The Rest of the Best 27’s: More Names That Need to be Mentioned
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Tennessee’s 2027 class is loaded with talent, and we’ve only hit the tip of the iceberg here at PGH. Here are a few more 2027’s you should keep an eye on. Ellie Beth McDonald Ellie Beth McDonald 5'11" | SG…
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Continue ReadingTennessee’s 2027 class is loaded with talent, and we’ve only hit the tip of the iceberg here at PGH. Here are a few more 2027’s you should keep an eye on.
Ellie Beth McDonald Ellie Beth McDonald 5'11" | SG Lebanon | 2027 State TN
Ellie Beth McDonald Ellie Beth McDonald 5'11" | SG Lebanon | 2027 State TN
EB has one of the highest ceilings of any 2027 in the state due to her combination of size and skill. She already possesses and incredibly high IQ and could earn a big-time role on this team because she’s so adapt at playing off others. I expect her to slide into almost any role operating on the perimeter or inside at times.
She should make an immediate impact at Lebanon with her size, IQ, and ability to score the ball from the perimeter or in the post. She can score coming off screens, attacking the rim creating for herself, and is a really good playmaker creating for others. Huge upside for this kid!
Naleiya Withrow-Walker
Naleiya Withrow-Walker
Withrow-Walker is another freshman that will make an immediate impact at Lebanon. As a 5-6 combo guard with high-level athleticism. She has the ability to change the game on the defensive end, and when she’s in the game Lebanon can throw out high-end perimeter defenders with a 6’3 anchor protecting the rim. She helps give this team a really high defensive upside. Offensively, she plays heady basketball and has a willingness to simply make the “right” play–which is exactly what this Lebanon team needs in its role players.
Sally McReynolds Sally McReynolds 5'9" | SG Dobyns-Benett | 2027 State TN
Sally McReynolds Sally McReynolds 5'9" | SG Dobyns-Benett | 2027 State TN
McReynolds is anothe player that could step right in as a playmaking guard and make an impact as a freshman. After a summer playing up for a ’25 team, she’s accustomed to playing against kids that are older and more physical. Skill wise–she’s right there with them though. She’s got tight handles, and a great change of speed. Always seems to be under control, and great at dictating the pace of the game. An elite level passer that truly knows how to run the show. She’s also an adequate scorer around the rim and from three. It will be hard to keep this freshman off the floor as she’s already getting big time college interest.
Cox has the reputation of being a straight up bucket. I watched her last year as an 8th grader vs Cleveland MS in the state Final 4, and she buried a huge 3 to give Alcoa MS the lead which they never relinquished. Cox is just a gamer with great feel, poise, and never seems phased. She is one of the best shooters in East TN, and will compete for minutes of the bench for Alcoa HS.
Nyla Johnson Nyla Johnson 5'8" | CG Nolensville | 2027 State TN
Nyla Johnson Nyla Johnson 5'8" | CG Nolensville | 2027 State TN
Johnson is a highly skilled player with elite athleticism. A legit 3 level scoring threat in the making. She can get downhill, challenging bigger girls on the way to the cup. Has a high basketball IQ, she sees the floor well, and throws strikes. I think she can contribute offensively as a freshman this season.
Incredible on the defensive end with great instincts on when to get a fingertip on the ball. Has the athleticism to be an elite defender. Needs to understand when and when not to gamble, and can be a disruptive on the ball defender when locked in.
Really like this kid’s potential.
Serenity Barksdale Serenity Barksdale 6'1" | C Ezell-Harding | 2027 State TN
Serenity Barksdale Serenity Barksdale 6'1" | C Ezell-Harding | 2027 State TN
Possessing high level size, length, and athleticism–mixed with a skill set not traditionally seen with girls her size–Barksdale is hoping to contribute to EH’s team as a freshman. Defensive she can impact the game immediately as a defensive presence, aggressive rebounder, and high-end motor kid.
Offensively, her stroke from the FT line tells me that she will one day be able to be a stretch big. Right now, her points come from scoring on the blocks, but can step out to 15ft comfortably. I also love her ability to turn, face, and attack the rim. Barksdale has huge upside!
Mia Hauptman Mia Hauptman 5'9" | SF Page | 2027 State TN
Mia Hauptman Mia Hauptman 5'9" | SF Page | 2027 State TN
Hauptman plays with that “old man” YMCA game (and I mean that as high praise!). She knows how to use her strength, head fakes, angles, and footwork to get off shots in the paint vs bigger defenders. She’s a gritty player that won’t get outworked, and is a tough rebounder and defender. She’s going to find a way to contribute to winning, and make impactful plays. She will be hard to keep off the floor, and would be a great “energy” kid off the bench for Page.