2027 Spring Breakout Candidates

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><em>The featured image is of [player_tooltip player_id='834939' first='Kayla' last='Herron'] (2027) of Culver Academy and Midwest Elite.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now that the IHSAA State Tournament has concluded, travel teams are starting up practices. Several programs will eye the annual Shamrock Classic as a starting point to their season, while others will host their own individual showcases, jamborees, etc., showcasing the different teams in their programs. Either way, as crazy as it sounds, the grassroots season is already here. Below is a look at five ladies who we feel could have a breakout Spring and really improve their stock with their play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">[player_tooltip player_id='751056' first='Emery' last='Cardinal'], 2027, 6-0 PF, Guerin Catholic H.S.</font></strong><br>- Emery is a long, fluid, still-growing forward who is just now figuring things out. She is a wait-and-see kid because she has grown quickly and isn't finished. As she finishes and adds strength, I'd expect more physicality, more consistency, and more true explosiveness in her game. She does have solid skill, she plays with some versatility, and she has a nice motor. Keep her on your radar, as she could have a really nice Spring/Summer with added confidence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">[player_tooltip player_id='834939' first='Kayla' last='Herron'], 2027, 5-7 PG, Culver Academy</font></strong><br>- I haven't yet seen Kayla in-person, only on film, but she is a long, smooth, quick/fast guard. She had a really nice 2023-2024 season for CMA, and I would expect her to take that to the Spring grassroots season and excel in the open court. She proved she can score it herself off the bounce or find open teammates, and she shot the ball reasonably well from the perimeter. I am very excited to get to see what she can do in a grassroots setting next month.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">[player_tooltip player_id='751032' first='Abigail' last='Orme'], 2027, 5-3 PG, Hamilton Southeastern H.S.</font></strong><br>- I really enjoyed watching Abigail at a showcase event in the Fall, and while she is a smaller guard, she was rewarded with a few minutes throughout the season on the Royals' varsity team. I would expect to see her take that next step this Spring and really showcase her skill, her toughness, and her leadership skills throughout grassroots play. Again, she isn't very big, but she is strong for her size, tough-nosed, and extremely feisty, with a good motor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">[player_tooltip player_id='644053' first='Miley' last='Sherrill'], 2027, 5-9 SF, Bedford North Lawrence H.S.</font></strong><br>- I think it's sort of a two-way street for Miley and Bedford. Not only would it benefit her to have a big grassroots season, but it would also greatly benefit the Lady Stars, as she was the next most productive player this year after Seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='176409' first='Chloe' last='Spreen']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177308' first='Madisyn' last='Bailey']</strong>. Miley is a solidly built wing who plays with a nice motor and toughness. She is a good North/South attacker, she can knock down shots, plus she has a solid basketball IQ.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">[player_tooltip player_id='751118' first='Saniya' last='Smith'], 2027, 5-4 CG, Pike H.S.</font></strong><br>- Saniya had an outstanding season for the Red Devils and gives them a lot of hope for the future. She is a tough-nosed, quick, and fast creator on the perimeter. She has touch and a quick release outside, plus she can get defenders off-balance with the dribble and get through the lane. She is a willing passer, she can finish in a variety of ways, plus she is a solid on-ball defender who can disrupt opponents. Look for continued improvement this Spring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->