Starting 5: 2027 Trending Talents

Since my last starting 5 were all seniors, I wanted to focus on juniors this go around. I also went even deeper into the <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/oregon/rankings/2027-rankings/">rankings</a> and the watch list. Here are some hidden gems heading into their junior year. They're all ranked outside the top 60, but don't be surprised if they jump up the list throughout the season.    As a sophomore, Cavagnaro was a strong paint presence for a young and struggling Lake Oswego team. She has a knack for stealing passes and likes to use her length to block shots, often contesting shots with two hands and staying upright to avoid fouls. She also has the ability to stretch the floor and knock down the three when left open, and her catch-and-shoot motion is fluid and quick. She projects as a gritty two-way wing at the next level who can slide to the 4 if needed.     There aren't a whole lot of pure center prospects in this state, so Davis will bring premium size and skill to whichever college picks her up. They'll also get great leadership; Davis was voted team captain as a sophomore. She is highly physical on the glass and is a double-double threat. She finished last season strong with an average of 13.5 points and 13 rebounds in her final two games against Banks and Burns in the 3A state tournament — both steps up from her season averages of 8.5 points and 10.6 rebounds that earned her an all-conference honorable mention. She also blocked three shots per game last year, setting the bar very high for a junior year where she'll help Taft make another run at the 3A title.     Richwine wasn't an everyday starter for the Storm last year, but she still managed to make a major impact on games with her feisty ball pressure. She has lightning-quick feet that help her stay in front of dribble penetrators, and she is eager to poke the ball loose. On offense, she has flashed smart off-ball movement and on-ball facilitation abilities that should improve with a larger role in her junior year. She is very patient with the ball and is always willing to pass up a good shot for a great one.     Brown is trusted with the ball in her hands, which is rare among 6-foot-or-taller forwards. She displays deft passing IQ and can lay in advanced post entry lobs. She has the foot speed to stay in front of guards on defense, and she is often one of the players applying full-court pressure in Philomath's press. She is not an aggressive scorer, but boy is she aggressive in other facets. In the <a href="https://www.osaa.org/stats/gbx/2024-25/4A/13.pdf">4A state semifinal</a> win over Cascade, Brown had 10 rebounds — 5 offensive — and 5 blocks in 21 minutes off the bench.     Lightfoot is a coach's dream because she plays with a relentless energy, sprinting down the court in transition to stretch the defense and create easy looks for her team. She has a quick release on her three-point stroke, and she attempts most of her long balls from the corner where she is very comfortable. She's always ready to put the ball on the floor, and with her speed, she can get to the rim with ease. This balanced arsenal allows her to take over games when she's in rhythm — she once <a href="https://portlandtribune.com/2025/02/07/young-core-provides-exciting-times-for-lincoln-girls-basketball/">scored 13</a> in the third quarter alone last year against Cleveland. On defense, she has a good idea of where she needs to rotate at all times.

Since my last starting 5 were all seniors, I wanted to focus on juniors this go around. I also went even deeper into the rankings and the watch list. Here are some hidden gems heading into their junior year. They're all ranked outside the top 60, but don't be surprised if they jump up the list throughout the season.