7 Forwards and Centers Debut in the ’26 Rankings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Following on the heals of the list of debuting <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2023/10/6-point-guards-debuting-in-the-26-rankings/">point guards</a> and <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/?p=778358&amp;preview=true&amp;_thumbnail_id=181841">shooting/combo guards</a> in the ‘2026 rankings comes a look at the forwards and centers. The list features four prospects drawn from the class 2A ranks. The prospects, listed in rank order, include the lone 3A and 1A Division I debuters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='773193' first='Charlie' last='Cash'], 5'9", SF, Concordia - Cash is the top debuter overall in the class, entering at <strong>#26</strong>. A Varsity Kansas 3A honorable mention and North Central Activities Association first team selection Cash was a player recommendation. Considered by that player as one the strongest players she saw over summer she said Cash runs the floor well and is an above average three point shooter. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='773214' first='Bailey' last='Sparks'], 5'10", C, St. Thomas Aquinas - I enjoyed getting a look at this <strong>#35</strong> debuter at the end of the summer. Sparks has a strong build and physical nature. Just what you want at the center position. She boxes and clears rebounds well. Sparks also is perimeter threat with a quick release off the catch. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='773212' first='Julia' last='Schlessinger'], 6'1", C, Ellinwood - #105 - My colleague Jeremy Deckard reported in late July that Schlessinger was a workhorse last season. Putting in 20+ minutes last season while pulling down 5.7 rebounds per game her production can be expected to increase substantially after losing a couple strong seniors. Entering at #105 Schlessinger has potential to get to double-double numbers this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='773209' first='Kaitlyn' last='Folsom'], 5'11", PF, Maur Hill Mount Academy - My colleague Jeremy Deckard reported in July about her averaging 5.8 points and 5.3 rebounds per game as a freshman. He also counts her as a viable double-double generator. Long-limbed and active around the paint she has a really good spin-in move that get her buckets and to the line frequently. She also has a nice mid-range jumper. Deckard also liked her passing ability in the transition game. Folsom enters at <strong>#44</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='773203' first='Elle' last='Robinson'], 6'0", PF, St. James Academy - The <strong>#45</strong> debut brings size and physicality to a Thunder team with a legimate shot to not just knock St. Thomas Aquinas off the 5A perch but also put them away in district play before every getting to state. Robinson is athletic with talent to consistently play inside and on the wing. She grabbed 4.9 rebounds per game, showed shot blocking ability, the potential to be a dominant force in the middle as her strength grows. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='773202' first='Emily' last='O'Brien'], 5'9", PF, Remington - The 2A class bears being warned that the 2024 edition of the Broncos will be big, deep, experienced, and strong. O'Brien, joining at <strong>#69</strong>, will be a big part of things on both ends of the floor. Not the tallest on the team, O'Brien does bring length and a solid frame. As someone who played guard in the past she handles well and shoots the bomb well in flow. O'Brien may just be the Broncos' best all-around offensive player. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='773201' first='Morgan' last='Froese'], 5'9", PF, Inman - I had the opportunity to see this <strong>#75</strong> debuter twice last season. She is one of the reasons I expect Inman to be a more well-rounded team and a serious threat to do well in 2A. Losing 2 seniors, including only one who consistently contributed, last year's bench will fill the void and then some. Froese is built similar to teammate [player_tooltip player_id='719107' first='Kambrey' last='Woods'] but is just a smidge taller, At times she will control the paint against poor interior defense opponents because they will not be able to stop her power moves. She will work both sides of the basket using either hand. Defensively she will continue to be tough because she holds her ground well. She will also be effective in transition as she transitions well and catches well on the fly to finish. A topper, Froese is also a solid free throw shooter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->