The Freshman You Need to Know from All 50 States
In this article:
Prep Girls Hoops Scouts — a group of gym rats known, in part, for our ability to discover and identify talent early — are itching to check out the new crop of talent entering the high school ranks this season.
While it’s impossible to flawlessly project talent at this young of an age, there are no-brainer prospects in every graduating class. Below, we’re getting ahead of the game by stamping one Freshman You Need to Know from each state.
Derryn Goode
Derryn Goode
Athletic guard who is a multi-level scoring threat. Heady ballplayer, Goode is always in attack mode, making the right play or feeding the hot hand. Defense, she is an old school in-your-face defender who will sit down and guard — getting steals and deflections that all lead to transition buckets. Exciting young prospect who should be in the top tier of her class.
- Contributed by Brandon Tinnon
Alaska
Kayann Thomas
Kayann Thomas
Thomas played varsity as an 8th grader. She will run the team’s offense in the near future.
- Contributed by Justin Feinberg
Murray has a mature feel for the game with her playmaking ability. She is used to playing against older competition and more than holds her own.
- Contributed by Cedric Cobb
Madison Garner
Madison Garner
Garner is third in the state in point per game to start the season. She has a lot of potential.
- Contributed by Semaja Brooks
The tenacity and calculated attacking that Kori Rogers plays with is next level. Rogers is going to be a household name out of this state before she graduates. She has a mass amount of skill, good height and physicality, and understands what her team needs in every moment. She will only be walking into her freshman season at St. Mary’s this winter but she is going to be a name you will hear a few more times this season. She is a game-changer and she is going to have that on full display.
- Contributed by Jeremy Brooks
Highlights
Husk was impactful at the Colorado PGH Freshman Showcase, doing a lot of things well, including blocking shots. Showing good court awareness Husk defended well from help side, moved into mid-range and perimeter shot opportunities well, worked into rebounding position, and showed quick feet in a variety of situations.
- Contributed by Robert Kelly
Baileigh Kimball
Baileigh Kimball
Kimball is a hardworking player on both sides of the floor. She loves to play in-your-face pressure defense. On offense, she is aggressive and moves the ball well.
- Contributed by Justin Feinberg
Delaware
Jezelle Banks
Jezelle Banks
There are Division I schools that this sensational prospect can help right now. She is a three-level scorer with swag and will have an immediate impact. She is one of the top freshmen in the country. Must-see prospect.
- Contributed by Justin Feinberg
Reddicks was one of the best players at the recent Florida PGH Freshman Showcase. Reddicks can do it all on the offensive end and she makes it look easy. She averaged nearly 30 points when in middle school and has shown the ability to score at the high school level as well. Reddicks averaged 14 points per game while playing up in the 17-U division at Run 4 Roses this past summer.
- Contributed by Hunter Keith
- Local stories: Freshmen Guards with the “It” Factor and Forwards
Head Coach Jennifer Acree finally gets to coach her daughter, a blue-chip prospect already with offers from ACC and SEC programs. Kie’Aundria is a do-everything star that should break records at Monroe. She’s an electric playmaker who gets to the basket at will and is a multi-positional defender. South Carolina offered her while in eighth grade.
- Contributed by Kyle Sandy
Highlights
Idaho
Evy Raney
Evy Raney
Raney is a quick guard with crafty handles. She is good at creating separation and can score over bigger defenders.
- Contributed by Justin Feinberg
Easily the No. 1 player in her class. Damon will be playing with Example Academy, an elite prep school in Frankfort, Illinois. This program is known for traveling the country and testing their skills against elite high-school competition, along with a couple matches against top ranked junior college programs. With Symora being able to gain this type of experience, I expect her growth to trend upwards and fast. A no-doubt high-powered freshman in the state.
- Contributed by Byron Xerxes Livsey
Highlights
Lillie has stood out as the best 2027 prospect in Indiana to date, and it’s obvious once you see her play. She is extremely long, fluid, and smooth as an athlete. She can attack the basket, has developing touch around the perimeter, and is a solid offensive rebounder. Defensively, she can take on multiple positions, rebound, and block shots with her length.
- Contributed by Brandon Bradley
Phillips is going to see the floor in small doses this varsity season, only because of just how good her team’s roster is, but don’t be mistaken, she is a Division-1 basketball player at the end of the day. Phillips is shifty with the ball in her hands, skilled in multiple ways, and always producing for her team in some form/facet. Most of the time she demonstrates that she is a dominant scoring force but she also has the ability to produce without scoring the ball and that says a lot about her game. Her progression will be key over the next few years but as for right now, she is in a great spot moving forward and will be a big name featured throughout Iowa this upcoming high school season.
- Contributed by Jeremy Brooks
Long has terrific size and athleticism — highlighted by her ability to grab the rim. Has big, soft hands that she uses to clean up the glass and score with off the catch. She enjoys working from the post-up and has high-caliber potential.
- Contributed by Robert Kelly
Highlights
“Tootie” already has Power 5 offers heading into her freshman season. She played varsity as an 8th-grader and has now transferred to the powerhouse Sacred Heart Academy that has won four straight state titles. She’s a big time point guard prospect with an elite first step.
