2027 MVDs: Erma Walker and Maren Day

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Since the end of the AAU season we have been handing out our Prep Girls Hoops end-of-season awards, including Most Valuable Duos for each grade. So far we've covered the underclassmen, 2029s and 2028s, and the upperclassmen are up next. Just like for the other classes, only Minnesota high school players who played AAU on Minnesota-based teams are eligible for selection. That being said, here are the honorees from the class of 2027.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>MOST VALUABLE DUO</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='558627' first='Erma' last='Walker'] &amp; [player_tooltip player_id='659119' first='Maren' last='Day'] – [program_tooltip program_id='712722' first='North' last='Tartan'] EYBL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This duo made major impacts all year long, leading Tartan's 16U squad to an EYBL Championship at Nike Nationals in July. Though very different in their styles of play, both Walker and Day were instrumental in bringing home the hardware. Erma, a 6'0 forward out of Hopkins, was a new addition to the roster. After taking some time to get her footing, she brought a new level of toughness to the floor. Walker's strength in the low post, physicality on defense, and ability to secure even the toughest rebounds were keys for her team all season long.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Day, a lanky wing from Wayzata, continued to bring her A-game every weekend, just as she had done in seasons past. Her length and athleticism were valuable assets in the EYBL team's perimeter defense, and her relentlessness on the boards helped create extra possessions for the team. Maren expanded upon her offensive skillset this year, evolving in her slashing and cutting, as well as her drives to the basket. Both Day and Walker received multiple Division 1 offers over the course of the AAU season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>HONORABLE MENTIONS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='498661' first='Pressley' last='Watkins'] &amp; [player_tooltip player_id='578467' first='Amisha' last='Ramlall'] – [program_tooltip program_id='712687' first='Minnesota' last='Fury'] UAA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Leading the way for the Fury's 16U team this season were Watkins and Ramlall, both of whom are top-5 ranked prospects in the 2027 class. Pressley, a 5'11 guard, was an offensive powerhouse all season long. Routinely dropping 50 or more points in a tournament, the Benilde-St. Margaret's junior can score from every spot on the floor, usually with a high degree of efficiency. Pressley's explosive stride and proficient ball handling help her excel on drives to the basket, and her fluid movement and consistent release help to knock down shots from range. A surefire Division 1 prospect, Watkins picked up offers all season long, most recently Utah State, Marquette, and Bowling Green.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Much like her Fury teammate, Amisha is well known for her offensive capabilities. The 5'11 Rosemount wing is a lights-out three-point shooter who can also be a headache from the midrange or on cuts to the rim. She brings a high degree of energy on the defensive end, using her length and quickness to force turnovers and create opportunities in transition. Ramlall has committed to play for the University of Minnesota beginning in the fall of 2027.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='659130' first='Jaliyah' last='Diggs'] &amp; [player_tooltip player_id='667779' first='Grace' last='Prose'] – [program_tooltip program_id='712665' first='Metro' last='Stars'] 3SSB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Following major breakout high school seasons, both Diggs and Prose continued that momentum into the AAU campaign. Jaliyah, a 5'5 guard from Hopkins, helped lead the Royals to another state championship. The dynamic scorer and facilitator then propelled the [program_tooltip program_id='712665' first='Metro' last='Stars'] to the 3SSB Final Four in July. With stellar speed, athleticism, a well-rounded skillset, and an alpha dog mentality, Diggs spent the AAU season showing why she is one of the premier point guards in the 2027 class. Her recent offers include Sacred Heart and UW-Milwaukee.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prose, a 5'7 guard from Mahtomedi who played a major role in the Zephyrs success over the winter, was just as instrumental for her team this summer. Grace's game balances grit and determination with a polished skillset and a high degree of finesse. She's a standout perimeter defender, and is highly productive on the offensive end. Grace plays the game with a ton of passion and energy, and is currently a top 40 prospect in the 2027 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->