Hidden Gems in the '27 Class!

I know, I know, it's too early to tell. When I look at the class of ‘27 watch list, they have a bunch of solid girls who are big time contributors. Due to the fact they are freshman, they may not be playing a lot of minutes behind some studs. But hey, what can you say? What I do know is this, sooner rather than later, these young women will take the court, do something to attract the eyes of their coach, and will play an even bigger role than what they are currently playing. It's how you earn the coaches' trust and you better believe these girls have been busting it in practice and when their number has been called in a game.   Now, keep in mind they are still freshmen, adjusting to new schools, course workload, the demanding grind of a high school schedule. Throughout this class, we are going to uncover even more gems the more these girls get on the court. However, for the sake of this article, check out some girls who are waiting in the wings and will be big time contributors when it is all said and done.   [player_tooltip player_id='821744' first='Serenity' last='Barksdale'] (6'1/C/ Ezell-Harding)- Soft hands and quiet feet, this girl is a problem in the painted area. She can step out and shoot the 3 ball, but being in the paint is her bread and butter. Has been used in the pick n'roll and pick n' pop situation and has excelled knocking down shots from the mid-range and around the blocks. She's been big on the boards on both ends. Her ability to block shots is also crazy good. What I like about her even more, she communicates on D and runs the floor well in transition. A solid prospect who will be opening up a lot of people's eyes real soon.   [player_tooltip player_id='821812' first='Mia' last='Hauptman'] (5'9/F/ Page)- Can play the wing or the stretch 4 position, either way she is a pure ball player. Offensively, she can shoot from 3 at a consistent clip. She has a nice mid-range game that complements her ability to finish at the rim through contact. I love how she is on the boards, has active hands in the passing lanes, and keeps her opponents in front of her on D. She is a solid kid who is carving out a significant role early for her HS ball club. Look for her to become a leading catalyst to her team's success down the road.   [player_tooltip player_id='822230' first='Brooklyn' last='Lowry'] (5'10/F/ Brentwood Academy)- Versatile kid who can slide into the guard spot, but does her work mainly from a forward position. She can play the stretch or the wing, but either way, know that she is comfortable spotting up or even putting it on the floor. She's a gym rat who likes to compete. Doesn't matter if her opponent is bigger or faster, Brooklyn is going to find a way to go toe to toe with that person. Though she can score from anywhere on the floor, its her ability to do the little things that sets her apart: passing, rebounding, cutting with a purpose. Look for her to grow in a role and star in it. Her stock is surely on an upwards trend.   [player_tooltip player_id='821741' first='Gabby' last='DeBord'] (6'1/F/PCA)- Dual sport athlete who is getting major minutes early and often for the Lady Lions. One set of the twin towers, Gabby can beat you from within the arc around the elbow and short corners, or beat you on the perimeter. Teams have zoned them a lot, which has enabled her to kill teams from the mid-range area. She does have great feet around the block, but if she gets into the face up game, it's lights out. Great rebounder and shot blocker, she's a problem on the defensive end. This won't be the last time you hear of this special prospect.   [player_tooltip player_id='822221' first='McKenna' last='Solomon'] (5'5/PG/ Green Hill)- Solid prospect that has speed to her game. She's the “Little Engine That Could”, but she can do all things. She can attack downhill, make timely assists, knockdown clutch 3s, and defend. She uses her size to her advantage and plays the game with a lot of confidence. It's going to be awesome following her growth. This kid is the type to roll up her sleeves and just get after it. I love her game and how she plays it with a passion.   [player_tooltip player_id='822228' first='McCallie' last='Meyers'] (5'10/W/ Brentwood)- Some time soon, this girl will take flight. Has great size and speed, she has a natural ability to get to the rim with ease. Has developed a nice outside game as well, but it is her hustle and heart that I love seeing her play with. Right now, she is waiting in the wings, becoming a student of the game. However, when she has gotten spot minutes, she contributes by doing the little things. When her time comes, you better believe she will be ready to step in and shine. She's a multi-level scoring threat who will lock you up on D. Solid kid who will be something special sooner than you think.

I know, I know, it's too early to tell. When I look at the class of ‘27 watch list, they have a bunch of solid girls who are big time contributors. Due to the fact they are freshman, they may not be playing a lot of minutes behind some studs. But hey, what can you say? What I do know is this, sooner rather than later, these young women will take the court, do something to attract the eyes of their coach, and will play an even bigger role than what they are currently playing. It's how you earn the coaches' trust and you better believe these girls have been busting it in practice and when their number has been called in a game.