2026 Group 3 Small Forward Prospects Who Could Have Big Winters

Joe Esquivel-Murphy July 22, 2025 @ 06:41 PM

<p>The new academic school year is right around the corner as August is less than a week and a half away. The 2026 class is primed to have a big impact in their final varsity seasons, especially in the front court. Here are the 2026 small forward prospects to track this winter.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2342601' first='Eddie' last='Lopez'], 6'4 Middletown North</strong></h2>   <p>Lopez is one of the most intriguing prospects in the Shore Conference as he can impact the game in a variety of ways. The 6'4 forward explodes off the floor for dunks and is able to draw contact in the paint. Lopez uses his handle to get to his spot on the floor and rises up nicely on his jumper. He uses his athleticism to make plays on the defensive end and skies for rebounds on both ends of the floor. Lopez's versatility is something that should help his stock rise in a big way over the next couple of months.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2870003' first='RJ' last='Wortman'], 6'5 Colonia</strong></h2>   <p>Wortman ended the 2024-25 season on a high note and is looking to carry it over into his senior season. The 6'5 forward has a solid face-up game as he can put the ball and finishes strong around the rim. Wortman can also get position down low and can pass out of the post. He works for rebounds on both ends of the floor and holds his ground on the defensive end. Wortman is a physical forward prospect who should make plays at both ends of the floor throughout the course of the season.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2771931' first='CJ' last='Atkins'], 6'4 Timber Creek</strong></h2>   <p>Atkins has the ability to play either forward position and should put it on display this season. The 6'4 forward uses his strong frame to get position down low and can make shots through contact. Atkins can also put the ball on the floor and is an underrated passer. He uses his timing to influence a bunch of shots around the rim and rips down rebounds on both ends of the floor. Atkins is a gritty forward prospect who should fill up the stat sheet over the next couple of months.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2763500' first='Nick' last='Baldini'], Tenafly</strong></h2>   <p>Baldini can play either spot on the perimeter and should put it on display this season. He has a good first step, which he uses to get to his spot on the floor and finishes well around the basket. Baldini is more than just a slasher as he has a good release on his jumper and sets his feet before he shoots. He knows how to find his open teammates in the half court and is an underrated rebounder. Baldini is a versatile forward prospect whose ability to make plays with the ball in his hands is something that will help his stock in a big way.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2825792' first='Daquan' last='Lacewell'], 6'5 Rahway</strong></h2>   <p>Lacewell has the potential to have a breakout season as he should get more touches in the offense. The 6'5 forward knows how to finish around the basket and has a good touch around the basket. Lacewell can also put the ball on the floor and his range extends out to the three-point line. He fights for rebounds on both ends of the floor and uses his size to influence shots around the rim. Lacewell had a double-double in his last game against Summit and is looking to bring that over into his final varsity season.</p>

The new academic school year is right around the corner as August is less than a week and a half away. The 2026 class is primed to have a big impact in their final varsity seasons, especially in the front court. Here are the 2026 small forward prospects to track this winter.