The Highest Risers in the 2027 Rankings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Who rose the highest in the updated 2027 rankings? Let's find out...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1245012"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-693a5bc2c39e9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1245012' first='MaHaley' last='Gilmore'] has had a monster season so far for Ozark Mountain, and now, she is soaring up the rankings, rising 127 spots!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of Gilmore's best performances was against Viola towards the beginning of the year, where she posted 35 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals. More recently, she put up 23 points, 4 steals, and a block against Omaha. She was even better against Marshall in late November, logging 32 points along with 15 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gilmore is clearly an excellent scorer. She can get to the basket with ease, as evident by her buzzer-beating coast-to-coast layup to defeat Calico Rock almost a week ago. However, she has a strong perimeter game. She is a great shooter from both three and mid-range, using a quick release and shot fakes to help get her shot off. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Throw in how [player_tooltip player_id='1245012' first='MaHaley' last='Gilmore'] is an incredible rebounder and a strong defender, and you have an all-around star. She is shocking a lot of people so far this season, so look out 2A-1.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1275253"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-693a5bc2c3a5f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Salem has a complete team, but it all starts with [player_tooltip player_id='1275253' first='Jailyn' last='Strong']. She is having a great start to her junior season, moving up 46 spots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Strong has scored the ball at a high level consistently this year. She scored 19 against Yellville-Summit recently, and then 16 points against Cedar Ridge in late November. She also had a 15-point outing against Tuckerman and a 14-point performance against Mammoth Spring towards the beginning of the year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Strong is hard to keep off the glass. She is an excellent slasher, logging double-doubles against Pocahontas and Cedar Ridge due to her constant effort and endless physicality. She also shows off her athleticism whenever she attacks the basket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1275253' first='Jailyn' last='Strong'] also does not give up on plays. Against Pocahontas, she missed a look at the rim, but it did not matter, as she kept fighting for another shot, then converting on the second-chance opportunity. Players like Strong who outwork everyone else on the court, move up in the rankings, and they are the ones who carry their teams to the championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1268142"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-693a5bc2c3ab6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The reigning 5A state champs have one of the most talented role players in the entire state in [player_tooltip player_id='1268142' first='Sadie' last='Morrison']. She has moved up to #115 in the 2027 class, launching up 42 spots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I saw Morrison in action against Mountain View earlier this season, and her play on the defensive end was impressive. She smothered her opponents with her on-ball pressure, and if they saw her rotating on the help-side, she was destined to send their shots into the stands. As great of a defender as she is, she provides an offensive spark to the Lady Cardinals whenever they ask for it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It is never a good idea to leave Morrison open from behind the arc, because she will make you pay. She is excellent from three whenever she gets the ball of the catch, as she is one of the best power forwards in 5A and knocking down in-rhythm shots. Morrison is also not afraid to attack the basket, using her long strides to get past defenders and score easily in the paint.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1268142' first='Sadie' last='Morrison'] is one of the most important players on this Farmington squad, and their success depends on her play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1093310"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-693a5bc2c3b05"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">ESTEM has several talented players, and [player_tooltip player_id='1093310' first='Simya' last='Magsby'] has proven that she is one of them since she exploded onto the scene in 2024/25. Now she is flying up the ranks, moving up 28 spots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Magsby was feasting around Thanksgiving, giving Russellville a 21-point, 15-rebound double-double in a close victory. Double-doubles are commonplace for Magsby, as she is a dominant rebounder, despite her 5'9" frame. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Magsby plays with so much energy and aggression inside, no one can handle her. She scores many of her points off putbacks, but she can actually bring the ball up the floor herself and go coast-to-coast. She has also shown that she has a 3-point shot that deserves respect from the defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1093310' first='Simya' last='Magsby'] is one of the best post players in the state, and it's time we all start realizing that.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1092584"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-693a5bc2c3b5d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">After receiving an offer from Jackson State this summer, you better believe [player_tooltip player_id='1092584' first='Morgan' last='Thornton'] was going to have a strong start to the season. She moved up 23 spots after this latest update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In a much-needed win against Parkview, Thornton had a phenomenal game, posting 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. Before that, the junior guard posted 19 points and 8 rebounds in the victory over Russellville. She had another 25-point game against Cabot in mid-November.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Early on this season, Thornton has shown that she can score in a variety of ways. When she is going downhill in transition, she can get to the basket, or she can rise up and knock down a runner while maintaining control. She can also step out to the 3-point line and drain any shot she likes, then go to the other end of the floor and force a turnover.