Updated PGH NJ 2024 Top 5 Power Forwards

The power forward position is often an underrated position in basketball, overlooked at times, but 100% necessary and important for any team’s success. It’s become more of a hybrid position as the stretch forward, the stretch four, has come into the spotlight, but in New Jersey, the power forward continues to flourish. Here are the updated top five power forwards in our updated Class of 2024 rankings.

No. 1: Joi Johnson Joi Johnson 5'11" | PF Ewing | 2024 State NJ – Ewing (No. 12 overall)

Johnson has been a machine down low, deserving of the No. 1 title for this senior class, but as her evolution as a player has happened, her game has changed somewhat. She’s an incredible defensive player, averaging a double-double in her first two high school seasons, and while that remained an important part of her game as a junior, she showcased her scoring ability above all, a really impressive growth as an offensive player to average 15 points a game on a crowded roster against tough competition.

No. 2: Chloe Vasquez Chloe Vasquez 5'10" | PF Pequannock | 2024 State NJ – Pequannock (No. 25 overall)

Where Johnson has showcased more of the defensive side of what the power forward position is, Vasquez more represents the new era of the position, an offensive-first forward with height to her advantage, yet possessing great defensive skills in her back pocket. Vasquez was a three-point sharp-shooter as a junior, a career-high 61 threes in 25 games, and along with that, her rebounds per game and steals her game rose. We’ve also seen her develop more of a passing game, an added benefit to an already excellent player.

No. 3: Siena Shuster Siena Shuster 5'11" | PF Wayne Hills | 2024 State NJ – Wayne Hills (No. 40 overall)

If you’re looking for a player who had a breakout season last year to follow this season, Shuster is your player without a doubt. Playing in a much lower-impact role as a sophomore, Shuster burst out of the gates as a junior, averaging a double-double with nearly two steals a game and more than a block a game for Wayne Hills. During the year, she recorded 14 double-doubles, solidifying herself as one of the more dominant forward prospects in New Jersey.

No. 4: Madison Palek Madison Palek 6'2" | PF Middle Township | 2024 State NJ – Middle Township (No. 45 overall)

Palek transferred to Middle Township for her junior year, and it seems like the change in scenery has benefitted her greatly as she showcased a great package of talent, great aggression on the interior and an enhanced level of confidence that’s put her in the upper echelon of players in the Cape-Atlantic League. Her 6-2 frame has given her great shot-blocking potential, and she’s steadily been reaching that mark with time, which has been exciting to witness.

No. 5: Iriona Gravley Iriona Gravley 6'1" | PF Williamstown | 2024 State NJ – Williamstown (No. 48 overall)

Whatever work Gravley did in the offseason, whatever time she put into AAU ball and summer workouts, it paid off tremendously as a junior for Williamstown. Double-doubles were coming left and right for her, her offensive game in the paint became better, but most importantly, her defense took a massive step forward. She really put time into her shot-blocking and overall command of the paint, something that’s transformed her into a multi-dimensional forward with talent to burn.