2026 Prep Hoops Iowa Freshman Showcase: Most Impressive Forwards

The 2026 Prep Hoops Iowa Freshman Showcase offered especially elite prospects at the forward position. The young forwards at this event showcased their skill and potential, as many of them were very adept at shooting, dribbling, and passing, which are skills young forwards tend to struggle with. However, they still brought the gritty impact that you expect from a forward. Let's get right into the most impressive forward prospects I saw play at the Prep Hoops Iowa Freshman Showcase.    Bentley Dunning was one of the most versatile forwards I saw play at the Prep Hoops Iowa Freshman Showcase. His high basketball feel and non-stop effort made his impact on the game very evident. Bentley has an impressive basketball IQ, size, and strength. He used these tools to score in the paint, posting up defenders and using fluid footwork to convert buckets over defenders. His solid frame, dedication, and positioning made him a constant presence on the glass. He snatched up many rebounds and was great at getting the ball to his teammates after gaining possession. He finished plays around the rim as a cutter and roll man as well. However, what impressed me the most about his game was his hustle and defensive impact. He blocked shots around the rim using his length and instincts while also diving on the floor and creating turnovers with his endless activity. Bentley Dunning did all the dirty work you want from a forward while also flashing impressive skill and feel.     [player_tooltip player_id='3720650' first='Logan' last='Sanders'] exhibited elite athleticism and strength at the Prep Hoops Iowa Freshman Showcase. Logan was dominant when it came to cleaning the glass. He used his wide frame and power to carve out space under the rim, where he used his length and leaping ability to high-point missed shots and generate extra possessions for his team while keeping the opposing team off the glass. He was special at getting low and powering opponents off their marks and gaining position inside. He used these tools to convert shots out of post-ups. He displayed soft touch and balance as a post scorer, and he used his strong frame to draw fouls under the rim as well. Defense was another strong suit of his. He blocked shots and walled up on defenders inside while also showcasing nice fluidity and footwork as a perimeter defender. [player_tooltip player_id='3720650' first='Logan' last='Sanders'] showed his unique combination of power and grace at this event.     Jordan Railsback was one of the most skilled forwards I saw play at the Prep Hoops Iowa Freshman Showcase. For starters, Jordan was one of the best deep-range shot makers at the forward position that I saw play at this event. He exhibited a beautiful jump shot. His balance, touch, high arc, and high release very much stood out at the forward spot. He hit multiple threes off the catch and under pressure. And he never looked bothered by the contests being thrown at him. He was also elite at attacking defenders that stepped up on his shot. He displayed an ability to attack closeouts with his deceptive speed and solid ball handling. And at high speeds, he was able to convert and-1 finishes around the basket. Due to his footwork and soft touch, post buckets and push shots were another way he was able to score on defenders. Furthermore, his fluidity, length, and athletic abilities made him a very formidable defender for opponents to deal with.     [player_tooltip player_id='3695340' first='Ty' last='Little'] flashed his two-way impact throughout the Prep Hoops Iowa Freshman Showcase. Ty's defensive intensity and impact were some of the best I saw at this event. He sports a solid frame, long arms, quick feet, and elite speed. All of these tools allowed him to lock down opposing scorers. He moved stride for stride with opponents and shut down their scoring with his active hands and tenacity. His fluid movements, anticipation, high feel, and constant engagement granted him many steals at this event. He both jumped passing lanes and ripped ball handlers for steals at a very high level. Both on and off the ball as a defender, he was a constant disrupter of the opposing offense. Offensively, he displayed feathery touch on midrange jumpers and layups while also showcasing the ability to be a screener, roller, and play finisher around the rim. He finished through fouls around the rim as well and showed great contact balance.     [player_tooltip player_id='3642203' first='Ethan' last='Bahati'] played with endless energy at the Prep Hoops Iowa Freshman Showcase. He used his length and athleticism to attack the boards. Ethan came down with many offensive rebounds and gained his team extra possessions. He used that same length, fluidity, athletic ability, and hustle to limit opposing scorers. He showed himself to be a super switchable defender that could guard fast guards and larger forwards, displaying high-level versatility defensively. He brought tons of impact on the offensive end as well. He finished through contact at a high level, converting multiple and-1 buckets. And he showcased nice balance and touch as a finisher overall. He scored on tough, high-speed spin-move layups in traffic and a nice, high-arcing floater as well. His jump shot was also very promising. He exhibited the ability to knock down threes off the catch. And his shot mechanics were very fluid and controlled compared to other young forward prospects.

The 2026 Prep Hoops Iowa Freshman Showcase offered especially elite prospects at the forward position. The young forwards at this event showcased their skill and potential, as many of them were very adept at shooting, dribbling, and passing, which are skills young forwards tend to struggle with. However, they still brought the gritty impact that you expect from a forward. Let's get right into the most impressive forward prospects I saw play at the Prep Hoops Iowa Freshman Showcase.