2026 Rankings Update: Overlooked Forwards Rising

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These senior forwards are off to very strong starts in their final season and have climbed the rankings in the most recent update because of it. Here are 5 forwards flying under the radar who have the tools, production, and potential to play at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["493166"],"_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-694ac3984b958"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An athletic and powerful forward, she protects the paint while also showing the ability to guard on the perimeter. She scores efficiently at the rim and flashes a soft shooting touch from the mid-range. She's putting together a solid senior season for Central, averaging 12.1 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, and is coming off a double-double performance at the Queen of the Commonwealth with 12 points and 11 rebounds in a win over John Hardin. <em>(Featured Image)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["834633"],"_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-694ac3984b9c4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Izzy is leading Muhlenberg County with 16 points and 9.3 rebounds per game while shooting 72% from the free-throw line. A versatile player who impacts the game in a variety of ways, she recently recorded the first triple-double in program history, finishing with 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 blocks against Hopkinsville. She has also surpassed the 1,000-career-point milestone and is in the midst of an outstanding senior season, continuing to elevate her game each year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["897392"],"_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-694ac3984ba20"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">While her team has struggled out of the gate and is still searching for its first win, her production has remained steady and reliable through five games. She's averaging 15.4 points per game and pulling down a team-leading 8.4 rebounds, continuing to be a bright spot on both ends of the floor. Izelee is a physical, high-motor player, a strong interior scorer and a relentless rebounder.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1056285"],"_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-694ac3984ba68"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A long and athletic 6'0 forward, she has really come along early in her senior season, averaging 7.3 points per game while leading Bullitt Central on the glass with 9.3 rebounds per game. She has beautiful footwork on the low block and scores effectively with her back to the basket. She runs the floor well, has a quick second jump that gives her an edge on the boards, and is a fierce shot blocker on the defensive end. Awel had her best game so far against North Oldham finishing with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 blocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1182834"],"_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-694ac3984baa6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Tayvionna is doing it all for Danville and is in the midst of a monster senior season. Through six games, she's averaging 24 points and 12 rebounds per game, firmly establishing herself as a dominant force on both ends of the floor. She has a strong, athletic frame and is extremely difficult to contain when she gets downhill. Her activity on the glass is impressive, and she brings the same high-level effort defensively. Tayvionna is a hidden gem in the 2026 class who continues to raise her stock with consistent production</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->