Orlando’s Defensive Standouts: Class of 2027 Rising Stars

The Class of 2027 is proving that defense still wins games—and Orlando is home to some of the best rising stoppers in the game. From quick-footed guards to relentless rim protectors, these young athletes are making their mark early. Their intensity, instincts, and grit are setting a new standard, and college scouts are already taking notice of their defensive impact.    [player_tooltip player_id='741352' first='Evelyn' last='Juden'] is a 5'10 athletic guard who brings a relentless defensive presence to the court. More than just a scorer, she excels at disrupting offenses with her length, anticipation, and quick hands. Averaging 18.5 points, 10.8 rebounds, 4.6 steals, and 2.4 assists per game, Evelyn has delivered standout performances—including 11 steals vs Ridge Community and 7 steals with 6 blocks vs Winter Springs. Her impact on both ends makes her a name to keep watching.     [player_tooltip player_id='515044' first='Makayla' last='White'] may be a smaller guard, but she's one of the toughest 94-foot defenders in Orlando's 2027 class. Her relentless energy, ability to speed up ball handlers, and knack for creating turnovers set her apart. She fights through screens, takes charges, and sacrifices her body for her team. Her defensive presence helped lead her squad to States, with standout games like 6 steals vs Seminole and 4 first-quarter steals vs Mount Dora Christian to spark early dominance.     [player_tooltip player_id='874206' first='Bianca' last='Hall'] is the definition of a fundamental, high-IQ player whose defensive impact often flies under the radar due to her strong offensive presence. She thrives in tough matchups, guarding top players and forcing them into difficult shots or turnovers with smart angles and positioning. Her standout performances include holding a University of Houston commit in check before fouling out against King's Academy, a game-winning steal against Lake Mary, and an 8-steal game versus Leesburg Christian. Bianca's ability to outthink more athletic opponents sets her apart, and she's a name that will continue to rise on recruiting radars.     [player_tooltip player_id='1264090' first='Kaniya' last='Dumas'] is one of the strongest and most physical guards in the Orlando area. She plays with toughness, never shying away from contact and using her body effectively on both ends of the floor. Kaniya excels at protecting the rim, securing rebounds, and reading the flight of the ball with sharp anticipation and positioning. Her standout performances include grabbing 14 rebounds against both North Miami and Evans, showcasing her dominance on the boards. As she continues to grow and develop, Kaniya is poised to make an even bigger name for herself in the coming years.     Standing at 6'4, [player_tooltip player_id='846674' first='Eni' last='Oyedeji'] is already a well-known force in the Orlando area and one of the premier rim protectors in the Class of 2027. Her presence alone alters shots and forces guards to rethink drives to the basket. With her length and timing, she makes scoring in the paint a serious challenge. Notable performances include 5 blocks vs Horizon, 4 blocks vs Holy Trinity, and 15 rebounds against SEPA. Eni's potential is sky-high, and as she continues to grow and develop, she'll remain a major impact player in the Orlando basketball scene.     [player_tooltip player_id='1219103' first='Xylia' last='Rosario'] is a dynamic, complete athlete with a high motor and strong defensive instincts. She uses her athleticism and positioning to guard on the perimeter while also making plays in help defense, often blocking or altering shots. Her ability to impact the game in transition and her sharp defensive mindset make her a standout on the court. Xylia is a rising prospect to watch closely this summer and in the years ahead as her game continues to grow.

The Class of 2027 is proving that defense still wins games—and Orlando is home to some of the best rising stoppers in the game. From quick-footed guards to relentless rim protectors, these young athletes are making their mark early. Their intensity, instincts, and grit are setting a new standard, and college scouts are already taking notice of their defensive impact.