as he's able to get up and down the floor and is an explosive leaper who can play above the rim and protect the rim as well. He's a great lob threat and can go get it off the rim as well, he alters and blocks shots with good timing and he has good touch around the rim as well. He's one of the most high upside prospects in the entire state as he continues to develop.   4) [player_tooltip player_id='1810739' first='Da'Kylan' last='Hill'] | 6'8” PF | Massanutten (#10 Overall)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/tempImagejBOwgB.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/tempImagejBOwgB.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2731777" /></a></figure>   <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol>   Hill transferred to Massanutten from Georgia, and played up in the Elite Prep League where he was a Second Team All EPL Selection and helped lead Massanutten to an appearance in the 16 team National Prep Tournament. Hill was one of the best rebounders in the league, as he had multiple double-doubles and was a stellar post defender as well protecting the rim and showing his ability to switch on guards. He's an all-out type of player who hustles on both ends of the floor, does the little things and makes winning plays across the board. He has soft touch around the rim and good moves in the post, he can stretch the floor to 18 feet and converts well at the free throw line. He should see his stock rise this summer playing with the Atlanta Celtics on the Adidas 3SSB Circuit.   3) [player_tooltip player_id='1370507' first='Shane' last='Pendergrass'] | 6'8” PF | Hargrave (#6 Overall)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/tempImagemEMM56.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/tempImagemEMM56.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2756673" /></a></figure>   <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol>   Pendergrass transferred to Hargrave from Mt. Zion in Maryland, and he played up on their Post Grad team earning First Team All Elite Prep League honors and leading his team to the National Prep Tournament as well. A nationally ranked prospect, Pendergrass is a walking mismatch with his versatility at his size, as he is a true inside-out threat who can make tough shots from multiple levels. He shoots it well from deep off the catch with effortless range, and he can put it on the deck and get to spots in the midrange as well. He's gotten tougher over the years with his ability to rebound in traffic as well as demand the ball in the post and get easy. Buckets in the paint, and that's made things a lot easier for him and his ability to then be able to use his ball skills to create for himself and others. He will be one of the best players on the UAA Circuit this summer with DC Premier, and he already has an impressive offer list that should continue to grow throughout the summer.   2) [player_tooltip player_id='1958754' first='LaDarius' last='Givan'] | 6'9” PF | John Marshall (#4 Overall)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/tempImageu7OoOL.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/tempImageu7OoOL.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2561006" /></a></figure>   <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol>   Givan moved from Alabama to Richmond this summer, and he enrolled in the powerhouse program John Marshall where he joined an already deep and talented lineup to make one of the best front courts in the country. Over the past summer the 6'9” forward had already committed to Mississippi State in the SEC, which is a program that is known for their ability to develop big men and he will roll in as a great fit for them from day one. He is one of the most high upside bigs not only in VA but on the entire east coast, as he has a blend of size, athleticism and skill that shows flashes of pro potential if he can continue to put it together moving forward. He's a freak athlete for his size and is able to protect the rim and play above the rim with ease, he's mobile with the ability to get up and down the floor and switch defensively, and he can stretch the floor as he can make shots from deep and in the midrange as well.   1) [player_tooltip player_id='1782682' first='Latrell' last='Allmond'] | 6'8” PF | John Marshall (#2 Overall)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/tempImagenMmUYR.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/tempImagenMmUYR.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2561000" /></a></figure>   <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol>   Allmond is already one of the most accomplished players you'll come across in the state, and he added to his resume after being named VHSL Class 2 Player of the Year this past season after leading John Marshall to another state championship. In three years at JM Allmond is a three time state champion, a three time First Team All State selection, he's a consensus top 75 player in the country, he helped lead [program_tooltip program_id='2226307' first='Team' last='Loaded VA'] 17U to a 3SSB Final Four appearance while playing up and he just continues to get better over the years. The 6'8” forward is a man among boys as he is a very physical and athletic player who isn't afraid to get physical no matter how old or big his opponent is. He's able to move off the ball in the paint and run the floor for easy buckets in transition, and he has improved in his consistency as a shooter from deep and his ability to put it on the deck on the perimeter too. It's hard to explain what his best attribute is without just saying he's a winner, as he plays with a great motor, he impacts the game on both ends of the floor, he is a great and unselfish teammate and he plays every game like it's the most important of his life.

With the recent update of our class of 2026 rankings, we will take a look at positional rankings between guards, wings and forwards.