5 Western PA Forwards to Watch in 2026

I spent a lot of time last fall covering guards, so now it's time for the forwards to shine. Here are five names to watch in 2026.    [player_tooltip player_id='3040410' first='Ben' last='Fischer'] is built like a true interior presence with a strong and physical frame. He loves to play through contact. When he catches it on the block he turns those possessions into high-percentage looks with old-school footwork and a real package of post moves. Fischer dominates the boards on both ends and plays as a rim protector while on defense. He recently posted big numbers in a 19 points outing in a Grove City win over Blackhawk. If he keeps embracing that scorer's mindset by looking to finish first on every touch, you're looking at a double-double type forward during the second half of the season.     [player_tooltip player_id='2950688' first='Lukas' last='Stead'] impacts the game by controlling the glass, bringing physicality, and turning effort plays into points and momentum. Stead outworks opposing bigs for position, attacks both the offensive and defensive boards, and has the footwork and touch to convert when he catches on the block. There's also real upside in his versatility, especially in his ability to step out and knock down shots from deep. He was recently featured as a WPIAL “Athlete of the Week” in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette and has been recognized with the Jerome Bettis Leadership Award. He recently committed to IUP to play football.     [player_tooltip player_id='2486493' first='Ryan' last='Robbins'] impacts the game like an old-school big man by creating extra possessions, protecting the rim, and punishing teams physically for 32 minutes. He's a true paint-controller. His jumper and post package offer scoring versatility. His production keeps ramping up with every game. He is a double-double kind of player and the type of game changer both offensively and defensively that will be needed if Upper St. Clair is going to make a run at the WPIAL title.     [player_tooltip player_id='2950609' first='Andrew' last='Gettinger'] has legitimate size in terms of what college coaches are looking for in a forward. He's the type of matchup problem that forces teams to make decisions on how they are going to try to guard him. He has plenty of range and is automatic when his feet are set, yet also has the power and touch around the rim to punish smaller defenders. He understands how to move without the ball to create those catch-and-shoot windows. Gettinger's production this season backs up his skillset, with a 30-point, double-double performance and multiple other 20+ performances. He recently committed to DII Edinboro.     [player_tooltip player_id='3265979' first='Ben' last='Detisch'] can space the floor like a wing and punish switches in the post. He has legitimate range for a big with a confident release that forces opposing defenders to guard him past the arc. He is versatile offensively and is just as comfortable on the block, with moves that showcase a babyhook and a power dropstep. Defensively, he's the type of long forward who creates tons of deflections.

I spent a lot of time last fall covering guards, so now it's time for the forwards to shine. Here are five names to watch in 2026.