Introducing the Class of 2027 Watch List, part 1
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The 2023 AAU season is more than half over now. After a brief break for Memorial Day weekend, we’ve had the opportunity to do one of our most important tasks that takes place at this time every year – determining…
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Continue ReadingThe 2023 AAU season is more than half over now. After a brief break for Memorial Day weekend, we’ve had the opportunity to do one of our most important tasks that takes place at this time every year – determining which incoming freshmen deserve to be on the Prep Girls Hoops 2027 Watch List. Although we’re still about three months away from naming this year’s official Freshmen 50, the Watch List is an important mile marker along the road.
The 2027 Watch List recognizes 20 incoming freshmen who have already distinguished themselves among their peers by the conclusion of 8th grade. To be clear, this compilation is not necessarily the top 20 players in the class. Although many of them will no doubt earn that distinction this fall, we’ve got a ways to go before our crew of evaluators comes to a consensus on that. Based on recent history, however, there’s a very good chance that all 20 will be somewhere on the list when we introduce the Freshmen 50.
Here are a few facts about the Class of 2027 Watch List:
- The list is chosen without regard to geography. In 2021, there were just two players from outside of the Twin Cities metro who made the grade; last year there were 9. This time around we have 12 Metro athletes and 8 from the rest of Minnesota.
- Nearly half of the players compete for large 4A high school programs. There are five 2A athletes and just one this year from Class A. Six of the players attend private schools.
- There are 11 AAU programs represented on the Watch List as North Tartan, the Minnesota Stars and the Minnesota Fury lead the way with three apiece. There are two players each from Legacy Hoops, the Minnesota Rise and the Metro Stars. Other clubs represented include E1T1, FBC Real, Minnesota Comets, Crossfire and Minnesota Starks.
- As far as positional representation goes, there are 5 forwards and 15 guards. Of those, we estimate a half dozen should be considered primarily point guards.
- One final note: As with all of our class rankings, these players have been selected for their potential as college basketball players, not their current level of performance.
With that rather lengthy preamble out of the way, here are the first 5 of 20 players selected for the Prep Girls Hoops Class of 2027 Watch List sorted in alphabetical order by last name.
Kate Arnold Kate Arnold 5'9" | CG Chanhassen | 2027 State MN – guard, North Tartan Nike
The talented guard from Chanhassen has the potential to be one of the top handful of players in the Class of 2027. Arnold has tremendous length and athleticism, handles the ball and shoots it at a very high level, and possesses a competitive streak that holds up well against anyone. Kate can get to the rim using an approach that is equal parts grace and guile and she knows exactly what to do upon arrival. We’re accustomed to seeing Arnold produce big buckets at big moments using a versatile box of tools that make her a threat all over the court. She also takes pride in defending with passion and skill.
Alivia Bell Alivia Bell 5'7" | PG Winona | 2027 State MN – guard, Legacy Hoops Elite
The crafty floor general from Winona runs an offense with skill and precision beyond her years, with the ability to execute at a high level. She distributes well to be sure but can explode to the basket with no notice whatsoever, leaving a trail of defenders in her wake and adding to her usually significant point totals. With quick feet and fast hands, Bell is a varsity veteran who has terrific handles and the shooting skills to bury it from distance. Give her the tiniest bit of space and Alivia is going to knock it down. Defensively she is dialed in, and many consider her to be one of the best two-way players in the class.
Addison Bjorklund Addison Bjorklund 6'1" | PF Brainerd | 2027 State MN – forward, Minnesota Stars Antl
Standing every bit of 6 feet tall, and possessing some substantial basketball pedigree, the Brainerd freshman-to-be is a player to be reckoned with in the Class of 2027. She might be a forward or could end up as a wing. Regardless, Addy has already developed an excellent set of skills. By combining superior length, deceptive athleticism, and a high degree of mobility, Bjorklund has the chops to score inside or out. She also plays with a big motor and racks up hustle points on a regular basis. Defensively Addy’s length is a weapon both down low and on the perimeter. The sky is the limit for this talented prospect.
Kaelyn Bjorklund Kaelyn Bjorklund 6'1" | PF Lakeville South | 2027 State MN – forward, Minnesota Stars Antl
Addy isn’t the only Bjorklund on the roster for a talent-laded Stars team led by coach Scott Antl of Delano. The big forward from Lakeville South has taken giant steps forward in her game this spring and the impact has been obvious. At about 6’1, she has size, strength and length. Her ball-handling skills have improved a bunch, and her aggressiveness in attacking the basket of late has been impressive. She is a good passer and can make shots from distance, as well. Defensively, Kaelyn is gritty and physical and will not back down from anyone. How good can she be? Good enough to warrant Top 25 consideration.
Gianna Carpentier Gianna Carpentier 5'10" | PG Farmington | 2027 State MN – guard, Minnesota Fury 2027 Blue
If you want to measure the impact of what Gianna does, don’t bother looking at the Farmington guard’s scoring stats. That’s not her forte. If numbers are your thing, then the assists column is where you should look. In reality, however, the vast majority of what the 5’8 PG does for her team can’t be quantified. She’s intelligent, playing with poise beyond her years and focusing on what’s best for everyone around her. Gianna is the daughter of Farmington coach Liz Carpentier, who was a pretty good floor general herself. As is often the case with kids of coaches, the apple has not fallen far from the tree.