Uncommitted 2027s to Know for Small-School Programs

Brady Peterson April 4, 2026 @ 10:59 PM

The rising senior class always has a handful of commitments before their final spring and summer grassroots season, mostly at the Division One level. The 2027 class is no different, with eight kids currently committed to playing basketball somewhere at the next level. However, tonight, we'll look at a handful of players for scholarship programs and small-school programs to watch from America's Dairyland before most programs hit the ground running this AAU season.   [player_tooltip player_id='764290' first='Gretchen' last='Whitten']   The Hudson native is a well-rounded frontcourt player who can hurt defenses inside and out. Whitten isn't afraid of being physical or of other post players' physicality under the basket and will work for position to get touches in the post. Her versatility will also allow her to take what defenses give her by spacing the floor at times when opposing forwards choose to keep a foot in the paint when defending her. She is more intriguing than some may think.   [player_tooltip player_id='986163' first='Tatum' last='Meinen']   The Muskego native played a crucial role on a team that played in a State Championship game in 2024, and she's still the same kid who can contribute to winning at a high level. Meinen is a player who excels at spacing the floor and knocking down shots from well beyond the arc, and she has the confidence to shoot whenever she has space. I also have always appreciated her ability to make the right reads when the ball is swung her way.   [player_tooltip player_id='883074' first='Liliana' last='Verplancke']   The Grafton native played a role for a 20-win Black Hawk team this past season and will be a player who piques some coaches' interest. Verplancke is a physical and mobile forward who can play through contact on both ends of the floor. She also has a skill set to build from offensively. She can get downhill and power through defenders around the basket, and if she's bought into improving at the next level, she could surpass what I may even think her ceiling is moving forward.   [player_tooltip player_id='1217182' first='Bailey' last='Nelson']   The Monona Grove guard can play either backcourt spot and find ways to make an impact on a game. Nelson is a quick kid who can get by her defender at the point of attack and get to the basket. However, Nelson also moves well away from the ball and has the first step, which allows her to beat her defender backdoor and get open looks at the basket. She has plenty of room to grow as a player, but she can impress people with her athletic tools.

The rising senior class always has a handful of commitments before their final spring and summer grassroots season, mostly at the Division One level. The 2027 class is no different, with eight kids currently committed to playing basketball somewhere at the next level. However, tonight, we'll look at a handful of players for scholarship programs and small-school programs to watch from America's Dairyland before most programs hit the ground running this AAU season.