Updated PGH New Jersey Class of 2026 Top Five Power Forwards
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The power forward position is well-represented in Prep Girls Hoops New Jersey’s updated Class of 2026 rankings, with 12 inside the top 100 and five inside the top 30. That includes two top 20 prospects as well. As we break…
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Continue ReadingThe power forward position is well-represented in Prep Girls Hoops New Jersey’s updated Class of 2026 rankings, with 12 inside the top 100 and five inside the top 30. That includes two top 20 prospects as well. As we break down the top five, position-by-position for this class, we head to the power forward position, the top five sophomore power forwards in the Garden State.
No. 1: Jahzara Green Jahzara Green 6'1" | PF Gloucester Catholic | 2026 State NJ – Gloucester Catholic (No. 7 overall)
While we list Green as a power forward, she’s much more than that and plays the part on the floor, a versatile 6-1 prospect that has shown both flashes as a guard and forward for Gloucester Catholic and on Philly Rise’s 15U EYBL team. What has stood out so much to us in watching her is her ability to attack the lane with the ball in her hands. She commands the lane and wants the offense to flow through her so teammates get open on the wing or anywhere outside the lane. Respect demands attention and Green is gaining plenty of respect.
No. 2: Taylor Sofilkanich Taylor Sofilkanich 6'4" | PF St. John Vianney | 2026 State NJ – St. John Vianney (No. 10 overall)
Whatever genes run through the Sofilkanich family, those genes produce some tall players, and Taylor is no different, standing at 6-4 and expected to be one of the main frontcourt pieces for St. John Vianney over her next three years in high school. You can’t teach height, but you can teach aggression, and she has plenty of that, an intimidating force down low that’s been quite aggressive on the boards and on the defensive side of the ball. Small sample size, but her block ability just jumps off the page immediately.
No. 3: Sophie Smith Sophie Smith 6'2" | PF Red Bank Catholic | 2026 State NJ – Red Bank Catholic (No. 21 overall)
Smith certainly has plenty of competition surrounding her on her own team at Red Bank Catholic, but her abilities as a forward should more than help secure a starting spot in the frontcourt next season. Power forwards don’t just stand in the paint waiting for players to come in. She’s been conditioned for one-on-one defensive situations, on-ball and off-ball defending, and her agility and smooth footwork allow her to stay with opponents to force poor shot attempts. That 6-2 frame is just as daunting to guard offensively as well.
No. 4: Zahniya Castillo Zahniya Castillo 6'0" | PF Roselle Catholic | 2026 State NJ – Roselle Catholic (No. 24 overall)
Castillo is another six-foot forward not just the height to her advantage, but her size as well. She’s a big body to move around in the lane, making her incredibly tough to score on while even more difficult to prevent from scoring the other way. We talk about commanding the lane a lot here, and for good reason as a player that has a great feel for the paint, but can take charge of it, is someone who is a playmaker and a game-changer at its purest form. Castillo has a fantastic opportunity ahead of her to do big things at Roselle Catholic.
No. 5: Sadie Fleming Sadie Fleming 5'10" | PF Manville | 2026 State NJ – Manville (No. 29 overall)
Fleming is someone that we’ve had a close eye on since coming to our PGH Top 250 showcase in October, but after seeing what she was able to do as a freshman for Manville, she initially caught our attention much sooner. She’s showcased a more defensive-minded play style, which is certainly effective to an extent, but where she was able to be successful on the boards, we’re looking to see that translate to the offensive end in a big way. Fleming showcased more flashes of that late last season, so that breakout is coming soon.