2027 Rankings Update: The Top Five
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I love this class of players because not only are they talented, but they have a lot of really hard workers who are constantly making big improvements to their game. This class has the chance to be really special and…
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Continue ReadingI love this class of players because not only are they talented, but they have a lot of really hard workers who are constantly making big improvements to their game. This class has the chance to be really special and the top players have been showing that early in this high school season despite only being freshman. We just made our latest update to the 2027 rankings, so here is a look at the top 5 ranked players.
Stamper takes over the top spot after a really strong start to her freshman season. To be fair, I would have called it more of a tie for the top spot in the initial rankings, but since it didn’t give us that option at the time, she was technically in the 2nd spot until this update. What Kennedy Stamper Kennedy Stamper 5’5″ | PG George Rogers Clark | 2027 State KY brings to the court is special, plain and simple. She’s a competitor and I’ve never once seen her hang her head or back down from any challenge that was thrown her way. Her skillset is everything you would want from your PG – strong handles, excellent vision, impressive passing, defensive intensity, and a 3-level scoring threat. GRC is by far one of the top 2 teams in the state and they are off to a 6-0 start. In those 6 games, Stamper is averaging 12.2 PPG and 2.3 RPG while shooting 48.1% overall, 56.5% from 3 (& no, that is not a typo – she is currently 13-for-23 from deep), and 71.4% from the free throw line.
Highlights
It’s not easy to join the top team in the state, who also happens to be a nationally ranked team with back-to-back-to-back state championships, and instantly make an impact, but that is what Jordan has done in the start to her freshman season. She is Sacred Heart’s starting PG and while her numbers may not be where she wants them to be at the moment, she is a difference maker. Once her shots start falling, her impact is going to be even larger than it already is. Jordan has a very strong skillset overall. She can handle the ball well no matter what pressure is thrown at her, she’s got great court vision, and the defense always has to respect her ability to score inside or out. She also isn’t afraid to apply a lot of pressure defensively. Joining an elite team like SHA and being a major part of the lineup for them is no easy task, but watch for Jordan to excel more and more as the season goes on.
Make no mistake, Noel could just as easily fit in those top 2 spots. I have been amazed by how much poise she has as a freshman. I was just writing about the Queen of the Commonwealth tournament and how she looks like an experienced veteran out there because her decision making is next level. Noel has good size and strength, she can score at all 3 levels, and she is a game changer on any team she plays on, including a team that I view as a top 3 team in Kentucky. She has a great shot and can knock down 3’s but she can also finish tough baskets around the rim or pull-up in the mid-range. However, what really stands out to me is how unselfish she is. She is always willing to make the extra pass and do whatever she can to help her team win games. She makes great choices with the ball and is actually her team’s leading rebounder, averaging 5.4 RPG to go along with her 7.3 PPG. When it comes to the best of the best, Noel has to be in the conversation.
Marshall is a walking double-double. Despite facing setbacks from injuries, she works as hard as anyone you’ll find to get herself prepared and ready when she steps onto the court. She is an elite rebounder and is in the rare category of players who actually average a double-double. Currently, Marshall is averaging 16.9 PPG and 11.6 RPG. She is a key player on both ends of the court and she has a fantastic variety of moves that she can utilize down low. She finishes very well around the basket and isn’t afraid of contact. She can also step out and knock down shots. Marshall is a fearless player and like I mentioned earlier, you’re not going to find many players that will outwork her. It’s clear she really loves this game and the sky is truly the limit when it comes to her potential. She’s a special player who’s only going to get better and better with time.
Highlights
Kinner just scored her 1,000th career point six games into her freshman season. She is another very talented player who can do a little bit of everything. It’s not odd to see her name in every statistical category at the end of the game because she has great hands defensively and is a smart offensive player. Kinner can score in just about any way imaginable. She catches ready to fire and can knock down outside shots with deep range. She holds her follow through well and can also hit off the dribble. She makes great drives to get into the paint where she finishes floaters well, but she also recognizes when to take it all the way to the basket. She is her team’s leading scorer and rebounder, averaging 21.4 PPG and 8.6 RPG. She’s had double-doubles already this season and will have many more in her future. Kinner is a very smooth player and an athlete in general. Safe to say you’ll be hearing the name Kylie Kinner Kylie Kinner 5’10” | SG Paintsville | 2027 State KY a lot over the next 4 years.