Updated 2027 Rankings: Forwards (13-6)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We recently updated our class of 2027 rankings, with a lot of new players as we learn more about the class as they grow and develop. Things have shaken up quite a bit, with over 25 new names being added to the rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at part one of the top power forwards and centers in the sophomore class rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>13) [player_tooltip player_id='2085879' first='Bryce' last='Giles'] | 6'3” PF | Nelson County (#74 Overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Giles had a big sophomore season for a Nelson team that had one of the biggest turnarounds of any team in the state, making it to the Class 2 state tournament after finishing under 500 last year. The 6'4” forward is a walking mismatch at that level as he's strong enough to bully guys in the paint, he can step out and knock down shots from deep and open lanes for his guards to drive and he is a big time paint protector and rebounder too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>12) [player_tooltip player_id='2046175' first='Alexander' last='Sidbury'] | 6'5” PF | Fairfax Christian (#73 Overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2548685,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/tempImagehKDesI.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/tempImagehKDesI.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2548685" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sidbury is a guy who could move up this list, as he was part of the young but talented Fairfax Christian team who just won their third straight VISAA D-III state championship and could return everyone as they didn't have a single senior on their team. The 6'5” forward is physical in the pain with soft touch through contact, he has good footwork in the paint on post ups, has touch out to the elbows and he plays with a good motor on both ends.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>11) [player_tooltip player_id='2815363' first='Devin' last='Johnson'] | 7'0” C | Virginia Academy (#64 Overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's often hard to tell how young bigs are going to develop over time, and Johnson is one of those as he is a legit 7 footer which are rare to find at this age, but he is a clear project who has a long way to go. He makes an impact now with his ability to challenge shots and rebound on the defensive end, he's a lob threat and is pretty mobile for his size and if it ever clicks he'll be highly sought after due to his size.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10) [player_tooltip player_id='2085878' first='Makhi' last='Martin'] | 6'6” PF | William Fleming (#48 Overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Martin is emerging as one of the top young players in the Roanoke area, and has had a great start to his career as he's been very productive for them both in his freshman and sophomore year. The 6'6” forward is a mismatch as he's strong and athletic enough to play in the paint and finish around the rim, he can step out and he has good touch out to the three-point line, he can put it on the deck and get to the rim and he rebounds very well on both ends.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9) [player_tooltip player_id='2470584' first='Maddox' last='Patrick'] | 6'7” PF | Trinity Episcopal (#43 Overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Patrick has dealt with a lot of injuries through his first two years of high school, but he got healthy throughout the season and he has a ton of potential moving forward as he continues to develop. At 6'7” he's still growing and seems to get taller every time we see him, he has great touch around the rim with both hands, he can stretch the floor as a trail man and he has good feel as a passer as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>8) [player_tooltip player_id='2548293' first='Conner' last='Wilcox'] | 6'6” PF | Atlee (#42 Overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2548682,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/tempImageeQHwWj.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/tempImageeQHwWj.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2548682" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wilcox is a player that will likely go up on this list moving forward, after helping lead Atlee to their first ever state championship and showing a lot of growth after an already great freshman season that he had. The 6'6” forward is a player who gives his team a lot of versatility and looks to work out of as he can play on the perimeter and knock down shots, he attacks the glass hard and finishes well on offensive put-backs, he moves his feet well defensively and he has a mean streak to him that makes him very tough as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>7) [player_tooltip player_id='2470603' first='Nathan' last='Lessley'] | 6'6” PF | Cox (#22 Overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2548683,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/tempImageMQOwA0.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/tempImageMQOwA0.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2548683" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lessley broke onto the scene the summer after his freshman season, and followed it up by being one of the top players in the Beach District in his sophomore year. He's a walking mismatch as a small ball four who has a new school game with his ability to play on the perimeter while also being able to rebound and protect the rim. He shoots the ball well from deep with good form, he can attack off the bounce and is an athletic finisher at the rim, he understands how to get to spots and use fakes and his size to finish and he's a smart defender as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6) [player_tooltip player_id='2624511' first='Germain' last='Green'] | 6'7” PF | Norcom (#20 Overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Green is just scratching the surface with how good he can be, as he has the size and athleticism to emerge into a big time prospect in the next few years. At 6'7” and likely still growing, he has a great frame already that will fill out nicely, and he gets up and down the floor effortlessly while also moving his feet well on the defensive end. He's an explosive athlete who plays above the rim and protects the rim in help side, he has a good motor and runs the floor hard, he has great touch around the rim and is expanding his range and he still has a lot of room to develop as he stays in the gym.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->