2027 rankings update: Meet the newcomers, part 1

Start small and grow. That is our philosophy when it comes to determining who the best college basketball prospects are in any particular class. For Minnesota's 2027s, we began last fall with the Freshmen 50, added another 15 players in our February update and then grew the list to 90 in June. One player has moved on from basketball since then. Now we're adding 11 new college prospects to our compilation for a total of 100.   Just a reminder that we take a long-term view of player development. The Prep Girls Hoops rankings are based on a player's status as a potential college basketball prospect, NOT their current performance in high school. (To learn more how we do it, please visit the <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/how-we-rank/">How We Rank</a> section under the rankings tab.) With that disclaimer out of the way, here are the first 5 of 11 additions to the Class of 2027 rankings.    #67 – The athletic guard from Austin is already a varsity veteran having been a starter for the Packers for two seasons. Last winter she averaged 11.2 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, numbers that certainly grab your attention. Unfortunately, we hadn't seen Osgood in person enough to rank her accurately until this summer when we watched Quinn multiple times. Osgood offers both speed and strength  and she can rain threes. She is very athletic, handles the ball at a high level and rebounds like nobody's business.     #75 – The lengthy forward from Belle Plaine was an unknown in our circles until she showed up at the Sophomore ID Camp in September and proceeded to put on a display of strong college basketball potential throughout the event. Averie's length is impressive at both ends of the floor, and her attacking mentality produced a ton of buckets. With limited high-level experience, Mieseler has a long way to go in her development, but the innate attributes are there. If she puts in the work Averie could be very good.     #82 – The versatile guard from Armstrong High School is a workhorse whose motor is impressive. That is one of the most underrated assets a prospect can have because sheer effort and a superior work ethic can carry you a long way at the next level. Anna has grown bigger and stronger over the past year and her skillset has grown substantially, as well. Smelser contributes in all aspects of the game and is only going to get better.     #87 – When we first watched Mobagi play a year or so ago, she was as green as grass – but you could certainly see the potential. Fast forward to the Sophomore ID Camp and it was plain to see that Valerie has been putting in the work. Back then she only scored inside: now she has a solid jump shoot with some range. She keeps things simple, is developing a nice feel for the game, and has a world of potential. Mound-Westonka was 1-27 last year, but a little playing time for Valerie might help the White Hawks improve.     #91 – Lucy is sneaky good. We say that because she has operated under the high school radar so far in a stacked Benilde-St. Margaret's program. Even in AAU her contributions don't bring you out of your seat. Johnson's impact on the game, however, is undeniable. She has good size, quality skills, nice handles and a willingness to do the selfless little things that win basketball games. Lucy's energy is impressive on both sides of the ball. She may not be in the spotlight yet but Johnson's upside is high.

Start small and grow. That is our philosophy when it comes to determining who the best college basketball prospects are in any particular class. For Minnesota's 2027s, we began last fall with the Freshmen 50, added another 15 players in our February update and then grew the list to 90 in June. One player has moved on from basketball since then. Now we're adding 11 new college prospects to our compilation for a total of 100.