- Contributed by Steve Quattrocchi
Carolina Bradley
Carolina Bradley
Bradley is a dominant force that most of the state already knows about. She stands right around 6’5″ and moves quickly down the floor, rim to rim. If you consider just her height and athleticism, she is a game-changer. Someone who can get you several stopped and blocks each contest because of her reach and discipline. Bradley has a chance to be one of the best in the country in her 2027 class, she just needs to keep her head down and stay dedicated.
- Contributed by Jeremy Brooks
Jordyn Crump
Jordyn Crump
Crump plays well above her age level. A true point guard with great court vision and passing ability. She can finish and handle comfortably with either hand.
- Contributed by Justin Feinberg
Elliot is already one of the top five guards in Baltimore City. She is super athletic, confident, and ready to lead.
- Contributed by Al Schell
Middleton is very aggressive and a strongly-built guard. She plays well above the age level of a freshman. High-level playmaker and an improving outside shot. Lot’s of potential in her game.
- Contributed by Justin Feinberg
Sydney Savoury
Sydney Savoury
Savoury already has a long list of Power 5 offers. She is as efficient and productive on the offensive end of the court as you can get. She will be a stat-sheet-stuffer at the high school level. Knock-down 3-point shooter to go along with finishing ability.
- Contributed by Danyle Bowers
- Local stories: Freshman Ready to Make an Impact by Danyle Bowers and 5 Freshman To Watch by Scott Hankamp
To the surprise of absolutely nobody in Minnesota, Mya earned the top spot when the first ranking of Minnesota’s class of 2027 was published this fall. Wilson is a truly elite athlete who has a unique combination of grace and power, speed and quickness, on-court intelligence and pure skill. Over the past few months the lengthy freshman has really filled out and grown stronger while proving that she can compete with players of every size, ability and age. Wilson is collecting high major offers and may be one of the best freshmen in America.
- Contributed by Grant McGinnis
Mississippi
Madison Jones
Madison Jones
Jones is a high-energy and effort player who impacts the game with her activity level. She runs the floor well and gets ahead of the defense in transition. She finishes well at the rim and is developing a craftiness in her finishing skills. An aggressive, disruptive defender who doesn’t back down from a challenge.
- Contributed by Terry Drake
Montana
Brynn Kammerzell
Brynn Kammerzell
Playing varsity as an 8th-grader last season put Kammerzell on many people’s radar because she didn’t just play… at times, she dominated! She asserted her dominance and established herself as a paint protector. Her size is a handful for opponents to contain, as she is impactful on both ends, pulling down rebounds, blocking shots and deflating the confidence of defenders far and wide. Her game will only continue to grow, as will her height, which is a scary things for opponents!
- Contributed by Edwin “EJ” Arocho
McKenzie Lewis
McKenzie Lewis
Lewis is a player that is going to take the state of Nebraska by storm in a few months. She is a 6-foot wing that moves really well for her size. All in all, she is physical, smart, and skilled with the ball in her hands both inside and outside of the paint. This is someone who will be in the discussion for the No. 1 player in her 2027 class before her high school career comes to an end.
- Contributed by Jeremy Brooks
Nevada
Nation Williams
Nation Williams
Williams is going to be a household name before you know it. A player that is highly ranked in the 2027 class nationally, is going to make her mark this season at Centennial High School out of Las Vegas. Williams is dominant in every definition of the word. She stands at 6’2″ with an elite mixture of size, athleticism, and skill. On several occasions, she has demonstrated the ability to produce over weaker players near the basket or she can bring her defender out and knock down a 15-foot jump shot. Not to mention that she can put the rock on the floor and finish efficiently at the hoop in a number of different ways. I could go on and on but for now, just remember the name, Nation Williams.
- Contributed by Jeremy Brooks
Koharu Tanaka
Koharu Tanaka
Tanaka is a sharp shooting combo guard. She has a quick shot release and spaces the floor well. Good ball-handler who can play on- or off-ball.
- Contributed by Justin Feinberg
Sunkins might just be the best 2027 in the Garden State. Her size coupled with her speed and ability to play and guard multiple positions will be a handful for opponents to try and contain once she makes her high school debut this winter. This summer playing on Nike circuit with her Jersey Gemz 14U squad, she put the nation on notice with her versatility, efficiency and athleticism.
- Contributed by Edwin “EJ” Arocho
Harper Dunn
Harper Dunn
An intriguing prospect with tremendous potential and upside. Comfortable operating from the high post area and has knack for cleaning the glass.
- Contributed by Matthew Martinez
Ashley MacCalla
Ashley MacCalla
MacCalla’s game reminds me of Chamique Holdsclaw. Has the X-Factor and plays with unwavering confidence. Can impact the game each night in every facet with her skillset and athleticism. She’s that good.
- Contributed by Joshua Ebrahim
Joseph has established herself as, by far, the best 2027 center in North Carolina. She delivers on both ends of the floor as a dominant force in the middle. Very advanced moves in the post and will block shots to the first row. Terrific talent.
