2026 Smartball Classic 1st Round Forward Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The big men played an important role throughout the opening round of the 2026 Smartball Classic, with several prospects making an impact around the basket. From controlling the glass and protecting the rim to finishing through contact and stretching the floor, the event featured a diverse collection of frontcourt talent. Here is a closer look at the bigs who stood out during the opening round.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2234115"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a85ca6d37505"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hayes have their sites set on their first CHSAA title since 2022, and will count on senior big man to anchor the frontcourt to do so. A skilled forward who can face up and either knock down a shot from deep or pick out cutters as a passer, Barry's continued growth over the last year is truly impressive. He was more assertive in the second half of their opening round win against Lincoln, and effectively put the Railsplitters away when it came down to it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":3727032,"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a85ca6d3758a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">If his opening round performance at Smartball is any indication, Olowoyo is a plug and play type transfer for a SJP team looking for someone to take over for Myles Perry. A springy forward, Olowoyo shined as a shot blocker while also doing damage as a slasher. He's one of the more intriguing new names to emerge in the NYC area over this Summer. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3721431"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a85ebc75c1a5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Parker's rebounding and shot blocking ability immediately stood out as Graphics Campus got into a shootout with St. Benedict's in the opening round. A highly fluid and mobile big man, Parker's ability to cover a ton of ground on the defensive end of the floor should help him attract scholarship interest over the next two years. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2628236"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a85ebc75c247"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The St. Raymond big man will be one of the best rebounders and shot blockers in the CHSAA this season, and looked the part in their opening round win. Every bit of 6-11 at this point, Quinones does a good job of challenging shots and controlling the glass. If The Ravens are going to repeat as Smartball Champions, it will be Quinones who anchors the paint. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":3727203,"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a85ebc75c2c5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A bruising forward, Finnkin will have an instant impact joining the varsity team this season. With broad shoulders and long arms, he plays bigger than his listed 6-foot-6 and plays hards on both ends of the floor. He was effective scoring around the rim and rebounding, and runs the floor well enough that he's an ideal fit for the way Scanlan likes to play. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->