AZ’s Best: Top SF’s in the Class of 2026 (Part 2)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We will now break down the next group of top small forwards in the Class of 2026 in Arizona.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>ICYMI:</strong> <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>So far, we have covered some of the state's top&nbsp;<a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/09/azs-best-top-26-point-guards-to-watch-part-2/">point guards</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/09/azs-best-top-centers-in-the-class-of-2026-part-1/">centers</a>, so now we'll go in between positions and focus on the wings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are five more incoming juniors who play the small forward position. It's a deep and talented group with several skills wings who possess size, speed, and versatility on the perimeter.<a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/audrey-bhesania/"></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["754692"],"_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-66ff1a647f4df"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lewis is our number seven-ranked small forward in her class. The 5'10" rising junior figures to take on a more significant role this season for Canyon View. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last season, Lewis averaged 5.5 PPG, 1.6 APG, and 1.1 SPG in just 7.3 minutes per contest as a sophomore. She appeared in 22 games for Canyon View. With a strong summer and a larger role expected during her junior season, Lewis is primed for a breakout season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our Cedric Cobb <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/09/the-expo-versatile-performers/">wrote this about her at the EXPO</a>: "Lewis showed her blossoming game as she was all over the place. She shot the ball well and played very good defense. Simply put Keira displayed a well-rounded game throughout the event."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["836774"],"_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-66ff1be7ec532"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Barajas comes in next on our small forward list, leading the way for Sunnyside entering her junior campaign. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The skilled 5'7" wing appeared in 26 games last season for Sunnyside. She averaged 6.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 0.7 assists per game on 34% shooting. With an expanded role on the horizon, Barajas should continue to display her versatility this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cedric Cobb wrote <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/08/2026-possible-breakout-players/">this about her as a possible breakout player</a>: "Barajas has some big shoes to fill but I feel confident in that she will help make up for the loss. She showed glimpses of what she could do last season and with the increased responsibility her productivity should increase as well."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our staff will be monitoring her development throughout her junior season.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["831761"],"_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-66ff1be7ec588"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Parks-Rodriguez has shown the versatility you like to see from a small forward, boasting an all-around game. The incoming junior ranks 62nd overall in her class and 10th in our small forward rankings. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She is known for being the "glue" piece for Kellis, displaying her ability to be in multiple spots on both ends and guard several positions. She has a solid jumper and can quietly put up double-figures on opponents by making the right plays and knocking down open looks. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She is a player that could skyrocket up our board with a strong junior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["831054"],"_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-66ff1be7ec5d3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Serale is next up on our list and could be due for a breakout season in her junior year at Highland High School.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 5'8" forward (listed at 5'10" on <a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/mt/hamilton/hamilton-broncs/athletes/emilee-searle/basketball/girls/stats/?careerid=prf9hf6l760l5">Max Preps</a>) has a good combo of size and strength for her position. During her sophomore season, Serale averaged 13.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.6 steals, 1.7 assists, and 1.0 blocks per game. She put up these well-rounded numbers in 29 games while shooting 42 percent from the field. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If she continues to grow into her game it's easy to see her catapulting into the top 50 in the state. We'll be keeping tabs on this Highland Hawk.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["754590"],"_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-66ff1be7ec619"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The final forward that makes our list of "AZ's Best" is none other than [player_tooltip player_id='754590' first='Raiyn' last='Hudspeth'], the rising junior from Gilbert. We conclude this list with a pair of Gilbert prospects looking to rise up the rankings this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last season, Hudspeth saw limited time as a sophomore on Varsity for Gilbert High, but she did appear in 14 games. The multi-sport athlete has caught the eye of our team <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/raiyn-hudspeth/">a couple of times</a> and should only become more prominent in a significant role during her junior season for the Tigers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Up next? We will continue this series with the top power forwards in the class of 2026 in Arizona. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->