Who are the Best Forwards in the 2027 Class? (5-1)

With the updated 2027 rankings coming out earlier this summer, we decided to take a look at who some of the top players at each position are. Here's a look at part three of the top ranked power forwards and centers in the junior class in VA.   5) [player_tooltip player_id='1782681' first='Odita' last='Aguolu'] | 6'6” PF | Miler School (#18 Overall)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/Aguolo-Odita.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/Aguolo-Odita.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1978863" /></a></figure>   <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol>   Aguolu transferred to Miller School, the two time defending VISAA D-II state champions, after leading Saint Michael to a D-III state semifinal appearance last year, and the new age hybrid forward will fit in perfectly with the Mavericks style of play. At 6'6” he's a walking mismatch with his ability to handle the ball in transition and in isolation situations, as well as the fact he's quick enough to stay in front of guards and strong enough to guard bigger post players too. He's improved quite a bit in his outside shooting over the years, he's a vicious finisher above the rim who can catch bodies and attack the glass, and when he brings his motor defensively he's capable of locking up the other team's best offensive player too.   4) [player_tooltip player_id='2462349' first='Kimario' last='Sherman'] | 7'0” C | Oak Hill (#17 Overall)   <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol>   Sherman is a guy who could move up this list as he continues to develop, as he's been tracked by national scouts for quite a few years with his upside as a true 7'0” post player with mobility and coordination. He can get up and down the floor and is quicker than you'd think looking at him, as he can use spins in the post and his quick twitch can get him easy looks in post ups against other bigs. He is comfortable playing on the perimeter as he can keep defenses honest with his shooting and is a good passer for his size, he is always a deterrent around the rim with his length, he has good hands and relatively nimble feet, and he still has a lot of room to develop moving forward.   3) [player_tooltip player_id='2370724' first='Keaton' last='Gregory'] | 6'9” C | Trinity Episcopal (#15 Overall)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/tempImageMzmYyV.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/tempImageMzmYyV.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2548681" /></a></figure>   <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol>   Gregory is a player I've been tracking since his freshman season at Trinity Episcopal, and while he still needs to work on filling out his frame, the rest of his game has taken big strides over the last two seasons and he has even shown major improvement from the summer to the fall. The 6'9” big man has a blend of old and new school, as he has become a legitimate stretch big who can drill it from deep at a good clip, but he also has good touch around the rim with both hands. He's a smart and vocal anchor on the defensive end who can direct traffic and challenge shots vertically without fouling, he is mobile enough to run the floor and is a good option as a trail threat, and he's a very good passer for his position as well.   2) [player_tooltip player_id='2353633' first='Matthew' last='Mena'] | 6'7” C | Paul VI (#13 Overall)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/Screen-Shot-2023-11-19-at-11.55.23-AM.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/Screen-Shot-2023-11-19-at-11.55.23-AM.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2277022" /></a></figure>   <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol>   Mena had a solid sophomore season as one of PVI's first options off the bench, and he is a matchup nightmare with his guard like skillset and his big 6'7” frame that allows him to bang and be physical in the paint too. While he needs to get his body right and get into better shape to play longer stretches, when he's in the game there's no questioning his effort as he runs the floor hard, fights for every loose ball, competes on the glass and would essentially run through a brick wall to help his team. He's a dead eye shooter from deep with effortless range past the college line, he's able to attack closeouts and can get to the pull-up, he is a very good passer for his size, and he understands the nuisances within sets and how to use his skillset to create mismatches for himself and others.   1) [player_tooltip player_id='2624494' first='Ben' last='Kalonji'] | 6'8” PF | Massanutten (#7 Overall)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/Kalonji-Ben.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/Kalonji-Ben.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2872191" /></a></figure>   <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol>   <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol>   <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol>   Kalonji came over to Massanutten as a fresh faced and super raw big man with athleticism and a great motor, but no real clue how to play the game, and within the past year he's improved so rapidly he's considered a nationally ranked prospect who is garnering legit high major interest already. The 6'8” forward is a player who really enjoys playing the game, and with that joy comes a willingness to do whatever it takes to win, a high motor to go along with it, and fantastic energy on both ends that's infectious to the team. He is a big time rim protector on the defensive end, and a consummate lob threat on the offensive end, as well as someone who will fight on the glass and isn't afraid to get physical in the paint when fighting for one. What's really impressed is his maturity and growth on the offensive end in pretty much all aspects of the game. He's shown improvement in his timing and touch around the rim, he's shown the ability to step out and knock down open shots, his feel as a passer has improved, and if all that has happened in just a year it's hard to imagine he won't take a similar leap over the next year too.

With the updated 2027 rankings coming out earlier this summer, we decided to take a look at who some of the top players at each position are. Here's a look at part three of the top ranked power forwards and centers in the junior class in VA.