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1092584' first='Morgan' last='Thornton']'s stock just continues to climb. Make sure to keep up with her this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1091165"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-693a5bc2c3baa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1091165' first='Mi'Raiyh' last='Wilson'] showed flashes of two-way stardom last season, primarily playing as a role-player for the Lady Wampus Cats. However, after a great summer and picking up an offer from Delta State, Wilson has moved up 22 spots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wilson is an excellent defender. With her 5'10" frame, she can guard positions 1-5, and she logs multiple steals, deflections, and blocks per game. She is also a solid rebounder, and she puts an end to the oppositions offensive possessions every time she snags a board.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She is also improving as an offensive player. I've seen Wilson improve her 3-point shot over the course of the last several months, and she is now a legitimate two-way threat. Wilson is also fearless when attacking the basket, so the defense might as well just move out of the way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1091165' first='Mi'Raiyh' last='Wilson'] continues to improve, and for Conway, they must be giddy with excitement over the potential that she has.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1196166"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-693a5bc2c3bf4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1196166' first='Rylee' last='Fike'] improved heavily last season, and she was a key reason why Genoa Central punched their ticket to the regionals in 2024/25. Now she is back to another strong start, moving up 22 spots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fike is a solid all-around guard who is best known for her work on the glass. She is a smart player, finding creases to slip through to snag offensive boards, but she is also a tough player, boxing out anyone just to fight for those rebounds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Scoring-wise, Fike is going to do a good amount of her damage in the paint. She can finish through contact and shoot over taller defenders, but she can also step outside and knock down jumpers all night long.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Genoa Central has some talent, and [player_tooltip player_id='1196166' first='Rylee' last='Fike'] will be a big part of this team again this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1180782"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-693a5bc2c3c3e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1180782' first='Anna' last='Isom'] has been a complementary player alongside Rylee Wilburn this season, and she has proven to be a solid player, moving up 17 spots after this latest ranking update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Isom is coming off a solid outing against Marmaduke, putting up 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 steal. Against East Poinsett County, Isom scored 10 points, which included a couple of 3-pointers. In late November, she had 15 points, also getting it going from beyond the arc.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Isom is a natural sharpshooter. Her shooting form is slightly unorthodox, but if it ain't broke, don't fix it. She is deadly off the catch, especially in the corner and on the wing. Isom has also proven to be a solid ball-handler and defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1180782' first='Anna' last='Isom'] is a great shooter, but she proves to be impactful in other areas as well. This Rector team is fairly well-rounded, and Isom is definitely one of their stronger contributors. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1180795"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-693a5bc2c3c87"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lafayette County's [player_tooltip player_id='1180795' first='Keyaijah' last='Harris'] has been moving different this year! Definitely one of the most improved players in the entire state, bumping up 16 spots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Harris averaged just shy of 9 points per game last season, but in 2025/26, she is seeing an 8.3-point increase, as she is now putting up 17.0 points a night. She has also improved in all of her other areas as well, grabbing 8.8 boards a night (up from 7.5 in 2024/25), gathering 3.5 steals an evening (up from 2.2 in 2024/25), and dishing out 1.5 assists (up from 1.3 in 2024/25). </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last season, she was a solid defensive rebounder, but according to MaxPreps, she is now averaging 6.3 offensive rebounds a night (it might be a mistake, but if not, that is an insane number). Harris is also shooting 40% from the field, 45% on twos, and 88% from the line, only missing 3 shots all year from the charity stripe. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1180795' first='Keyaijah' last='Harris']' numbers took a major jump this year, and so did her ranking. However, I don't think she is done yet, so keep tabs on her.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1183222"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-693a5bc2c3d17"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I watched a lot of [player_tooltip player_id='1183222' first='Rosebella' last='Onyango'] last season when I was the play-by-play commentator for Central basketball. I could tell she had a lot of potential and she showed flashes of stardom every night. So far this season, she is showing proof of superstardom after moving up 15 spots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Onyango is so much more comfortable with the ball in her hands this year. She can drive to the basket with ease, take on contact, and finish through traffic. Something I also wanted to see more from her last year was improvement on her outside shot. Clearly, she had the same idea, because against Fort Smith Northside, she drained a couple of threes off the catch en route to a 16-point, 5-rebound, 3-steal performance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She is also a dominant rebounder. Against Mills in November, Onyango logged a double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds, going along with a block and a steal. The 6-footer had a similar performance in the season opener against Marion, where she logged 8 points, 15 rebounds, and a block.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm really glad to see how much [player_tooltip player_id='1183222' first='Rosebella' last='Onyango'] has grown in her game, and in such little time. A player improving that much in such a short amount of time is a great sign, and every college in the region should be offering her.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->