2027 Rankings: Top 5 Breakdown

Topping our first 2027 rankings, [player_tooltip player_id='832050' first='Payton' last='Starwalt'] was a force in her freshman season and will no doubt continue to improve and impress over the next three years. Making the cut for several national watchlists and rankings, Starwalt is without a doubt a Division I talent, especially thanks to her lights out outside shooting that seems unstoppable against most teams. Her command of the floor and vision on both ends are impressive, with some already comparing her skillset to Caitlin Clark's. Moving over from Crescent Valley to West Albany, Starwalt is bound to have a sophomore campaign that you won't want to miss.     [player_tooltip player_id='832046' first='Love' last='Forde'] is another top young talent who is already sitting on quite a few Division I offers after earning all state honors as a freshman. A dominant presence in the post on both ends of the floor, there are few players in the state with the combination of strength, size, speed, and athleticism that Forde possesses. An elite rebounder, Forde is a double-double threat every night she plays. In addition to being a force around the rim, she is incredibly comfortable catching the ball in the mid-range and either driving or shooting from there. She and Nelson will be major threats in 6A this season with much of the roster returning.     The lone freshman to earn all-league honors of any kind in the Three Rivers League, [player_tooltip player_id='832080' first='Kaylor' last='Buse'] was not only first team all-league but also the league Defensive Player of the Year. A true two-way threat, Buse uses her elite athleticism to lock opposing players up on the defensive end while also putting up double digits in the scoring category on a nightly basis. As a long, 5'9 point guard, she will be a prospect that college coaches will love. Largely thanks to Buse's high level of play and her constant energy and hustle, West Linn exceeded expectations last season and will undoubtedly only get better with Buse returning at the helm.     Looking at the 1A level, there were few players more dominant in the state as [player_tooltip player_id='832052' first='Kaitlyn' last='Siegner'], and she did it as a freshman. Leading Crane to an undefeated record and a state championship, Siegner put up numbers all season that are difficult to believe like her 29 points, 15 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals against North Douglas in the state championship game. Although listed as a power forward, at 5'9, Siegner plays all over the floor, 1-5, for the Mustangs and has the size and athleticism to do so, as well as the ball skills. There is very little weakness in Siegner's game and as long as she is there, Crane will be a tough team to beat. She is one that college coaches absolutely should keep an eye on.     Playing in a very talented Metro League, [player_tooltip player_id='832048' first='Dara' last='Oluwafemi'] showed no fear or weakness in her freshman season, earning second team all-league honors as the only freshman to get any postseason recognition in the league. Oluwafemi possesses collegiate athleticism, length, a tenacity on defense that causes problems for opposing teams with constant deflections and steals. She is one of the best 3-level scorers that I've seen with abilities to catch and shoot from beyond the arc, attack the rim, and smoothly pull up from mid-range. Oluwafemi will only continue to get better with age and development, so coaches will want to know her name.