Grassroots Spotlight: Richmond Heat 2027

Kentucky is always a state that has plenty of eyes on it in terms of basketball. That is true at the college level, the high school ranks and in the AAU realm as well.    One of those many teams that hoops aficionados across our Bluegrass State has become familiar with over the years is [program_tooltip program_id='712782' first='Richmond' last='Heat']. We at Prep Girls Hoops have also become familiar with this organization as it has participated in Prep Girls Hoops Circuit events. In fact, the next event [program_tooltip program_id='712782' first='Richmond' last='Heat']'s 2026 and 2027 teams will be part of is the Grassroots in Gem City event in Dayton Ohio.    It is coming off being part of The Clash in Cincinnati during the recently completed live period. Here is a look at [program_tooltip program_id='712782' first='Richmond' last='Heat']'s 2027 team.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/05/Kyleigh-Stakelin1.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-651259" style="width:539px;height:auto" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='652045' first='Kyleigh' last='Stakelin'] – Stakelin's athletic plate has not only been taken up by basketball but softball over the years. She is coming off of a 2024-25 season with the Cardinals of George Rogers Clark where her team advanced to the state championship.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/05/Avery-Raikes-2.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-662897" style="width:538px;height:auto" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='502108' first='Avery' last='Raikes'] – Raikes is part of this season's travel team also representing a flock of Cardinals – those of Taylor County. They were not too shabby either as they finished the 2024-25 season with a record of 25-9.   [player_tooltip player_id='899630' first='Leah' last='Howard'] – Between Stakelin and Howard, George Rogers Clark is well-represented on this year's [program_tooltip program_id='712782' first='Richmond' last='Heat'] 2027 team. Listed at 5-foot-9, Howard thrives in the backcourt at the three.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/09/Maddy-Arnold.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1004078" style="width:549px;height:auto" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='900442' first='Maddy' last='Arnold'] – The lone representative of the Jaguars of East Jessamine, Arnold's athletic schedule is plenty full between basketball and soccer. Her primary position is at the three but she is versatile and can also play at the two or the four.   [player_tooltip player_id='747663' first='Macey' last='Brown'] – Similar to George Rogers Clark, both Owsley County and Lincoln County each have two representatives on this team. Brown is one of the two for Owsley County and brings plenty of height to this team as a 6-foot-3 big.   [player_tooltip player_id='747690' first='Kenzie' last='Grubb'] – Grubb is the other from the Owls on the team. The 5-foot-6 combo guard is not only an efficient scorer but can also corral steals and defense and make accurate passes to get her teammates in position to make plays.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/08/99-Alyssa-Burkhart.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-978449" style="width:557px;height:auto" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='971422' first='Alyssa' last='Burkhart'] – Both of the Burkharts are not only representing Lincoln County but both of them are playing up in class as 2028s. Her AAU career has included a stint with [program_tooltip program_id='715808' first='Lexington' last='Crossover'] UA Rise 2028.   [player_tooltip player_id='1235495' first='Brianna' last='Burkhart'] – At 5-foot-9 one can insert Burkhart into a lineup at either small forward or power forward. She played a big part in earning her Patriots back-to-back seasons with a double-digit win total for the first time since 2018-19 and 2019-20.   Schedule   Apr. 12-13 – Phee Elite Showcase – St. Louis, MO   Apr. 25-27 – The Clash – Cincinnati, OH   May. 2-4 – Grassroots In Gem City – Dayton, OH (Prep Girls Hoops Circuit)   May. 16-18 – The Classic – Louisville, KY   May. 23-25 – Indiana State Tournament – Warsaw, IN (Prep Girls Hoops Circuit)   May. 30 – Jun. 1 – Victory Region Finals – Plainfield, IL (Prep Girls Hoops Circuit)   Jul. 10-12 – Run 4 The Roses – Louisville, KY   Jul. 13-15 – Run 4 The Roses Championship – Louisville, KY   Jul. 19-21 – Nationals – Louisville, KY

Kentucky is always a state that has plenty of eyes on it in terms of basketball. That is true at the college level, the high school ranks and in the AAU realm as well.