AZ’s Best: Top Power Forwards in the Class of 2026 (Part 1)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the top point guards, small forwards, and centers in the class of 2026 all covered, it's time to dive into the next group. The power forward position is deep in this class, <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/arizona/rankings/2026-rankings/?position=PF">with nine of our top 30 ranked players</a> playing the PF position. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Previous breakdowns:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/09/azs-best-top-26-point-guards-to-watch/">AZ's Best: Top '26 Point Guards to Watch (Part 1)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/10/azs-best-top-sfs-in-the-class-of-2026-part-1/">AZ's Best: Top SFs in the Class of 2026 (Part 1)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/09/azs-best-top-centers-in-the-class-of-2026-part-1/">AZ's Best: Top Centers in the Class of 2026 (Part 1)</a><br><br>The power forward position requires size, strength, and mobility. Having a strong presence in the interior is vital, but also bringing skills outside of the paint makes you stand out. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is part one of a three-part series that will cover the top 15 power forwards in Arizona for the class of 2026. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["659856"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67005393a693f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Isabella Juarez has been one of the best forwards in the state and should only continue to improve as she enters her junior season. The 6'0" power forward will now attend ALA Gilbert North after attending West Foothills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In 12 games a season ago, she averaged an eye-popping 22.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, 4.8 steals, 3.3 assists and 2.5 blocks per game. She stuffed the stat sheet and shot an efficient 50% from the field in the process.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our Gregg Rosenburg <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/05/2025-27-rankings-top-5s/">listed her in the "Jack of All Trades"</a> section during a roundup earlier this year. Her all-around game makes her one of the best players in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["677263"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67005393a69ce"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Limbacher enters her junior year looking to make some noise. The 6'2" forward/center brings a combination of size and skill to the interior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>During her sophomore season, Limbacher averaged 10.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game in 29 games. Standing at 6'2", Limbacher knows how to utilize her size to her advantage on both ends. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/author/cedriccobbauthor/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cedric Cobb&nbsp;</a>in&nbsp;<a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/09/the-expo-top-rebounders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The EXPO: Top Rebounders</a> "Limbacher rebounded extremely well by using her athletic ability and athleticism. She was quick off the bounce and always stayed long using her length."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["598979"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67005393a6a27"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">McClees is a poised forward who should continue to pick up momentum during her junior season at Gilbert High. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last year, McClees appeared in 29 games for the second consecutive season for the Tigers. She posted 14.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.3 steals, 1.7 assists, and 0.9 blocks per game. She shot an efficient 50% from the field as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She's primed for a breakout junior season for Gilbert and we will be tracking her progress throughout. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["602941"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67005393a6a85"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Strong enters her junior season as our number four-ranked power forward in her class. She is listed at 6'1" on Max Preps and knows how to use her size in the paint. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She averaged 8.0 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 0.4 blokes per contest for Valley Vista. It was her second season on varsity and she looks to build off the momentum she generated this summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["624537"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67005393a6b0c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Beckler is next up on our list, coming in as our number five power forward and 18th overall in the class of 2026 rankings. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6'2" rising junior is due for a big season for the Basha Bears. Beckler averaged 16.3 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 2.4 steals per contest in 22 games for Basha. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The standout versatile forward/center shot 47% from the field. Grace has shown steady improvement in her overall game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cobb listed her in his piece, <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/06/2026s-to-keep-an-eye-on-in-july/">2026s to keep an eye on in July</a>, saying: "She has gotten coaches' attention with her play in recent months and will undoubtedly continue to do so."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->