Top Small Forwards to Watch in 2026 Basketball Rankings

Throughout our state, we have such a vast array of talent and different styles of basketball. We have teams that like to push up tempo, and then we have the ones who love to run different sets. Within the framework of these different styles (there are plenty more than just the two I named), we have some very talented players who not only fit those systems but also can play outside that box as well. What I love about the talent we have within this state is that we have a lot of girls who are adaptable and can really tip the meter in one's favor based on their style of play.   I have touched on the point guards and shooting guards, now it's time for me to talk about the small forwards. For starters, there is nothing small about these girls. Sure, we may have a few that come under that 5'10 mark, but buddy, there are a lot of tall girls who run the outside lanes. I am talking 6'0 and above, and that can play inside or out. Just like I have mentioned before, these girls can play, and our state is filled with kids who can get the job done at this position.    Without further ado, here are some small forwards from the ‘26 rankings that you know and will be on collegiate coaches' radars big time.    Transformed. Evolved. This kid can play along the arc, but also get it done around the blocks. Her size poses a threat to most clubs because she can see over the top of defenders. When she gets into her bag and looks to exploit, she can do so by being physical. Her handles have gotten better, enabling her to utilize a quick first step to get downhill. This kid has made strides this past season, and her trajectory arrow is pointing up. Look for her to continue to be in beast mode and land somewhere solid this upcoming season.     Battle-tested young lady who is a workhorse. She thrives off of challenges and is willing to go toe-to-toe with anyone and anywhere. She has a nice outside game, but inside the arc, she has a bevy of moves that enable her to get to her spots. She's on the boards,s he blocks shots, a true grinder who gets after it. This summer, she will be in the limelight in front of college coaches. Look for her to take advantage of the opportunity and sign somewhere special next offseason. Solid kid with a tremendous upside.     This kid keeps getting better and better every time she steps onto the floor. She can play inside, but can knock it down from deep at a consistent clip. As a pretty stroke from the field, the ball always seems to scorch the net. She plays fast, plays hard, and is willing to do the little things to help her ball club win. She, too, will be on the circuit, getting tons of experience in front of collegiate coaches. She is going to be playing at the next level, and whoever gets her signature will be getting a steal in this young lady.     She may be the one stud under the 5'10 mark, but she is impactful. This kid gets after it on both ends of the floor, being a thorn in the side of the opposing coaches. She plays with tons of energy and effort and is always looking to exploit the opposition. I love her defensive ability in how she can play on the ball as well as off the ball. She has a knack for reading situations and pouncing on opportunities. She's hungry, talented, and will continue to be an impactful ballplayer at the next level.     I stand by this young lady in the fact that she is truly a special kid who has suffered a minor setback with an injury. She is a true champion and a ballplayer who loves being on the hardwood floor. This kid is a bigger SF who can exploit defenses. She can post up, work the mid-range, and shoot lights out from the arc. When she is on, she is hard to handle, which makes her lethal in my opinion. On the defensive end, she blocks shots and contributes big time on the boards. When she gets back, she is going to be a problem, and I look forward to her having a stellar senior season. Solid kid who is going to be a nice addition at the next level.     A fun and energetic kid who competes from tip to the final whistle. She is another kid who comes in under the 5'10 mark, but is so impactful. I am talking about she is active on both ends of the floor. Defensively, she is a problem. A disruptor who gets steals and deflections by the bunches. She reads situations well and knows when to jump gaps, leading to easy transition buckets. On the offensive end, she is a 3 level scoring threat. She can spot up along the 3 line or use her quick first step to attack a defender and get into a quick pull-up shot or finish at the rim. This kid is a heady ballplayer, and every time she touches the floor, good things tend to happen. She will be a solid addition to a program at the next level, so stay tuned to where she will land.

Throughout our state, we have such a vast array of talent and different styles of basketball. We have teams that like to push up tempo, and then we have the ones who love to run different sets. Within the framework of these different styles (there are plenty more than just the two I named), we have some very talented players who not only fit those systems but also can play outside that box as well. What I love about the talent we have within this state is that we have a lot of girls who are adaptable and can really tip the meter in one's favor based on their style of play.