Tony's Takes: 2027s on the move, Part 1

The Class of 2027 is starting to make noise, and this early stretch of the AAU season has already given us a glimpse of what's coming. These players aren't just filling roles, they're producing, competing, and finding ways to impact games against strong competition. Whether it's scoring, defending, or doing the little things that lead to wins, this group is showing they belong.   With the AAU State Tournament up next, the stage only gets bigger. It's a great tune-up with the next NCAA live period right around the corner, giving these players a chance to build momentum and confidence. For this group, it's about staying consistent and proving they can deliver when the lights are brightest. The opportunity is there to turn heads and keep building toward those next level looks.   Let's take a closer look at the Class of 2027.   Xandra Jackson - wing, 2027, Opportunity North   Jackson was a new face for me, so I made it a point to connect with the coach and get a little background. First time on the AAU circuit, and you can tell she's still just scratching the surface. A multi-sport athlete with track and field in her background, that shows up right away in how she runs and covers ground. She also averaged right around 10 points per game this past varsity season at PACT Charter, which gives you a glimpse of what she can become. At 5'10, she's long, quick, and plays with a motor that doesn't slow down. She crashes the offensive glass hard and finds ways to extend possessions. Offensively, she keeps it simple, moves the ball, and plays the game the right way — always with a smile. There's still work to be done. She needs to get stronger with the ball and continue to tighten up her skill set. But the tools are there. She's a ball of clay, and if she sticks with it, this is a prospect worth tracking closely.   [player_tooltip player_id='1241042' first='Shannon' last='Lund'] - guard 2027, [program_tooltip program_id='779294' first='Northern' last='Lights']   The 5'10 guard for [program_tooltip program_id='779294' first='Northern' last='Lights'] out of Cromwell-Wright is a player who clearly has next-level ability. She plays a patient, fundamental style that stands out right away. Nothing rushed, nothing forced – just steady, controlled basketball. In an early matchup with Opportunity North at the Spring Showdown, she made her impact without needing a high volume of shots. Timely cuts, smart reads, and passes that led to clean looks for both herself and her teammates. She understands spacing and how to move within an offense. She also showed she can stretch the floor, knocking down shots from the outside when given space. Defensively, her length pops. She plays angles well, competes on every possession, and makes things difficult for opposing guards. Another quality prospect that knows how to play and is worth keeping a close eye on moving forward.   Maria Pyle - guard 2027, [program_tooltip program_id='774653' first='Minnesota' last='Bobcats']   The tough-nosed combo guard for the Bobcats brings a level of toughness and edge that you can feel right away. It shows up in how she plays and it spreads to her teammates. The Apple Valley product carries herself with a chip on her shoulder, but channels it the right way. She has a solid handle, keeps the ball moving, and doesn't hunt bad shots. She plays within herself and understands what the game is asking for. On the defensive end, she competes. She gets into the ball, doesn't back down, and makes opponents work for everything. There's still another step she can take offensively by looking to be more aggressive and assert herself. But with her, the effort is never in question. You know exactly what you're getting every time she steps on the floor.   [player_tooltip player_id='886959' first='Siri' last='Kirkeby'] - guard 2027, [program_tooltip program_id='774605' first='Southern' last='MN Fury']   The 5'10 combo guard out of Rochester Mayo has come out firing to start the season. She's long, moves her feet well, and plays with a natural feel that shows up on both ends. What really separates her right now is the shooting. In just the Midwest Kickoff Classic and Spring Showdown, she knocked down 18 triples, and they weren't by accident. She's confident, balanced, and ready on the catch. On the defensive side, she competes with intent. She stays engaged, pressures the ball, and turns that effort into attention from the next level, including an offer from St. Olaf. Heading into state prelims, she's a key piece for her Fury squad. If the shot stays hot and she keeps defending like this, they've got a real shot to punch a ticket to the D1 championships.   [player_tooltip player_id='764218' first='Neema' last='Simbeye'] - post 2027, [program_tooltip program_id='712722' first='North' last='Tartan'] 17U EYCL   Coming off an All-Conference honorable mention season at Eden Prairie, the 6'2 post is starting to carve out a strong identity early this AAU season. She's doing the work that impacts winning: Setting solid screens, rolling hard to the rim, and forcing defenses to make quick decisions. For a team that wants to push pace, she runs the floor and crashes the glass with purpose, giving her group extra possessions. Defensively, she's holding her ground and playing with discipline. What stands out is the growth in her offensive game. She's beginning to show a midrange jumper, which is going to open things up around the basket. As that expands, adding a reliable go-to move inside will be the next step. That piece will raise her ceiling and draw more attention at the next level. Heading into AAU State, she's one to keep an eye on.

The Class of 2027 is starting to make noise, and this early stretch of the AAU season has already given us a glimpse of what's coming. These players aren't just filling roles, they're producing, competing, and finding ways to impact games against strong competition. Whether it's scoring, defending, or doing the little things that lead to wins, this group is showing they belong.