- Contributed by J.E. Dawson
- Local story: Under the Radar Freshmen by Mindy McCarthy
Highlights
Sydney Mobley
Sydney Mobley
Mobley’s footwork is amazing, all the D-I coaches marvel at that aspect of her game. Finishes well with either hand, defenders can’t stop her at the rim. Knows how to use her body, but she also has guard skills. Can realistically play 1 through 5. Very sought after freshman with very crisp handles for her size. She has 15+ Power 5 offers already.
- Contributed by Jim Dabbelt
De’Andra Minor
De’Andra Minor
The world of Oklahoma high school basketball has been excited about Minor’s arrival for a while now. College coaches are, too, with the likes of Baylor already having her on campus before she even played in high school. Minor is already built for the college game and handles the ball like a 20-year veteran. The game has slowed down for her and she still has four more years of high-level high school basketball to go!
- Contributed by Jason Green
- Local story: 2023-24 Season: Freshmen to Watch
Love Forde
Love Forde
Forde is one of the most exciting prospects in the state of Oregon for the class of 2027. Already standing at 6’2″, Forde is a dominant force inside, yet with her size, she is incredibly quick and light on her feet. Her handles are impressive, allowing her to attack from the perimeter while she also is constantly playing clean up crew on the offensive glass. She already has several D1 offers the likes of San Jose State, Portland State, and Michigan. Heading into her freshman season at Nelson High School, Forde will undoubtedly dominate and shake things up in the stacked Mt. Hood Conference and at the 6A level as a whole. Her career will absolutely be one to watch over the next four years.
- Contributed by Noelle Mannen
Ryan Carter
Ryan Carter
Carter is an incoming freshman who has already earned offers from Division I colleges like Michigan, Pitt, and Miami. She has the height, athleticism, footwork, and strength few prospects possess. She is a complete player who has put Pennsylvania on the map nationally and will dominate the high school season her freshman year.
- Contributed by Evan Bell
Elin Fitzgerald
Elin Fitzgerald
Fitzgerald is a versatile wing. She can shoot the ball and stretch the floor. She can also rebound and handle the ball.
- Contributed by Justin Feinberg
Mungo would be the No. 1 player in state of SC as of today in 2027 (I don’t do my freshman rankings until after season in mid-March). Mungo currently has offers from several D-I schools. Left-handed point guard who has uncanny vision. She really likes to push the tempo and play fast in transition. She can create her own shot and really scores the ball from all three levels on the floor.
- Contributed by Bret Swanson
Highlights
Burckhard is a Division I prospect garnering attention for her impressive skill-set at a young age. She will be a leader as just a freshman for Aberdeen Central and has a very complete game. At 6’1″ and possessing excellent athletic abilities, she is a star in the making!
- Contributed by Tucker Tornberg
Haylan Ayers
Haylan Ayers
Packs a big punch. She’s a two-way player who can do it all. Scores from all three levels, defends, gets boards and steals by the bunches. Plays the game with relentless energy. A gym rat who has so much potential.
- Contributed by Brandon Tinnon
Mariah Alfred
Mariah Alfred
Every time I see her, she’s added something to her game and has already shown she can take a game over offensively. I love how she is becoming a facilitator as well. Huge upside with a “you can’t stop me” mindset.
- Contributed by Simmie Colson
- Local stories: 2027 WATCHLIST Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3
Jones will come in this season and showcase her skills across the board on both ends of the floor. One of the most impressive aspects of her young game is her wiggle, she can really make things happen when the ball is in her hands.
Allbee’s game comes with a whole lot of mettle. She’s a dynamic slasher with distribution ability. Defensively, she’s a hawk on the ball. Her winning mentality and hoop IQ is clear.
- Contributed by Cody Quattrocci
Highlights
Elite basketball player with a high IQ. Harris can play three positions on the floor. Elite three-level scorer. Also an elite defensive player.
- Contributed by Rasheen Johnson
A skilled, young talent that could possibly take the state of Washington by storm. McCartney stands at 6’2″ and has a lot of length to pair with that height. She works endlessly on both sides of the floor and is someone that could change the outcome of the game because of her mixture of size and discipline.
- Contributed by Jeremy Brooks
Austin-Russell is a stud. She’s long, quick and plays with a high motor. She can score by shooting it from the outside, slashing and her best quality is turning her defense into offense. She will fit the St. Albans system very well with her athleticism. Already used to taking command in games, she tallied several 40-plus point games as an eighth-grader.
- Contributed by Joseph Albright
Highlights
The offensive arsenal and athletic profile are as ideal as it can get. Van Vonderen can attack off the dribble, finish with both hands, knock down perimeter jumpers, and has the lateral athleticism that suggests she could be a premier perimeter defender at the high school level.
- Contributed by Brady Peterson
Highlights
Wyoming
Lily Anderson
Lily Anderson
Anderson is a bright young prospect from Wheatland High School who is putting in the work to become a top prospect in the state of Wyoming. Look for a big freshman year out of this young lady at Wheatland High School!
- Contributed by Justin Feinberg