Class of 2027: Top 5 Centers

The New England girls basketball scene is loaded with high-level frontcourt talent, and these five centers from the Class of 2027 have separated themselves from the pack. With their size, skill, and impact on both ends of the floor, they are setting the standard for elite post play across the region.    Pearl has excellent footwork around the basket and a versatile offensive game. She is patient, drawing defenders off her pump fakes to create and-1 opportunities. She spaces the floor well, can knock down mid-range shots, and is an aggressive offensive rebounder, keeping the ball high and finishing putbacks. Pearl had a standout opening night this season, recording a double-double with 10 points, 10 rebounds, along with 5 blocks and 2 steals.     Daniella holds Division I offers, including Binghamton University and Hofstra University. She excels in pick-and-roll situations, setting hard screens and rolling effectively to the basket, while positioning herself well to receive passes from teammates. Daniella is a strong offensive rebounder, consistently converting missed shots into second-chance points. On defense, she controls the paint and racks up numerous blocks, making her a presence on both ends of the floor.     Dariia has an impressive handle for her height, allowing her to create offense from the perimeter and attack the basket. She plays inside-out effectively, passing from the post area to open teammates on the perimeter. Defensively, she moves her feet well and stays in front of her assignments. Around the basket, Dariia attacks contact and finishes strong, often earning trips to the free-throw line.     Rihanna played well at a [program_tooltip program_id='714624' first='Hoop' last='Mountain'] showcase I attended a few months ago, using her length to make an impact on both ends of the floor. She plays excellent help defense, frequently contesting drives and blocking shots with authority. Rihanna is a prolific rebounder, recording 16 rebounds in a recent game against Berwick Academy. On offense, she maintains high ball positioning, making it difficult for smaller defenders to alter her shot.     Mila has exceptional anticipation and reads the game well, cutting passing lanes to create turnovers. She recently recorded 3 steals in a game against Branford and 4 blocks against Mercy, showcasing her defensive dominance in the paint. A committed Franklin & Marshall College recruit, Mila previously received multiple Division I offers. She played a key role in Sacred Heart Academy's CIAC Class LL championship during her sophomore season.

The New England girls basketball scene is loaded with high-level frontcourt talent, and these five centers from the Class of 2027 have separated themselves from the pack. With their size, skill, and impact on both ends of the floor, they are setting the standard for elite post play across the region.