2026 Forwards With Best Chance to Rise This Season

As our rankings go through routine updates, it's always useful to go through as asterisk some names that will have a chance to improve their status this high school season. Whether it be sheer improvement, stepping into a bigger role with more expectations, or a combination of the two, even when we submit the updated rankings we know there is a chance we are still lower on a few names. For this article, I'll highlight some forward prospects in MD/DC who will have a chance to build their argument for a boost in the next update down the road.    The question with Peterson has never been one surrounding upside, potential, or athleticism. The biggest factor for him entering his senior season will be availability. Peterson missed most of the high school season as a junior and while he had some loud moments throughout the spring/summer with [program_tooltip program_id='2078456' first='DC' last='Premier'] on the UAA Circuit, he'll need to piece together a body of work this winter in order to gain traction among Division I programs. The signs so far this fall have been optimistic as the 6-foot-8 high-flyer has been a legitimate lob threat in transition where he can play well above the rim in those scenarios. He's had spurts of playing out of short rolls with productivity, blips as a violent shot-blocker protecting the rim, and more of a willingness to clean the glass. Again, if he provides consistent results, there is no reason why a list of schools shouldn't be vying for his services     The [player_tooltip player_id='1963388' first='Bryton' last='Barrett'] is among us. A 6-foot-8 hybrid forward who spent much of his early years pinned around the paint, Barrett gets to stretch his wings with Archbishop Carroll playing alongside the most dynamic playmaking guard in Anthony Brown (Vanderbilt). Barrett has shown significant growth in his skillset, which beams with confidence as he gets to his spots and uses his length to rise over the top of his defender for fluid jumpers. He's now a catch-and-shoot threat that the defense must account for at all times and the athleticism is catching up with his frame to make him an above the rim threat with a clear lane to takeoff. Defensively is where Barrett has always brought the most worth and that'll be a key piece to him seeing time early on as a freshman in college. For now, he has a strong chance of filling in as a secondary scoring role next to Brown while being one of the more versatile forward defenders in the DMV.     [player_tooltip player_id='2866353' first='Jack' last='Allen'] has a laundry list of tools that he brings as a 6-foot-6 hybrid forward that would make DII and DIII programs line up for. With Allen, the key is playing with 100 percent effort on every possession and truly dialing in on the defensive end so those gifts come to the forefront. When he's in his flow state, Allen can mix up his scoring tactics operating in the mid-post or on the block where he can hit tough fallaways or get to his left shoulder for hooks. He also plays with feel and instincts as a screen-and-pop guy that can make decisions as a swingman at the top of the key. When he gets downhill, he brings a surprising layer of wiggle to get to the rim. Allen is a presence on the glass and notched his fair share of double-doubles throughout the spring and summer. His size, versatility, and feel leave plenty of room for growth and potential for a healthy boost if he can get off to a hot start this high school season.     Olofintila steps in as the focal point for a Loyola Blakefield team who is transitioning to a new coaching staff. After losing the majority of production from last year's team, Olofintila is one of the few returning faces and now steps into a key role where that should boost his confidence and as a result, allow other aspects of his game to surface quickly. He brings athleticism around the rim in the form of dunks, aggressive rebounds, and shot-altering capability as the anchor. Offensively his overall skillset is still coming into its own, but we should see a great amount of opportunity for Olofintila to take his man off face-ups or quick isolations. He's the type of prospect that can pose mismatches at the high school level with his blend of size, quickness, and strengthe as a four-man who may need to spend time at the five this season for the Dons.     Payne is a guy who jumped onto our radar after a fairly dominant showing at the Pro Skills' DMV High-Academic Showcase this summer. He's the type of prospect who you check back on in a few years and see he's put together a productive college career somewhere at the DII or DIII level. He has good mobility at 6-foot-7 and range on his jumper to extend out to three if he has time and space. He's at his best operating with his back to the basket on the block or along the baseline where he can utilize his fundamental footwork to create angles. He's a willing rebounder, showed awareness and communications skills defensively while being an active screener offensively to help spark advantages.

As our rankings go through routine updates, it's always useful to go through as asterisk some names that will have a chance to improve their status this high school season. Whether it be sheer improvement, stepping into a bigger role with more expectations, or a combination of the two, even when we submit the updated rankings we know there is a chance we are still lower on a few names. For this article, I'll highlight some forward prospects in MD/DC who will have a chance to build their argument for a boost in the next update down the road.