Summer Rankings Update: 2027 PGs & CGs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class of 2027 got off to a strong start in 2023-2024, and as we begin July before their Sophomore year, several of the top prospects are already receiving heavy interest from college programs. It is a class that still holds a number of questions, but also one that has good size at the top of the class, plus some solid guard and wing play. Below is a quick look at six prospects from the point guard and combo guard groups in 2027, along with positional rankings for the ladies located in our new Top-50 overall for 2027.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">TOP-50 2027 POINT GUARDS:</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- When you enter high school with a target already on your back, especially regionally, you better be able to back it up, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='750766' first='McKenzie' last='Koch']</strong> did just that and more. She entered the Eastern Hancock lineup alongside several talented upperclassmen and helped the Royals to a 25-2 record and Class 2A Final Four appearance, with their only regular season loss coming at Class 4A Lawrence North. Now the crafty lead guard looks to spend July making sure coaches following her into the Fall, as she showcases her ability to both score and create at a high level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- For as talented as she is, I still don't hear enough people mention <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751072' first='Jada' last='Frieson']</strong> among the better guards in the 2027 class. She is strong and compact, takes care of the basketball, but she also uses her athleticism and ability to absorb contact to her advantage when she attacks the basket. She sees the floor, finds open teammates consistently, and she will get after it defensively. Look for her to potentially step into some big minutes this year at Warren Central.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/position-ranking-table {"name":"acf/position-ranking-table","data":{"class":"2027","_class":"field_65cfb7374abb9","position":"12123","_position":"field_65cfbfcb19ad6","national_rankings":"0","_national_rankings":"field_660c1d73c0e49","state":"","_state":"field_65cfb88a603fe"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-668780b1a4350"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><font size="+2">TOP-50 2027 COMBO GUARDS:</font></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='750766' first='McKenzie' last='Koch']</strong> (<em>above</em>), Plainfield's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751064' first='Hannah' last='Menser']</strong> drew a lot of early buzz about her play throughout her middle school years. In 2023 and 2024 she has played "up" two age groups in grassroots ball on the GUAA circuit, and because she's incredibly steady and plays like a veteran with those older prospects, I think we lose sight at times of just what she is able to do in a "normal" setting. When I watched her with her high school team in June, she was dominant at times, and she obviously doesn't look like a rising Sophomore. Look for her to lead a talented young nucleus in 2024-2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- If you haven't seen her yet, Merrillville's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='756240' first='Malika' last='Jenkins']</strong> is out to prove she belongs among the top guards in 2027. She is long, wiry-strong, and athletic in all directions. At the same time, she isn't just about talent, she has a very balanced skillset as well, as she can handle the ball and run offense, attack, create, and put pressure on the defense, or knock down open shots. Plus, I feel like she can become an elite defender with her length and athletic ability.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Pike guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751118' first='Saniya' last='Smith']</strong> put together a nice rookie season, but I think it was at the IBCA Top-100 Showcase and the IBCA team showcase where she was on full display for all to see. She is extremely quick, shifty, and explosive. She has the ball on a string and really knows how to find offense. She has all the necessary skill to be a more traditional point guard, but she is so talented at filling it up, that the Red Devils are going to find her shots over and over again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Speaking of that strong 2027 class at Plainfield, don't overlook <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='756233' first='Abrielle' last='Dugan']</strong>. She isn't flashy, isn't boisterous, and just kind of goes out and blends in, but she's also incredibly smooth, highly productive, and really understands how to play. Abrielle can act as a point guard, find teammates, etc., or she can bury open shots, get downhill, and finish at the basket, plus she will defend multiple positions. She is a wiry-strong, fluid athlete with really nice length.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/position-ranking-table {"name":"acf/position-ranking-table","data":{"class":"2027","_class":"field_65cfb7374abb9","position":"12121","_position":"field_65cfbfcb19ad6","national_rankings":"0","_national_rankings":"field_660c1d73c0e49","state":"","_state":"field_65cfb88a603fe"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-668780b1a439f"} /-->