Who are the Best Forwards in the 2027 Class (22-14)

With the updated 2027 rankings coming out earlier this summer, we decided to take a look at who some of the top players at each position are. Here's a look at part one of the top ranked power forwards and centers in the junior class in VA.   22) [player_tooltip player_id='2085879' first='Bryce' last='Giles'] | 6'5” PF | Nelson County (#101 Overall)   <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol>   Giles has been in the rankings since he was a freshman standout at Nelson County, and he improved upon a good freshman season by helping to lead them to a state tournament appearance last year. The 6'5” forward is a walking mismatch who can use his size and strength to score it in the paint and rebound, he can stretch the floor with his shooting ability, and he can guard multiple positions as well.   21) [player_tooltip player_id='2898053' first='Shane' last='McAfee'] | 6'8” C | St. Michael (#100 Overall)   <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol>   McAfee transfers to St. Michael who made a run to the VISAA D-III state semifinal last year, and he'll add some much needed size to a team that should be able to make another deep run next year. The 6'8” big man is great in the paint on both ends with his ability to rebound and challenge shots defensively, he has good touch around the rim and out to the perimeter as well, and he's a good athlete who can run the floor in transition too.   20) [player_tooltip player_id='2898030' first='Abram' last='Schrinel'] | 6'6” PF | Douglas Freeman (#89 Overall)   <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol>   Schrinel had a breakout summer with a talented Team [program_tooltip program_id='2416185' first='Loaded' last='804'] 17U group, and is emerging as a prospect to watch in the Richmond area moving forward. The 6'6” forward is long and athletic allowing him to guard multiple positions, he has a great motor as a rebounder and running the floor in transition where he can play above the rim, and he's a mismatch with his ability to make open shots and put it on the deck as well.   19) [player_tooltip player_id='2815363' first='Devin' last='Johnson'] | 7'0” C | Virginia Academy (#88 Overall)   <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol>   Johnson is a project at this point, but could move well up this list if he continues to develop with his blend of size and athleticism that you simply can't teach. At 7'0” with long arms he's a very good rim protector and shot blocker around the rim, he's shown flashes of ability to stretch the floor, and as he grows into his body he should see improvements in fluidity and reflexes as well.   18) [player_tooltip player_id='2046175' first='Alexander' last='Sidbury'] | 6'6” PF | Fairfax Christian (#80 Overall)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/tempImagehKDesI.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/tempImagehKDesI.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2548685" /></a></figure>   <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol>   Sidbury played a solid role for Fairfax Christian in their run to a third straight VISAA D-III state championship, and he has shown a lot of improvement over the past year that is encouraging moving forward. At 6'6” with a strong frame he's able to play through contact and rebounds well in traffic, he has good hands to catch tough passes, he has good touch around the rim and out to the elbows, and he plays with a good motor on both ends too.   17) [player_tooltip player_id='2898058' first='Nigel' last='Arthur'] | 6'6” PF | St. Stephen's St. Agnes (#78 Overall)   <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol>   Arthur transferred to SSSAS this summer where he showed he'll be a nice addition over the summer, and he's a coaches dream of a player with his ability to impact the game without needing the ball. He plays extremely hard on both ends and makes the hustle plays consistently, he rebounds well and gets extra opportunities on the offensive glass, he runs the floor hard, and he is a good defender who isn't afraid to get physical either.   16) [player_tooltip player_id='2377992' first='Micaiah' last='Mitchell'] | 6'7” PF | King's Fork (#74 Overall)   <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol>   Mitchell is another in a long line of King's Fork forwards that have developed very well under Head Coach Rick Hite, and he is right on schedule with the way he's improved over the last year. At 6'7” he's a strong big who is improving his body and getting more athletic while doing it, he has good touch through contact in the paint, he walls up and challenges shots without fouling, and he's making strides on the offensive end every day.   15) [player_tooltip player_id='2085878' first='Makhi' last='Martin'] | 6'6” PF | William Fleming (#61 Overall)   <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol>   Martin has been a starter for a talented Fleming team since he was a freshman, and he's emerging as one of the top prospects in the Roanoke area as well. The 6'6” forward is a big time athlete with a strong frame and the ability to run the floor and finish above the rim, he rebounds well and can start the break when he needs to, and he's a mismatch nightmare with his ability to face up and put it on the floor too.   14) [player_tooltip player_id='2780037' first='Tal' last='Rose'] | 6'7” PF | VA Academy (#56 Overall)   <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol>   Rose transferred to VA Academy where he reclassified to the 2027 class after a big season for Loudoun Valley last year, and he followed it up with a big summer for his new team during live periods and summer league. The 6'7” stretch four man can really knock it down from deep and doesn't need a ton of space to get his shot off, he can get to spots off the bounce and make tough shots in the midrange, he's a capable and willing passer for his size, and he has great instincts on both ends too.

With the updated 2027 rankings coming out earlier this summer, we decided to take a look at who some of the top players at each position are. Here's a look at part one of the top ranked power forwards and centers in the junior class in VA.