Introducing the Class of 2027 Watch List, part 4
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After three previous installments, and the introduction of 15 promising young players, we now deliver the final segment in the Prep Girls Hoops 2027 Watch List. Although these are not the best 20 prospects in the Class – we’ll take…
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Continue ReadingAfter three previous installments, and the introduction of 15 promising young players, we now deliver the final segment in the Prep Girls Hoops 2027 Watch List. Although these are not the best 20 prospects in the Class – we’ll take a stab at that this fall when we announce the PGH Freshmen 50 – all of them are worthy of serious consideration for that honor. Listed in alphabetical order, here are the final five members of our initial watch list.
Sara Stern Sara Stern 6'0" | PF Maple Grove | 2027 State MN – forward, Crossfire Stern
We think Sara’s going to be one of the most pleasant surprises in the Class of 2027. She’s probably not going to wow you with her speed or dazzle you with her handles or bring you out of your seat with her athleticism. No, the Maple Grove freshman-to-be is just going to do everything necessary to win you some basketball games. Standing 6 feet tall, with a wingspan that’s even longer, Stern is deceptive. She can score off the bounce, outleap opponents for a rebound, knock down shots from mid-range out to beyond the arc, and she can use her prodigious length to defend all five positions. Toss in some terrific intangibles and an admirable work ethic and you have a prospect who will make noise in this class.
Erma Walker Erma Walker 6'0" | PF Hopkins | 2027 State MN – forward, Metro Stars 2024 3SSB
Watching Erma perform in a strong Hopkins lineup over the past couple of seasons, as well as playing three years up in AAU, it is impossible to believe that she is only an 8th grader. Erma is big and strong, quick and fast for her size, and very skilled. She is a relentless rebounder who can out-position, out-muscle, and out-think opponents of all types in the paint and then step outside and bury a shot in your face. She is a strong back-to-the basket power forward but can play like a guard, as well. Walker is just so versatile, with quality handles, the ability to create her own shot and scoring opportunities, and the size and strength to defend well. Who isn’t looking for a package like that!?
Peyton Walker Peyton Walker 5'9" | CG Proctor | 2027 State MN – guard, Minnesota Starks
While many of the kids selected for this 2027 Watch List are already well-known in Minnesota basketball circles, Peyton has a little lower profile. It won’t be long, however, until college coaches begin to figure out just how much potential the gifted guard from Proctor has. Simply put, Walker is one of the most natural athletes in the class, and her skill development has been rapidly catching up to her agility and mobility. Under the tutelage of Duluth-based trainer Dyami Starks, Walker is developing a nice box of tools. She can handle it and shoot it at a high level, is terrific one-on-one, and can finish through heavy contact. Walker’s defensive intensity and overall motor complete a very desirable package.
Pressley Watkins Pressley Watkins 6'0" | CG Benilde-St. Margaret's | 2027 State MN – guard, Legacy Hoops Elite
The 5’11 guard has all of the physical attributes to be an elite competitor at the next level. With advanced physical development, outstanding length and a pretty solid frame she just looks like an elite basketball player. She is fast, athletic, and highly skilled. Defensively Pressley uses all of those assets to force steals, block shots and corral rebounds. Offensively Watkins is constantly on the attack and she can score in mass quantities pretty much any way you’d like her to. Simply put, Pressley is a top-shelf prospect destined to play high-end college basketball. Already an established varsity player at Orono, Pressley is expected to join the defending Class 3A state champions from Benilde-St. Margaret’s this fall.
Mya Wilson Mya Wilson 6'1" | CG Hill-Murray | 2027 State MN – guard, North Tartan 2026 Nike
We might as well come right out and say it: Mya is the best prospect in the Class of 2027. We could build up the suspense, stir up a little drama and spark some debate but that would all be a little bit silly. Wilson is just that good. She’s so long, so smooth and so gifted that watching her play is equal parts athleticism and grace. basketball and ballet. She runs, she jumps, she shoots, she scores. Every time we watch her Wilson delivers something new while eliciting plenty of oohs and aahs in the process. Mya has made her mark at Mahtomedi over the past two seasons and, after a great summer playing one year up in AAU, she’ll now enroll in high school at Hill-Murray where coach Erin Herman is no doubt grinning from ear to ear.