'26 Rankings: The Top 7 Small Forwards From The Update

Happy holidays to those who celebrate and hopefully the time spent with loved ones was filled with pleasure. It's an ideal time to discuss the recently dropped '26 rankings, more specifically focusing on the small forwards of the class at the moment. The small forward position is a talented bunch and its critically important to highlight the ones at the top of the group. There're 190 girls recognized collectively; below are just 5 from a position in this latest update.   Use code MBG30 for 30% off your first purchase of any subscription.     [player_tooltip player_id='1057795' first='Athena' last='Thompson'] (2026) | 5'9 Wing | PSA   Athena is quite the prospect. She's quickly brought that overseas flair across the water and made an impact in NEPSAC. Thompson is a remarkable 2-way talent that's had a couple show-out games, including a 34-point one vs Darrow. What's most impressive about Athena is that she's regularly guarding the opposing team's best perimeter player. Already this season, she's faced a number of the top wing talents and has been utterly impressive guarding them. Athena's an agitator that's extremely aggressive as a perimeter defender. She regularly requires players turn their body to protect the ball. Her long wingspan alongside her athletic ability makes her an astounding deterrence. Athena also offers some versatility in different lineups and when factoring in the previously mentioned attributes, that frames her to be the # 1 player at the position.     [player_tooltip player_id='300636' first='Elliana' last='Scalabrine'] (2026) | 5'10 SF | Newman School   Elliana is the #2 ranked player at the position. She's an essential element for Newman and conducive to their success. This season, especially at the Girls Hoop Series Winter Classic, Scalabrine made it obvious why she's a prospect to know. She played at such a high level and consistently seemed to create something out of thin air. She finished tough shots, knocking down momentous shots over skilled defenders smoothly. Scalabrine moves well without the ball, frequently cutting to the basket whenever she gets the chance. Elliana is featured heavily in the offense and can run off countless number of screens, as well as catch it in the post some too. The defense hasn't been mentioned yet either. The defense she brings to the table is fueled with superb intensity that incites her teammates and this should be mentioned. The Newman wing also seems to know exactly where to be on the floor which reduces her need to overwork. Keep an eye out as the season progresses, she's continuing to raise her stock.     [player_tooltip player_id='998255' first='Ella' last='Getz'] (2026) | 6'1 SF | Worcester Academy   The 6'1 Worcester wing is a fantastically multiskilled and can certainly tip the scales. She's a variable factor that's a steady player for her team. Getz has been on an early roll this year. Ella was prized All-Tournament in the Blackburn Tournament just a few days ago. She was one of the most consistent players and seriously impactful for her squad. Her physical tools aid in her 2-way ability. Her strong frame at 6'1 make her vitally important in games. Ella is the #3 small forward in the class.     [player_tooltip player_id='486360' first='Sophia' last='McClendon'] (2026) | 5'9 SF | Belmont   So much more than your average 3 & D type of player. Sophia offers timely plays in significant moments. McClendon plays with lots of intensity and is tenacious on both ends of the floor. She's athletically gifted, so that aids in her ability to shine on the perimeter or even free-throw line extended. Sophia sports a beautiful shot that she flings with extreme confidence from distance. She's the #4 ranked player at the position and #34 in the entire class.     [player_tooltip player_id='481341' first='Kaitlyn' last='Jones'] (2026) | 6'1 SF | Tabor   Kaitlyn is quite honestly one of the best closeout defenders in basketball. The long 6'1 frame is able to get to short, choppy steps and break down to get low, mirroring the ballhandler. She has ridiculously fast hands that pluck the ball out from ballhandlers in a split second. Not only does she shade on-ball perimeter players exceptionally, but she's an exquisite help-side defender too. Jones is consistently in the proper position to play help defense, even when she's playing up the line. Her hands are in the passing lane and her length is a constant disruption for the opposing team. Her standout talent alone on defense makes her one of the best to mention at the position, but there's also formidable shot making ability developing and she has solid finishing ability around the rim too. Jones is the #5 ranked small forward in the class.     [player_tooltip player_id='998330' first='Brooke' last='Golden'] (2026) | SF | Tilton   Brooke has been offered from schools like Bryant, Holy Cross and Columbia so far. She brings extreme value in many places due to her well-rounded game. Brooke has experience playing with dominant players as more of a complimentary layer, but over time she has developed more assertive features. Golden makes an excellent wing player that can fill the role of many needs on the team whenever asked. She's a viable option at any point of the game. Brooke is the #6 ranked player at the position.     [player_tooltip player_id='462441' first='Vanessa' last='Ellis'] (2026) | 5'11 SF | Nobles & Greenough   The Nobles wing has an all-round game that allows her to excel on the perimeter with her confident shooting stroke and dynamic takes. Ellis has come into the season looking much improved with a refreshing take on her game. The fluid movements with and without the ball in her hands really standout. A striking attribute of hers is the conditioning. Vanessa is flying out wide and darting down the court to extend the floor, as well as sustaining the energy make impactful shots within offensive sets in high leverage moments. Ellis is already proficient in getting shots from the free-throw line extended area, along with the short corners. With her now extended range and potent movements off the bounce, she can be a true force. The strength she plays with comes through as a positive on the defensive side of the ball too. She embraces contact that's initiated on the drive. Vanessa loves to make plays on the ball to get her team out on the break briskly. She's the #7 ranked small forward.

Happy holidays to those who celebrate and hopefully the time spent with loved ones was filled with pleasure. It's an ideal time to discuss the recently dropped '26 rankings, more specifically focusing on the small forwards of the class at the moment. The small forward position is a talented bunch and its critically important to highlight the ones at the top of the group. There're 190 girls recognized collectively; below are just 5 from a position in this latest update.