Stock Rising Forwards in the New 2026 Rankings

Earl Austin September 27, 2025 @ 07:40 PM

Prep Hoops Missouri released its newly updated Class of 2026 rankings this week. Here is a look at a group of forwards who were big stock risers in the new rankings.     [player_tooltip player_id='1790002' first='John' last='Fleeman'] (Kingsville): The 6'11" center has continued to get better and better to point where he has become one of the top big men in the state. The big fella has soft hands and a soft shooting touch around the basket. His footwork enables him to score on a variety of moves inside. He can also step outside and hit 3-pointers off the catch. He is a very good passer who can either find open cutters or open shooters out of double teams. He recently gave a commitment to Chattanooga.     [player_tooltip player_id='2352744' first='Henry' last='Kokal'] (Parkway Central): A 6'8 forward who has a good combination of strength and athleticism. When he catches the ball around the basket, he is attacking with force and aggression. He throws down dunks on a regular basis.. He is a good athlete who also runs the court very well. As a junior, he averaged 14 points and nine rebounds while also blocking two shots a game. He has received an offer from Division II Missouri S&T.     [player_tooltip player_id='2090488' first='Jacob' last='Miller'] (Penney): The 6'8 forward is one of the top players in the NWMO area. At 230 pounds, he is solidly built and he uses his strength to dominate in the paint. He has also developed into a very effective player on the perimeter. He handles the ball with confidence and he can knock down 3-pointers. He just picked up an offer from the University of Central Missouri.     [player_tooltip player_id='2536477' first='Gary' last='Johnson'] (St. Mary's): A 6'4" forward who is one of the most explosive athletes in the state. He is a prodigious dunker, but he is also an effective slasher who has a soft shooting touch around the basket. He plays with force, but he finishes well with finesse. He can also use his quickness to beat bigger defenders on the drive. He averaged nine points and seven rebounds a game as a junior while also blocking a team-high 47 shots.     [player_tooltip player_id='2114710' first='Ishmael' last='Isidore'] (Cardinal Ritter): A 6'7" power forward who plays a straight blue collar game in the post that is very effective. He is physically strong and he is able to maintain his position inside. He is an elite rebounder at both ends of the floor. He really gets out of his area to get boards. He is capable of averaging a double-double as he is a reliable scorer inside.     [player_tooltip player_id='2353848' first='Phillip' last='Nadeau'] (Oak Grove): A 6'7" forward who is a matchup problem with his size and versatile skill set inside and on the perimeter. He scores well in the low post, he can put in on the floor effectively and he can also shoot it from 3-point range. As a junior, he averaged 19 points, five rebounds and two steals a game while also shooting 38 percent from 3-point range on 47 made triples.     [player_tooltip player_id='2717735' first='Jacob' last='Sidwell'] (Parkway South): A 6'6" forward who will step into the role of go-to player for the Patriots this upcoming season. He has a wiry build at 195 pounds, but he plays with strength and assertiveness. He is very good when he can turn and face. He will attack on the drive or hit the perimeter jumper. He can also sit down in the post and establish deep position to score around the basket. As a junior, he averaged 13 points and five rebounds a game while shooting 54 percent from the field.

Prep Hoops Missouri released its newly updated Class of 2026 rankings this week. Here is a look at a group of forwards who were big stock risers in the new rankings.