Updated New Jersey 2026 Top Five Small Forwards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class of 2026 in New Jersey has plenty of small forward representation, well-reflected in Prep Girls Hoops New Jersey's updated sophomore class rankings. Within the top 50, there are seven small forwards, including three ranked in the top 25. This article will go into depth about the position, discussing the top five small 2026 forwards in the Garden State.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">No. 1: [player_tooltip player_id='559047' first='Lexi' last='Carnegie'] - Teaneck (No. 6 overall)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Instant playmaker. That's what [player_tooltip player_id='559047' first='Lexi' last='Carnegie'] brought to the table with Teaneck as a freshman, one of the most exciting prospects in the Class of 2026 and a deserving No. 1 small forward in this recruiting class. Everything stands out watching her play, from her scoring prowess to fantastic court vision and an intimidating presence down low. She can turn it up on the defensive end just like she's been able to do offensively and when she's on, good luck trying to stop her in any way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">No. 2: [player_tooltip player_id='559080' first='Jordan' last='Barnes'] - St. Thomas Aquinas (No. 16 overall)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Barnes is really going to be a special talent with St. Thomas Aquinas and she has the opportunity ahead of her this season after [player_tooltip player_id='414407' first='Leah' last='Crosby'] transferred to Rutgers Prep. In will step a freshman that certainly impressed last season off the bench, but someone with such untapped potential that many have seen through AAU ball for United NJ. That height is her bread and butter and is going to make her one of the best defensive players from this 2026 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">No. 3: [player_tooltip player_id='601519' first='Annabel' last='Koss-Defrank'] - Glen Ridge (No. 25 overall)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Koss-Defrank is an interesting prospect to watch, but a prospect that can certainly fill up the stat sheet as she did last season, recording a triple-double for Glen Ridge. She's been very active on the AAU scene with [program_tooltip program_id='774068' first='NJ' last='Panthers'], showcasing great potential as a frontcourt piece, someone who can post double-doubles with ease, a player that's not afraid to shoot from three if she needs to, and someone who can and will take over a game when needed to.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">No. 4: [player_tooltip player_id='559045' first='Gabrielle' last='Vaughn'] - Camden Catholic (No. 31 overall)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Vaughn is one of the highest-ranked forwards from South Jersey in this class, a well-deserving honor for someone destined for a breakout campaign this season. Camden Catholic is depleted with talent following the loss of two key seniors last season, and they're going to need someone to step up and try to fill as much of that production as possible. Why not the offensive juggernaut that showcased some great range and ability on the offensive side of the floor. Really impressive player to watch overall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">No. 5: [player_tooltip player_id='564268' first='Toni' last='Pernetti'] - Ramapo (No. 32 overall)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pernetti was playing on a clogged Ramapo roster as a freshman, getting seldom playing time on a deep roster, but eight seniors won't be on the team this season. Plenty of production and spots will need to be filled on this team, and Pernetti is the perfect player to help fill in those gaps. She's one of the most exciting North Jersey prospects out of this class, she's incredibly versatile on the floor, a true multi-level and multi-dimensional player, and honestly an aggressive rebounder and post player overall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->