Updated 2026 Rankings: Forwards (5-1)

We've recently updated our senior class rankings in the state, with over 200 players ranked and plenty of new names and movement throughout the rankings. Here's a look at the top 5 power forwards and centers in the senior class.   5) Ladarius Givan | 6'9” C | Petersburg (#13 Overall)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/tempImageu7OoOL.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/tempImageu7OoOL.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2561006" /></a></figure>   <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol>   Givan is part of perhaps the best front court in the state, and is a big reason that Petersburg is considered one of the top public schools in all of VA. The 6'9” Mississippi State commit is a freak athlete for his size and is a force at the rim, he can step out and stretch the floor from time-to-time, and he's a walking highlight reel who brings great energy with his above the rim finishes and big shot blocking ability.   4) [player_tooltip player_id='1956869' first='Kuol' last='Deng'] | 6'10” PF | Oak Hill (#11 Overall)   <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol>   Deng is part of a new group at Oak Hill under their new coaching staff, and he's one of the more intriguing available big men you'll come across with his long term potential. The 6'10” forward is long and athletic and is very good at challenging shots around the rim, he can score in the paint or take you out on the perimeter where he has good touch and can attack off the bounce, and he's only going to get better moving forward.   3) [player_tooltip player_id='1370507' first='Shane' last='Pendergrass'] | 6'8” PF | Hargrave (#8 Overall)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/tempImagemEMM56.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/tempImagemEMM56.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2756673" /></a></figure>   <ul class="wp-block-list"></ul>   <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol>   Pendergrass has really come a long way throughout his career, and heading into his second season in the Elite Prep League the George Mason commit has been nothing short of stellar for Hargrave. He's one of the new age four men whose ability to play on the perimeter and in the post causes big time mismatch issues, as he can allow his team to give different looks as well. He's a true three level scorer who can score it in a variety of ways, he's improved immensely in his ability to get extra chances on the offensive glass, and he has found his niche and plays more within himself now than he ever did.   2) [player_tooltip player_id='1633067' first='Marcis' last='Ponder'] | 6'9” C | Gillion Academy (#3 Overall)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/IMG_1983.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/IMG_1983.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-3035580" /></a></figure>   <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol>   Ponder was part of that big group of Breakdown players that transferred to the new Gillion Academy this past year, and so far the Florida State commit has been absolutely dominant on the Grind Session for them. They have been reporting insane stat lines like 32 points and 30 rebounds, 17 points 18 rebounds and 15 blocks, 27 points 10 rebounds 5 blocks, and this seems to be happening on a nightly basis for him. While they sound fake it makes since if you've ever seen him play, as he lives up to his nickname of “Baby Shaq” with his brute strength and freakish athleticism, he punishes rims as if he hates them, and he owns the paint with intimidating force.   1) [player_tooltip player_id='1782682' first='Latrell' last='Allmond'] | 6'8” PF | Petersburg (#2 Overall)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/07/latrell.allmond.26.va_.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/07/latrell.allmond.26.va_.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2913550" /></a></figure>   <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol>   Allmond is perhaps the most accomplished player in the state of Virginia, as he's already won three state championships and is highly favored to win a fourth, he's been a three time First Team All State selection, and he's been one of the most steady improved players in the country over that time. When we first saw the Oklahoma State commit he was bigger and more athletic than everyone his age, but over the years he's developed everywhere he's needed to, and is one of the most versatile and productive bigs you will come across. At 6'8” with a strong frame he has no problem using his size to be a bruiser and dominant force in the paint, rocking rims and overpowering guys on the glass. However, in the last few years he's improved into a knock down shooter from deep, a guy who can take defenders off the bounce in face ups and on the perimeter, a dynamic threat in transition, and even a guy you can run set plays for to get shots on the move.

We've recently updated our senior class rankings in the state, with over 200 players ranked and plenty of new names and movement throughout the rankings. Here's a look at the top 5 power forwards and centers in the senior class.