2026 Rankings Update: Small Forwards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These forwards have all found ways to be impactful, versatile defenders versus multiple positions. Although their offensive skill sets vary widely, they will find ways to grow opportunities this coming season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["608610"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Schneider is notably aware off the ball, on both ends of the floor. Proving excellent at recognizing open spaces once help approaches a teammate ball handler, the wing is prevalent cutting towards the rim. Patiently awaiting her defender to begin ball watching, Schneider thrives as a cutter towards the basket. Effective finishing around the rim with either hand, the forward has no trouble getting into the paint as a scoring threat. Defensively, Schneider is active jumping passing lanes, getting into position early for steals. Her continued impact on the glass will be worth following, currently the leading rebounder among returning Lutheran players.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-655e801356b68"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["470938"],"_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_0_evaluation":"A capable floor spacer with a notable height advantage, Gunter will be an intriguing name to follow over the coming seasons. The wing does an excellent job flowing into shots off the catch, either from a standstill or movement. Her positional reach should allow her to be a valuable defender versus opposing forwards. Although provided a small sample size in the past, Gunter looks to provide value on the glass, digging into opponents on box outs to create an advantage.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-655e801356bc6"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["430805"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Monroe provides value as a complementary scorer, actively attacking dowhill off the catch. They are proactive getting to the rim with urgency, wasting no time before the defense has a chance to reset. Monroe benefits from notable quickness on the initial step in traffic, certainly quicker than opponents her age while showing potential at the varsity level through her previous season.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-655e801356c16"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["510717"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Oaxaca is active on the break, constantly finding ways to be a threat in transition. The sophomore has been most prevalent in transition opportunities, finding ways to make herself available through outlets or well timed cuts. Certainly making herself available no matter the circumstances, Oaxaca provides value as a release valve should help approach teammate ball handlers. Her impact getting rebounds will be especially intriguing, doing a great job of reading the shot direction to create leverage on the glass in the right spot.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-655e801356c67"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["510721"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Monk brings energy on either end of the floor, maintaining a consistent awareness. They do an excellent job of keeping the opponent honest, staying ready to jump passing lanes or at least deflect the pass. Monk is always prepped to leap into position, either for help defense or a rebound. The forward brings plenty of grit to the interior, never shying away from contact if necessary to secure possession on the glass. Her continued growth in efficiency will be worth monitoring, already given a large opportunity throughout her previous season at 14-9 Widefield.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-655e801356cb7"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":[1120244],"_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_0_evaluation":"Burns has immense upside as an interior defender and rebounder, particularly on the defensive end. She stays true to the fundamentals, walling off the lane early to maximize her height advantage on contests around the rim or perimeter. Burns has been impactful staying down, always in position to get up for a rebound following a shot attempt.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-655e801356d03"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->