Notable 2027s to Watch In July

It's July, and we're entering the final stretch of the AAU season with just two live periods remaining. This is when recruiting hits its peak, giving college coaches a final in-person opportunity to evaluate potential recruits. It's also a time to see the results of the work these prospects have put in over the spring. Here's a look at some rising juniors to put on your radar.    Layla is a tremendous athlete who's always in tip top shape and can play the full 32 minutes. She gets good penetration off the dribble, where she either makes a play at the rim or kicks it out open teammates. She's also very capable of knocking down shots from mid-range and from deep, making her a tough cover on the offensive end. Defensively, Layla is on another level and is one of the best perimeter defenders in her class. She is an absolute menace and her instincts are off the charts. She recorded 212 steals in her sophomore season, placing her 3rd all-time on the KHSAA Single-Season Steals list. Layla also led Dunbar in scoring with 14.8 points per game, shooting an efficient 46.1% from the field. A true two-way player with undeniable college potential.   AAU TEAM: [program_tooltip program_id='715808' first='Lexington' last='Crossover'] La Familia 16U     Lyla has great size at 6'3", excellent length. She moves well for her size, can score with her back to the basket, and has the ability to step out and make the three. Lyla is also a really good rebounder and provides a strong interior presence on defense as a rim protector. She averaged 8.8 points and 5.3 rebounds during her sophomore season and continues to show steady growth on both ends of the floor. I think Lyla has significant upside and a game that should translate well to the next level. (Photo Above)   AAU TEAM: Sports City Angels 16U EYCL     A dynamic lefty guard with high-level playmaking ability, Asia can create off the dribble with her quick first step and crafty handles. She's a deadly catch-and-shoot threat from the outside and has superb court vision, allowing her to set up teammates and keep the offense flowing. Asia has quick hands and is a strong on-ball defender, who applies constant ball pressure and forces turnovers. She averaged 11 points per game as a sophomore and continues to show flashes of her potential to become a complete guard at the next level.   AAU TEAM: KBD 17U UA Rise     Macee brings a tough, physical presence in the paint on both ends of the floor. She plays with a high motor and thrives on doing the dirty work, crashing the boards, providing second-chance points, and protecting the rim. She establishes strong position on the block and makes the most of her paint touches. Macee is also a highly effective shot blocker with great timing and instincts. She had a standout sophomore campaign, leading her team with 13.4 points and 11.3 rebounds per game.   AAU TEAM: [program_tooltip program_id='712592' first='Kentucky' last='Premier'] 17U NE2K     A hard-nosed competitor with a mean streak, she brings intensity and toughness every time she steps on the floor. She's a sharpshooter from behind the arc with deep range, but also has the ability to attack the basket and finish through contact, using her size and strength to her advantage. On defense, Cami is gritty, relentless, and always up for a challenge. She's also an underrated passer who sees the floor well and consistently puts her teammates in position to succeed. Cami impacts the game in a variety of ways and has been playing at a high level this AAU season. She's a player who should definitely garner more recruiting interest during the July live periods.   AAU TEAM: Lady Aces/[program_tooltip program_id='715899' first='Rise' last='Up'] 2026 NE2K

It's July, and we're entering the final stretch of the AAU season with just two live periods remaining. This is when recruiting hits its peak, giving college coaches a final in-person opportunity to evaluate potential recruits. It's also a time to see the results of the work these prospects have put in over the spring. Here's a look at some rising juniors to put on your radar.