2026 Rankings Update: Frontcourt Prospects
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These are a few of the most intriguing frontcourt prospects to round out this class, boasting immense value on the glass and defensive interior. Providing a large volume of rebounds through previous seasons and showcase events, these prospects will be…
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Continue ReadingThese are a few of the most intriguing frontcourt prospects to round out this class, boasting immense value on the glass and defensive interior. Providing a large volume of rebounds through previous seasons and showcase events, these prospects will be worth another look.
Hearty is a tall forward with a notably wide reach, making her especially difficult to score on while anchoring the paint. Especially proactive getting an arm up to contest shot attempts around the rim, she provides immense defensive upside. Her continued progression as a scorer out of the post will be intriguing, already showing upside as a finesse scorer at the rim, finishing contested shots with either hand. Part of her appeal is her advanced footwork and soft touch, given that few opponents are able to get up high enough to contest the shot. Denver East’s interior defense will be in good hands over the next few seasons with Hearty anchoring the paint. Her continued progression as a shotmaker within the arc will be fascinating, given her wide reach and soft touch in multiple areas.
Highlights
Starks brings a high motor on the glass, constantly motivated to create a second chance opportunity. The forward’s consistent energy will be on full display yet again this season. Her ability to instigate opposing forwards down low will be intriguing, proving capable of maintaining her strength. Her overall volume of second chance points will be intriguing, certainly playing a vital role for Vista Peak’s interior production. Although boasting a notably high motor, Starks still has room for growth as a diverse shotmaker, particularly on attempts in the mid-range.
Van Dalen is productive in the post, getting to turnarounds and pivot moves to finish with either hand. Especially assertive off the catch, the forward is productive backing down smaller opponents. Productive inside the arc, Van Dalen can get to turnaround push shots or hooks, not fazed by the immediate contest. She brings a retro, physical brand of basketball focused on post touches and physical play. Her impact rebounding on either end of the floor will be particularly interesting, certainly adding a unique blend. Van Dalen’s continued growth as a floor spacer will be worth monitoring over the coming seasons.
Highlights
Isenbart was particularly productive on the glass throughout her freshman season at Stratton. Constantly leveraging position on box outs and maneuvering around opponents to secure position, the forward works tirelessly to be a threat. Although particularly active on the glass, Isenbart is also proactive getting shots up from putbacks, taking advantage before the defense can recover. Scoring with either hand, the forward is a high motor prospect, bringing plenty of intrigue with Stratton.
Guida will be a necessary component to Highlands Ranch’s frontcourt defense, among the tallest forwards in this group. Proactive getting out on the break early for outlets, the forward will likely be tasked with launching transition passes or as the recipient of such opportunities. Highlands Ranch will be among the top programs in the state yet again, allowing for plenty of opportunities to see Guida’s progression over the course of the season.