2025 Rankings Update: Forwards Worth Another Look

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='612843' first='Tatyonna' last='Brown'] - Air Academy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":442793,"width":250,"height":166,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/06/Tatyonna-Brown.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-442793" width="250" height="166" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brown has flown up the rankings, rightfully so. The 6'2 forward has soft touch on shot attempts around the basket, complemented by an dependable drop step to score around contests. There are few names in the class who have as much upside on both ends. Brown has already shown dominance defending the paint, trusting that high hands will be enough to either block or manipulate opponent shot attempts. With 17-9 Air Academy, the forward posted 8.1 points, 8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='474846' first='Kiyarra' last='Williams'] - Burlington</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Williams is a sturdy 5'10 forward who embraces contact on both ends of the floor. The sophomore is a dependable defensive presence in the paint, notably tough to back down around the rim. She does a great job keeping both arms up for contests, maximizing her reach while minimizing her risk of fouling drivers. On the opposite end, Williams is effective driving to the rim from the elbows or top of key, most often with the right hand. Her progression as a complementary floor spacer will be worth keeping tabs on. Through her sophomore season with 21-5 Burlington, the small forward posted 20.4 points, 12.7 rebounds, 3 assists, 3.9 steals, and 1.8 blocks per game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='543970' first='Gianna' last='Leone'] - Fossil Ridge</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Leone provides upside as a multi-positional defender with an additionally high floor as a complementary wing on the offensive end. The 6' forward has gotten more reps along the perimeter, notably getting downhill with ease following the opponent closeout. Leone's current value resides in her defensive rebounding, proving tough to move out of position. Through her sophomore season, the forward posted 6.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal per game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='374159' first='Lydia' last='Flowers'] - Air Academy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":504485,"width":224,"height":149,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/09/537-Lydia-Flowers.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-504485" width="224" height="149" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Flowers has continued to refine her skillset, becoming more consistent handling the ball in traffic and knocking down jumpers. The small forward has proven to be an excellent decision maker, taking efficient looks or passing it up for a wide open teammate. She has improved her efficiency across the board, contributing 34% of three point attempts and up to 64% from the free throw line. Through her sophomore season, Flowers has posted 10.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.2 blocks per game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='329349' first='Taylor' last='Peterson'] - Palmer Ridge</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":504442,"width":255,"height":170,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/09/137-Taylor-Peterson.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-504442" width="255" height="170" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Peterson does her part to fight for every possession, embracing the fundamentals necessary to maintain the advantage. The forward seeks out box-outs at all times on the defensive end, proving sturdy versus a wide array of frontcourt matchups. Peterson has defensive upside both on the interior and perimeter, staying in front of 2-4. Her off-ball intensity on defense allows her to not only keep up with cutters, but intercept passing lanes for steals. On the opposite side, Peterson takes what the defense allows, contributing on open lanes and advantageous matchups. Through her season with Palmer Ridge, the sophomore has posted 5.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals per game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->