2027 Player Rankings Update: Stock-Risers

To be a, “Stock-Riser”, means a few things depending on how you look at it but the most important factor in my opinion is that the prospect is continuously putting in meaningful work in their off-time and that work is translating to the floor in real game-time. In this piece, we cover five individuals out of this 2027 Class in Iowa, that have embodied what it means to be a Stock-Riser these past few months. Thanks for tuning in and enjoy!    The future for [player_tooltip player_id='764451' first='Macey' last='O'Brien'] is bright on the basketball court. O'Brien is coming off of a high school season she will never forget but that may not be for the reasons that you are thinking. O'Brien didn't have a lot of help this Winter on the Varsity floor but that's all going to change before you know. We are talking about a lengthy PG, that has interest from D1 colleges across the state of Iowa at this time. These colleges are going to be into see O'Brien this AAU season. As long as she shows off her capabilities, she could end up with her first D1 offer before you know it. This is exciting and all but don't get it twisted, this isn't someone who is going to chase offers. She is going to look for the best fit for herself in the long run and that shows her maturity on several different levels already.     Don't be shocked when [player_tooltip player_id='686893' first='Cassidy' last='Danburg'] of Waukee NW and [program_tooltip program_id='714272' first='Iowa' last='Battlers'] AAU gets offered over this next three months. From my understanding, Danburg has been in talks with some D1 programs since last AAU season and it's getting to the point where I'm sure that they will pull the trigger. As a post, Danburg has showed this past month that she can match up with some impressive others down in the paint. Others that will one day be competing at a P4 level, somewhere across America. Danburg displays her reach, soft touch, and balance by navigating near the hoop for easy attempts from all around. From there, she would bring her defender out past 15FT, catch and put it on the ground, eventually finishing at the bucket once again. When it comes to defense, as you could imagine this is the definition of a game-changer. With her lurking but the blocks, you always have to watch out for her as an opponent or else it going to get spiked into the ground like a Volleyball. In this Update, Danburg moves within the Top 15 to #14. A spot she should be proud of but there is still more work to be done.     Idk if it's safe to say that [player_tooltip player_id='777230' first='Halle' last='Clark'] stepped onto the Varsity floor for the first time this Winter as a competitor but what she did this season was noticeable and it did put her on the map. Clark is a natural. Someone that moves well with the ball, she doesn't need it for long times to produce, and she isn't a slouch on defense - three things that coaches and teammates love to see around them. This isn't someone that is going to kill you with flash but instead with basics. She can blow by you and go through you if you get in the way on her attack, she is always one of the first on the floor for a loose ball, and she doesn't care for taking credit for anything. At the end of the day, she just wants to win. Something other like minded competitors can respect.     We are going to see what [player_tooltip player_id='1100896' first='Maura' last='Ryan'] is all about this Spring/Summer season when she takes the floor with her new Nebraska Supreme AAU team. Ryan, a smooth moving PG, is as cool as the other side of the pillow. When she has the ball coming down the floor, she is very good at holding her possession and running the team's offensive system. She also has the ability to play off the ball at the 2/3 spot because she can catch-and-shoot and she can let it fly in the blink of an eye. CB - St. Albert is coming off of a 1A State Title. I'm sure they will be favored once again next season to return as champs but it won't be that simple. Everyone has to return hungry and I think Ryan will. She has been great at leading by example and I don't expect that to change anytime soon.     [player_tooltip player_id='832211' first='Cora' last='Sauer'] is a natural Shooting Guard that has the ability to make the ball go into the basket a lot from behind the three point line. Sauer has put up big numbers in the shooting and scoring department over her two years at the Varsity level and she is looking to build on that this AAU season on the road with her Lady Marin Bros Select UAA team. Sauer is a player that likes to play at the Wing position or off the ball for the most part but she can also dribble it under some pressure if need be. On defense she does a great job of pushing her opponent to their bad hand, making them uncomfortable enough to turn the ball over at times. All in all, there is a lot to like here so far. She is going to have to get stronger over time but there is a base to build on here moving into the Spring.     Topping off our Top 50 at #50 is [player_tooltip player_id='766457' first='Rylie' last='Fugate'] of Martensdale-St.Marys High School. Fugate is labeled as a CG because of her ability to compete at the 1, 2, or 3 position for her high school team. On the AAU floor, I would have her more as a 1 or a 2 because of her height at 5'6. She isn't undersized per se but bigger teams will understand to post her up immediately if they see that she is on a mismatch, so it's better to avoid that if possible. Other than shooting and scoring, Fugate is able and willing in the passing game. She has a really nice first step to the hoop that usually fools an opponent and after that, she can choose which open teammate to hit for a good look at the hoop. From the first time I've seen this one until now, she has seemingly continued to get better with experience and time. If that trend continues, she should put together a very impressive Junior Winter in another eight months, following her upcoming AAU campaign.

To be a, “Stock-Riser”, means a few things depending on how you look at it but the most important factor in my opinion is that the prospect is continuously putting in meaningful work in their off-time and that work is translating to the floor in real game-time. In this piece, we cover five individuals out of this 2027 Class in Iowa, that have embodied what it means to be a Stock-Riser these past few months.

Thanks for tuning in and enjoy!