Updated 2027 Rankings: 540/434/276 Forwards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We at Prep Hoops VA recently updated our 2027 rankings, expanding over 150 prospects who we feel are ones to watch in the junior class. Here's a look at the forward prospects from the Souther/Central/Western areas in the rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#4) [player_tooltip player_id='2624494' first='Ben' last='Kalonji'] | 6'8” PF | Massanutten</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2967163,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/Kalonji-Ben-Certified.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/Kalonji-Ben-Certified.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2967163" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kalonji showed massive improvements this season, as the 6'8” forward was a big part of Massanutten winning the Elite Prep League regular season, and he's emerging as a nationally ranked prospect by some of the services. After coming over before his sophomore year Kalonji looks like a totally different player as he's starting to grasp more advanced concepts better, he's improved in his touch around the rim and is extending it to the high post and even beyond the three point line, he's developed into a good passer, and his high motor and athleticism makes him a monster around the rim on both ends.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#15) [player_tooltip player_id='1782681' first='Odita' last='Aguolu'] | 6'6” PF | Miller School</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3530316,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/Aguolo-Odita-crop-3226x2118-1772316165.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/Aguolo-Odita-crop-3226x2118-1772316165.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-3530316" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aguolu isn't a traditional forward as he's more of the new age hybrid forward, who has a blend of skill, strength and athleticism that makes him an absolute mismatch as a small ball four man. At 6'6” he thrives in a fast passed uptempo system with his ability to get in transition both pushing the ball and running the wing and using his athleticism to finish above the rim, he has really improved in his consistency off the catch from deep, he can guard in the post and can switch on ball screens, and he is a good rebounder for his size too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#73) [player_tooltip player_id='2898053' first='Shane' last='McAfee'] | 6'8” C | Saint Michael</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McAfee is a very intriguing prospect who had a breakout season for Saint Michael after transferring there, and he's a bit of a throwback big man who can man the paint and plays well in the high post area. He's very strong with the ability to bury guys deep in the post and score it over both shoulders, he can catch at the high post and knock down shots or make passes to cutters and shooters, he's nimble and quick for his size using spins and moving his feet defensively, and he can get on the glass on both ends too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#113) [player_tooltip player_id='2085879' first='Bryce' last='Giles'] | 6'5” PF | Nelson County</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Giles was an All State selection this past season helping Nelson County make a deep run in the Class 2 state tournament, and he's another guy who is a new school hybrid four who is a walking mismatch offensively. He's got great strength to clear out space and does a good job boxing out and hitting the offensive glass, he can step out and shoots it well from deep, he can attack off the catch or out of the triple threat and make shots from multiple levels, and he does a good job protecting the rim and can switch and stay in front as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#159) Jaivion Rose | 6'4” PF | Riverbend</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rose had a good season at Riverbend, and he's the type of player a coach loves to have on his team with his consistent production and willingness to do the little things to help his team win. He takes pride on the defensive end playing with a good motor and is both a good shot blocker and active to get deflections and steals, he runs the floor hard on every play, he is physical in the paint and owns the glass on both ends, and he scores it efficiently without needing many plays ran for him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->