2027 Small Forwards Proving They Belong in the Rankings

Indiana's 2027 class continues to show why it is one of the deeper classes in the Midwest, and the small forward position has been especially impressive throughout the AAU season. Over the course of the spring, several wings consistently stepped up against high-level competition and proved they deserve recognition in statewide rankings discussions. What separates this group is their versatility. Each player brings the ability to impact the game in multiple ways, whether that is scoring, rebounding, defending multiple positions, or creating energy for their teams in big moments.   AAU basketball is often where players begin separating themselves because of the level of competition and the opportunity to perform in front of college coaches and scouts from around the region. These players not only produced statistically but also showed consistency, toughness, and growth in their overall game throughout the live period events and spring tournaments. Their ability to compete against some of the top talent in Indiana and surrounding states helped solidify their names as rising prospects in the 2027 class.   The following small forwards stood out this spring with strong performances and continue to build momentum heading into the high school season.    [player_tooltip player_id='1229598' first='Chyanne' last='Brown'] continues to establish herself as one of the more versatile and dependable wings in Indiana's 2027 class. Throughout the AAU season, Brown consistently impacted games in a variety of ways and showed why she belongs in statewide rankings conversations. What stands out most about her game is her ability to contribute on both ends of the floor while playing with toughness and composure. She does not rely on just one aspect of her game to be effective. Instead, she finds ways to impact winning through scoring, rebounding, defense, and hustle plays.   Offensively, Brown showed the ability to attack downhill and finish through contact while also making smart decisions with the basketball. She has a good feel for spacing and knows how to move without the ball to create opportunities for herself. Her mid-range game continues to improve, and she showed confidence knocking down perimeter shots when defenses collapsed into the paint. Brown also plays with good pace and rarely forces action offensively, which allows her to remain efficient throughout games.   Defensively, she was one of the more consistent competitors at her position this spring. Her length and activity allow her to defend multiple positions, and she rebounds the basketball well for a wing. She competes hard every possession and consistently brings energy that impacts her team beyond the stat sheet. As her offensive skill set continues to expand, [player_tooltip player_id='1229598' first='Chyanne' last='Brown'] has all the tools to continue climbing as one of the better all-around forwards in the 2027 class.     [player_tooltip player_id='896317' first='Taylee' last='Fisher'] had one of the more impressive AAU springs among Indiana's 2027 wings and continued proving why she deserves to be viewed as one of the top small forwards in the class. Fisher consistently produced offensively throughout the spring while also showing growth in other areas of her game. Her confidence, skill level, and ability to score against quality competition stood out during multiple events.   Fisher does an excellent job using her size and strength to create advantages offensively. She can score at multiple levels and showed the ability to finish through contact around the rim while also stretching defenses with her perimeter shooting. One of the biggest improvements in her game this spring was her consistency as a shooter and her ability to stay aggressive offensively throughout entire games. She moves well without the basketball and understands how to position herself to create scoring opportunities.   In transition, Fisher runs the floor hard and can make plays in open space. She also showed flashes as a secondary playmaker, making smart reads and finding teammates when defenses focused heavily on her scoring ability. Defensively, she competes with effort and physicality while continuing to improve laterally against quicker guards and wings.   What makes Fisher stand out is her ability to consistently impact games offensively while still contributing in other areas. She had several strong performances this spring against high-level competition, and her overall production continues to support her case as one of Indiana's rising 2027 forwards.     [player_tooltip player_id='751048' first='Carly' last='Holmes'] put together a very strong AAU season and continued building momentum as one of the more intriguing small forwards in Indiana's 2027 class. Holmes consistently played with energy, toughness, and confidence throughout the spring while proving she could produce against quality competition. Her versatility and willingness to impact the game in multiple ways made her stand out during several events.   Holmes is a physical wing who does a great job attacking the basket and playing through contact. She consistently pressured defenses with her downhill ability and showed improvement as a finisher around the rim. She also displayed a more confident perimeter game this spring, knocking down open shots and forcing defenders to respect her ability to score from outside. Her offensive versatility makes her difficult to guard because she can impact the game both in transition and in half-court situations.   One of the most impressive aspects of Holmes' game is her motor. She competes hard on every possession and consistently makes hustle plays that help her team. Whether it is diving for loose balls, crashing the boards, or defending multiple positions, her effort level remains constant. Defensively, she uses her physicality and activity well, making it difficult for opponents to get comfortable offensively.   Carly's spring performances showed growth in multiple areas of her game, and she continues to trend upward as a prospect. Her combination of toughness, versatility, and competitive energy makes her a player college coaches should continue tracking closely.     [player_tooltip player_id='890884' first='McKenzi' last='Rutland'] had a productive and promising AAU spring that highlighted her upside as a versatile wing prospect in the 2027 class. Rutland's athleticism and length immediately stand out when watching her play, but what impressed most this spring was the growth in her overall confidence and offensive approach. She consistently competed well against talented opponents and showed flashes of becoming a very impactful two-way player.   Rutland is at her best when attacking downhill and playing aggressively in transition. She runs the floor extremely well and uses her athleticism to create scoring opportunities around the basket. Throughout the spring, she showed improvement in handling the basketball in space and becoming more comfortable creating her own offense. She also flashed the ability to knock down perimeter shots, which adds another dimension to her offensive game moving forward.   Defensively, Rutland has tremendous potential because of her size, quickness, and versatility. She can guard multiple positions and plays with active hands while using her length to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots. Her rebounding ability also stood out this spring, especially on the defensive end where she consistently helped finish possessions.   McKenzi's ceiling remains very high because of her physical tools and developing skill set. As she continues to gain confidence offensively and polish her perimeter game, she has the potential to become one of the more dynamic forwards in Indiana's 2027 class.     [player_tooltip player_id='644053' first='Miley' last='Sherrill'] continued to strengthen her reputation this spring with several strong AAU performances that showcased her scoring ability, toughness, and competitive mindset. The Bedford North Lawrence wing consistently played with confidence and proved she could produce against strong competition throughout the travel season. Her offensive versatility and physical style of play allowed her to impact games in a variety of ways.   Sherrill does an excellent job attacking the basket and playing through contact. She is aggressive offensively and consistently looks to create scoring opportunities both in transition and in half-court situations. She also showed the ability to knock down perimeter shots and stretch defenses when defenders gave her space. Her strength and body control allow her to finish well around the rim, even against physical defenders.   Beyond scoring, Miley contributed as a rebounder and defender throughout the spring. She competes hard on the glass and consistently battles for extra possessions. Defensively, she brings effort and physicality while showing the ability to guard multiple positions on the wing. One of the biggest strengths in her game is her confidence and willingness to compete in big moments. She never seems intimidated by competition and consistently plays with an aggressive mindset.   Sherrill's strong spring helped prove she belongs firmly in the rankings conversation for Indiana's 2027 class. Her combination of scoring ability, toughness, and consistent production makes her a player that should continue gaining attention moving forward.

Indiana's 2027 class continues to show why it is one of the deeper classes in the Midwest, and the small forward position has been especially impressive throughout the AAU season. Over the course of the spring, several wings consistently stepped up against high-level competition and proved they deserve recognition in statewide rankings discussions. What separates this group is their versatility. Each player brings the ability to impact the game in multiple ways, whether that is scoring, rebounding, defending multiple positions, or creating energy for their teams in big moments.