Top 8 Forwards in Connecticut for 2025-26

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Connecticut girls basketball boasts talented forward class this season, featuring players who can score inside, stretch the floor, and dominate on boards. This year's top forwards include established seniors, impactful juniors, and promising underclassmen ready to make their mark. Here's a closer look at the eight forwards to watch in 2025-26. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["352997"],"_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-6949f883b3d15"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Zola Cudjoe combines athleticism with a strong work ethic, making her one of the top forwards in the state. She can score in the post, finish in transition, and stretch defenses with an improving mid-range game. Cudjoe is also an exceptional rebounder, often securing crucial possessions in high pressure situations. Defensively, she is capable of guarding multiple positions, adding versatility to her teams game plans. Her leadership as a senior allows her to influence both the mindset and performance of her teammates. Cudjoe's poise in clutch moments makes her a consistent go-to option for St. Paul. Scouts and fans alike will be watching her all season, as she has the potential to make a significant impact on both ends of the floor. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1559389"],"_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-6949f883b3dc1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1559389' first='Roxane' last='Tweah'] is a junior forward with a rare combination of size, skill, and athleticism. She is versatile enough to play both inside and outside, making her a matchup nightmare for opponents. Tweah's rebounding ability allows her to control the paint on both ends, while her scoring touch extends from the post to mid-range jumpers. Her agility and court awareness enable her to run the floor effectively in transition. Tweah is also a vocal leader, guiding younger teammates and providing energy when the team needs it most. Her junior status means she still has room to grow, but she already makes a significant impact for Danbury. College recruiters will be watching closely as she continues to refine her game. With a mix of skill, power, and basketball IQ, Tweah is one of the most exciting forwards in Connecticut this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Aunee Brookshire","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12122","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Hamden High School ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6949f883b3ebe"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior forward Aunee Brookshire is a proven performer for Hamden. She has a polished post game, with the ability to score on both short-range moves and mid-range jumpers. Brookshire is also a tenacious rebounder, often creating second chance scoring opportunities for her team. On defense, she uses her strength and positioning to alter shots and control the paint. As a senior, she provides leadership and stability on the court, helping to guide Hamden through tough matchups. Brookshire's versatility allows her to contribute in multiple facets of the game, from scoring to facilitating fast breaks. Her experience makes her a key player to watch, and she is expected to be a major factor in Hamden's playoff push. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Abby Casper ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12122","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Northwest Catholic ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6949f883b3f95"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior forward Abby Casper is known for her scoring ability and presence in the paiint. She excels at finishing around the rim and drawing contact to get to the free-throw line. Casper's rebounding and defensive instincts help control the boards and limit opponens second-chance points. She is also capable of stepping outside for mid-range jumpers, keeping defenses honest. Casper's leadership extends beyond statistics, as she guides younger players and helps maintain team chemistry. Her experience and skill make her a cornerstone for Northwest Catholic's offense and defense. With her combination of size, strength, and versatility, Casper is a forward to watch closely this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Nicole Riemer ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12122","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Bristol Central ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6949f883b4060"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nicole Riemer is a senior forward who brings toughness and consistency to Bristol Central. She can score in traffic and pull defenders out with mid-range shooting. Riemer is a reliable rebounder and an active defender, often challenging shots and creating turnovers. Her leadership is evident in close games, where she remains composed and helps guide her team. Riemer's work ethic and intensity allow her to compete at a high level every game. She can also contribute in transition, running the floor effectively for fast break opportunities. As a senior, Riemer's experience makes her one of Bristol Central's most dependable forwards. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Brooke Walker","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12124","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Berlin ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6949f883b412c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brooke Walker is a senior forward who brings versatility and athleticism to Berlin's lineup. She can score inside, shoot from the perimeter, and contribute on the boards. Walker's ability to play multiple positions allows her team to adjust lineups and exploit matchups. Defensively, she is aggressive and can guard both forwards and guards effectively. Her senior experience gives her an edge in leadership and decision-making, particularly during critical moments. Walker's all-around skill set and adaptability make her a key contributor for Berlin this season. Fans should watch her as a dynamic player capable of impacting both ends of the floor. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1223696"],"_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-6949f883b41a2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sophomore forward [player_tooltip player_id='1223696' first='Hailey' last='Mayo'] is an emerging star with a bright future. Despite her age, she shows advanced instincts for scoring and rebounding. Mayo's ability to stretch the floor with mid-range shooting adds a dynamic element to Coventry's offense. Defensively, she uses her length and and anticipation to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots. Her athleticism allows her to run the floor in transition and finish strong at the rim. As a sophomore, Mayo has plenty of room to grow, but she already contributes significantly to her teams success. Her combination of skill, size, and potential makes her one of the most intriguing forward in the state. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Nina Nardecchia","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12122","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Amity High School ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6949f883b426c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nina Nardecchia is a senior forward with a versatile scoring game. She can finish in the post, knock down jumpers, and stretch defenses with outside shooting. Nardecchia is also a strong rebounder and a committed defender, capable of guarding multiple positions. Her leadership and experience make her a steadying presence on the court, particularly in high-pressure games. She often sets the tone for Amity with her intensity and energy. Her combination of skill and basketball IQ allows her to make an impact in nearly every game. With her polished game, she's a critical contributor and a forward to watch in Connecticut girls basketball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Connecticut's forward class in 2025-26 is a balance of seasoned seniors, rising juniors, and promising sophomores. These players bring scoring, rebounding, versatility, and leadership to their teams. Seniors provide experience and poise, juniors contribute to emerging talent, and sophomores like [player_tooltip player_id='1223696' first='Hailey' last='Mayo'] hint at the state's future stars. Together, these forwards are expected to shape the competitive landscape of Connecticut girls basketball, delivering highlight performances and influencing the outcomes of key matchups throughout the season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->