Class 5 Forwards to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Girls Hoops Missouri continues its preseason previews with a look at a group of Class 5 forwards to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='631765' first='Ava' last='Pratt'] (St Michael the Archangel): A 6'0" 2027 forward who is one of the most versatile players in the state. She can use her height to score inside and she is a potent offensive player on the perimeter with her ability to drive and shoot the 3-pointer. The All-State returnee had a season-high of 45 points last season, which is a school record.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='954858' first='Gillian' last='Green'] (West Plains): A 5'11" 2028 forward who was our Class 5 Co-Freshman of the Year last season. She is a matchup problem with her height and physical strength, which enables her to score in the post. She also has a excellent skill set on the perimeter with her 3-point range and ability to create off the dribble.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='894062' first='Taylor' last='McCarty'] (Fort Zumwalt South): A 5'10" 2027 forward who led the Bulldogs to a surprise run to the Final Four and a third-place finish in the state tournament. The young lefty is a two-way standout as she averaged 13.9 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.7 steals a game. She has also improved her 3-point shot during the summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='803072' first='Peyton' last='Ward'] (Marshfield): A 6'2" 2027 forward who is a very skilled player who can handle the ball and shoot it from the perimeter. She is one of the top returning players in the SWMO area. She has already given a commitment to Division I Lindenwood University.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1235023' first='Claire' last='Morris'] (Helias): A 5'9" 2026 forward who helped lead the Crusaders to a Final Four berth in the state tournament. As a junior, she averaged 10 points and six rebounds a game while shooting close to 50 percent from the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='848996' first='Tamera' last='Currie'] (Ladue): A 6'0" 2027 forward who has been a consistent double-double performer in her first two years of varsity competition. As a sophomore, she averaged 12.3 points, 10.6 rebounds and 3.6 steals along with 42 blocked shots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='983008' first='Barlin' last='Gloto'] (Van Horn): A 5'9" 2026 forward who has put up some of the most impressive numbers in the Kansas City area. She attacks well off the bounce with strength with also the ability to break down defenders. As a junior, she averaged 17 points, 17 rebounds, two assists and four steals a game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rian Lenox (Lift for Life): A 5'9" 2027 forward who is a tough competition who rebounds the basketball well. As a sophomore, she averaged six points and a team-high eight rebounds a game for the state champions. She has also improved on offense with her ability to drive the ball from the high post.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='982953' first='Reese' last='Foster'] (Smithville): A 6'0" 2026 forward who has been a steady and consistent player inside throughout her career. As a junior, she averaged 10 points and 6.5 rebounds to help lead Smithville to a 20-8 record.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='734458' first='McKenzie' last='McCann'] (Cardinal Ritter): A 5'10" forward who has an excellent combination of strength and athleticism which enables her to excel against taller players. She scores in the post and she can make mid-range jumpers. As a junior, she averaged eight points and six rebounds a game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='458957' first='Ashley' last='Hilton'] (Hillsboro): A 5'9" 2026 small forward who returns as one of the top players in the Jefferson County area. As a junior, she averaged 19.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, two assists and three steals a game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marlie Crooks (Sikeston): A 6'1" 2026 forward who returns as one of the top frontcourt players in the SEMO area. She uses her length and athleticism very well to be an excellent shot blocker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kahmyla Bell (Lift for Life): A 6'0" 2026 forward who has a chance to be a breakout player this season. She had a big summer playing for the [program_tooltip program_id='712694' first='Missouri' last='Phenom'] 17U EYCL squad, where she showed her ability to score in the post and operate from the high post.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->