December Rankings: Get to know the 2027 Hoopers on the Watch List

These players may not have made the cut for the first installment of the 2027 ranking, but they have intriguing potential, so they make the cut for the Watch List. Of course, the players on the Watch List can move up to the rankings, but for now, here are some of the players that we have an eye on.    [player_tooltip player_id='1090355' first='Regan' last='Crusinbery'] may very well find her way onto the 2027 ranking before long. She has been able to find ways to contribute in her time on the floor for 6A Bentonville West, especially on defense.   Crusinbery's defense is a game-changer for the Lady Wolverines. She causes multiple turnovers a night, including posting 5-steal and 6-steal games so far this season. Crusinbery's offense is often dictated by her play on the defensive end. She picks off passes and will fly down the court for an easy 2 points. When I first watched her highlights, I assumed she was a lefty because of her high comfort-level finishing as a southpaw. I was incorrect. She is in fact right-handed and she has the ability to finish well with both hands. Besides scoring in transition, Crusinbery can make plays in the half-court.   Crusinbery can drive to the basket but she can also step out and knock down some threes. She can knock them down in catch-and-shoot situations, or she can work around a screen and shoot off the bounce.   After taking a closer look at her numbers, there is not a reason why Crusinbery should not be ranked. Expect Crusinbery to have a high ranking after the second rankings installment.     When you watch [player_tooltip player_id='1090325' first='Gracie' last='Davenport'] play, it is clear as to what her role is. She is meant to come off the bench for Har-Ber and hoist triples. So far this season, she has played her part into her team's early success.   Davenport is a sharpshooter. She shoots a lot of deep shots in the corners, but she can make those shots from any spot along the arch. It is a wonder as to why she gets left open when situated along the perimeter, considering she is an even better shooter off the catch. Some shooters are not known for their defense, but that is an area in Davenport's game that she continues to improve upon.   There have been a number of games so far this year where Davenport has recorded at least 1 steal, usually from picking off passes or diving on loose balls. She gives her team extra scoring opportunities with her ability to generate turnovers.   [player_tooltip player_id='1090325' first='Gracie' last='Davenport'] is stuck behind a great guard rotation in Springdale, but she has been able to carve out a role for herself so far this season. Keep up with this shooter in the years to come.     Yes, another hooper out of the 6A West. I have already featured [player_tooltip player_id='639177' first='Allie' last='Vaughn'] in an article before the season started and I knew that she would be able to contribute right away. So far this season, my prediction was spot on.   Vaughn has been used as a sparkplug off the bench for the Lady Bulldogs this season. She has been effective on both ends of the floor, which is especially difficult to do considering she is a part of one of the best guard rotations in the state. On offense, Vaughn will come into the game and immediately be ready to shoot the 3-ball. She is a solid shooter who uses a quick release.   On the opposite end, Vaughn plays solid on-ball defense. She will be playing against some great guards this season out of the 6A West, so what she has shown so far on defense is a welcoming sign for this Springdale team.   She is also not afraid to do the dirty work down low. Though only 5'5", Vaughn is a solid rebounder, sneaking her way in to snatch up a board or two.   [player_tooltip player_id='639177' first='Allie' last='Vaughn'] is going to be a solid role player for Springdale for the rest of this season. However, I do believe that she will break out of that role at some point down the road, and she will become one of the Lady Bulldogs' best all-around contributors.     Like Crusinbery, [player_tooltip player_id='1093254' first='Jasmine' last='Garcia'] will not be on the Watch List by the next ranking update. Garcia is one of the better perimeter defenders in this class, along with being one of the best finishers in the 5A West.   Garcia's offense is often created by her defense. She plays with active hands, and regardless of the game's score, she is playing aggressively along the perimeter. Deflecting passes is her specialty, and she streaks down to the other end for a large portion of her scoring. Once she is at the basket, it does not matter who is in her way, she will finish over them.   Most of Garcia's contested layups seem like they have no business of going in, but somehow they do. She can finish with both hands, and she thrives on shooting through contact.   [player_tooltip player_id='1093254' first='Jasmine' last='Garcia'] has been an important player for Russellville so far this season, and she will no doubt be one of their best two-way players in the near future. Expect Garcia to make her way onto the 2027 ranking pretty soon.     [player_tooltip player_id='1093320' first='Chloe' last='Whittington'] has been a major asset for Mayflower so far this season, especially on defense. Mayflower uses a tough fullcourt press and Whittington is one of the reasons as to why it works so well.   Whittington forces turnover after turnover, whether she is in the press or not. She shuffles her feet well and stays in front of her assignment at all times. With her active hands, she can scoop up loose balls, pick pockets, or deflect passes in order to get the ball into her hands or the hands of her teammates.   Offensively, Whittington scores the majority of her points off the fastbreak. As soon as the possession changes in favor of Mayflower, Whittington is the first player down the court, and she seems to always be open for an outlet pass.   [player_tooltip player_id='1093320' first='Chloe' last='Whittington'] has played her role nicely for Mayflower, and she will continue to find ways to score with limited touches.    Those were a few of the players on the Watch List who have very high potential. Any player on the Watch List can find their way onto the ranking, and I look forward to keeping up with these players for the rest of their careers.

These players may not have made the cut for the first installment of the 2027 ranking, but they have intriguing potential, so they make the cut for the Watch List. Of course, the players on the Watch List can move up to the rankings, but for now, here are some of the players that we have an eye on.