Kansas Girls Basketball Forwards to Watch: Class of 2027

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kansas high school basketball continues to produce a strong crop of frontcourt talent, with players across Classes 2A–4A that are ready to step into bigger roles and make their mark, in their junior season. Ranging from versatile small forwards who bring scoring and rebounding balance to interior players who anchor their teams in the paint, this group of athletes are ready to be difference-makers for their programs. With steady production, defensive energy, or the ability to rise in key moments, these standouts are ready to carve out their own identities that make them names to watch in the seasons ahead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1224638"],"_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-68ae1fc34a878"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Smith Center's 5'10” junior forward Leah McKelvey has steadily grown into a reliable presence in the paint, averaging nearly 8 points and 6 rebounds per game this season. She brings toughness on the glass, active defense, and the ability to finish inside. I remember watching her a few years ago and knew then that once she put it all together and used her size, she was going to be a force to be reckoned with. That prediction is coming true, as McKelvey's confidence and consistency continue to rise, making her one of the frontcourt players to watch in the Mid-Continent League.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1224679"],"_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-68ae1fc34a91d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Andale sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1224679' first='Edyn' last='Stolz'] is emerging as a steady contributor for the Indians, with averaging 4.5 points and 4.4 rebounds per game last season. A versatile small forward, Stolz impacts both ends of the floor with her rebounding and defensive energy while also finding ways to contribute offensively. Already earning All-League recognition in the Central Plains League, she's proving to be a dependable piece of Andale's rotation with the potential to grow into a bigger role in the years ahead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1208520"],"_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-68ae1fc34a99d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bennington's [player_tooltip player_id='1208520' first='Brooklyn' last='Clark'] has been a steady two-way contributor this season, averaging 8.6 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. The 5'9” small forward brings toughness on the glass and defensive energy, adding 1.6 steals per contest to her production. A multi-sport athlete, Clark's athleticism and versatility stand out, and as she continues to expand her offensive game and playmaking, she has the potential to develop into one of the more well-rounded forwards in the Heart of America League.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1226930"],"_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-68ae1fc34aa3e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Santa Fe Trail's [player_tooltip player_id='1226930' first='Reese' last='Black'] has started to prover herself as a reliable presence for the Chargers. The 5'7” junior small forward earned multiple Player of the Game honors this past season, a reflection of her ability to step up in big moments and impact games on both ends of the floor. Also a standout in softball, Black brings versatility and competitiveness that translate across sports. Her steady play and leadership make her a key piece for Santa Fe Trail heading into the remainder of her high school career.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->