5 Rising Power Forwards to Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It is always enjoyable to watch players grow their games and receive recognition for that growth. Take a look at five power forwards who raised their stock this past high school season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='822636' first='Reagan' last='Gerety'], 6'0", Nemaha Central, 2025 - After rising from Big 7 League Honorable Mention in 2023 Gerety wrapped up the the league's final year of existence on the first team. She also picked up KSHSAA and Sports In Kansas Honorable Mention honors. Losing in a sub-state final to eventual 3A champion Silver Lake Gerety showed good quickness inside, solid shot blocking without fouling and a good ability to hold her ground. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='544017' first='Shamari' last='Lewis'], 6'0", PF, Liberal, 2026 - Losing two starters at the beginning of the season enabled Lewis to establish an important presence on both ends of the floor for the Redskins. She has long had good size, length and athleticism but this year her sharpened skill sets rewarded her with Western Activities Conference first team honors as well as selection to 6A Honorable Mention lists of the KBCA, KSHSAA and Sports In Kansas. After averaging 5.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.7 steals in 2023 put up 13.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.7 steals per game. She also improved her free throw shooting from 56% to 73%. A fast and good rebounder and around the hoop scorer she is also developing as a perimeter shooter. Defensively she is quick, physical and active. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='773202' first='Emily' last='O'Brien'], 5'9", PF, Remington, 2026 - O'Brien advanced to the 2024 Heart of America first team after earning second team honors to 2023. She also was named to the KSHSAA and Sports In Kansas 2A Honorable Mention lists. There is a lot to like about her game. A former guard, she uses her height and long arms to great effect scoring around the basket, challenging shots, and rebounding. O'Brien has good transition speed and shoots the three ball well in flow. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='544023' first='Kierrah' last='Pinchon'], 5'11", PF, Garden City, 2026 - "KJ" Pinchon's game gained in maturity as this past season evolved. A high potential post with legitimate size and good length, she has long had one of the best turnaround jumpers within 10' of the basket. Game-in, game-out consistency improved late and it showed with a 24 point outing, including 13/14 from the line in a sub-state loss to Wichita Southeast exemplifies her potential. She has the handles to play on the wing, hops and physicality to be a factor inside and out on both ends. The two-time Western Activities Conference second teamer also was recognized with Honorable Mention honors by KSHSAA and Sports In Kansas. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='606255' first='Zoe' last='Winter'], 5'10", PF, Hays, 2026 - I first saw Winter as a freshman late in road loss to McPherson and she caught my eye right away with her athleticism and energy. This past season she emerged as a important post presence for the Tigers, nearly taking out Bishop Carroll in a sub-state championship game in March. Winter put up 15 points and 9 rebounds in the loss. Her play was recognized with second team Western Activities Conference and KSHSAA 5A Honorable Mention honors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->