Sochikaima and TN’s best ’28 Power Forwards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>PICTURED: </em>Sochikaima Oputa</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Late July we updated the<strong> <a href="https://prephoops.com/tennessee/rankings/2028-rankings/">2028 player rankings</a></strong>. The Class of 2028 players ended their 16u AAU seasons and are taking the big jump from sophomores to juniors. More will be asked of them. Leadership is now expected and production is no longer a nice surprise. Which guys are ready? Read about the best junior power forwards statewide.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/position-ranking-table {"name":"acf/position-ranking-table","data":{"class":"2028","_class":"field_65cfb7374abb9","position":"77245","_position":"field_65cfbfcb19ad6","national_rankings":"0","_national_rankings":"field_660c1d73c0e49","state":"24753","_state":"field_65cfb88a603fe"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a6a9dd5131ef"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top Tier</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Justin Akengbowa</strong> - Tri-Cities Christian<br><strong>Sochikaima Oputa</strong> - Page<br><strong>James Humphreys</strong> - Brentwood Academy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The hottest '28 name outside of Bartlett High School is probably <strong>Justin Akengbowa</strong>. Oral Roberts offered him. Virginia-Wise offered him. Colombia State Community College offered Justin. Athletic. Decently bouncy. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Trainer and Coach Darius Filer called<strong> Justin Akengbowa </strong>"one of the best defensive players in the nation! If you value two-way players he is your guy. A Top shot blocker in all of adidas <a href="https://x.com/3SSBCircuit">3SSB</a> this year at the forward position."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>James Humphreys ran the floor well throughout his sophomore season and continues to improve his low-post footwork. Tennessee does not keep guys his height often, so enjoy James' production while you can. Numerous basketball factories are going to attempt to lure him in the next 18 months. The same was true for James' teammate Bryson Wade, who elected to stay home. Together they are due to have a tremendous 2026-2027 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Rebound the World</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ryan Carter</strong> - Houston County<br><strong>Brody Pryor</strong> - Pickett County</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>During his sophomore season <strong>Ryan Carter</strong> (Houston County) averaged 10.7 rebounds per game. Few players out of Erin, Tennessee make big regional splashes, but the offensive lineman dominates two sports with his 250+ body. Carter secured an insane 86 offensive rebounds as a sophomore. 86! Imagine a guy getting four offensive rebounds against you. Your coach is going to be furious. Those are so demoralizing. Then you show up to watch him Friday and he gets five. That was Carter's sophomore season in a nut shell.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Realize that Ryan Carter plays Class 1A. That makes a modest difference when evaluating his numbers. And yet 277 total rebounds is 277 total rebounds. It is a staggering figure no matter who is playing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brody Pryor</strong> gives Pickett County some balance. They are deep, talented team. They anticipate a stronger team than last season...and that is saying something. In 2025-2026 Pickett County won 30 games and advanced to the State Tournament. Pryor and Company can do that again. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->