Friel, Diaz de Leon Lead 10 Debuters Joining the 2027 Rankings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now that the July update for the 2027 class rankings has dropped it is time to dig into who is new to the ranked list. Ten prospects join the rankings. The number includes a player accidentally included in the 2028 class and a couple who moved into the rankings from the Watch List. Net growth in the number included, 229, grew only by four due to attrition caused primarily from athletes leaving the game. The Watch List grew to 33 prospects. That list is the tip of an iceberg of more than 150 additional incoming seniors I am aware of that could move into the rankings. Take a look at the ten debuters listed in rank order.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1244849"],"_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-6a4fd1ef3b344"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The lengthy, agile Saints guard/forward caught my eye with her quality size and agility. She works to get open, shoots the three-ball with extension and runs well. Off the ball she consistently drops to the level of the ball (aka pistols position) to use her peripheral vision to see the ball and who she is defending. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1867433"],"_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-6a53d7e1ba833"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Diaz de Leon was selected to the Prep Girls Hoops Regional Finals all-17U Team earlier this summer. PGH's Philip Gray likes how fluid her movements are on the court, especially offensively. With good footwork, good handles, lift on her jumper and solid form on her shot de Leon overall has a consistently high level game. A member of Mexican national teams she has substantial high level experience including playing on the 2025 FIBA 16U Americup team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1879445"],"_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-6a53d89572048"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Albright is a returning member of the defending 5A champion Thunder and earned Sports In Kansas 5A honorable mention honors following last season. The slender guard is a strong on-ball defender who can quickly get downhill on drives. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1319424"],"_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-6a53d895720ac"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Peters is one of two debuters from the defending 1A D II state champions. The first team Twin Valley League and consensus all-state pick has very good lateral quickness defending the ball. She also will put together a variety of moves to beat defenders including on finishes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1879448"],"_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-6a53d974ae5ee"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bott is one of two rankings debuters from the defending 1A D II state champions. A Twin Valley League first teamer she also is a consensus all-state selection. Among the things my colleague John Kennedy likes is her decision making, efficiency taking care of the ball, defensive instincts and court vision. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1879449"],"_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-6a53d974ae68e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Described by <a href="https://kshsaacovered.com/news/2025/12/4/womens-basketball-class-2a-girls-basketball-players-to-watch-in-2025-26.aspx" id="https://kshsaacovered.com/news/2025/12/4/womens-basketball-class-2a-girls-basketball-players-to-watch-in-2025-26.aspx">KSHSAACovered</a> as the team's facilitator Keo brings good size to the point guard spot. A 2026 KSHSAA and Sports In Kansas 2A Honorable Mention selection Keo also is a two-time Northeast Kansas League first teamer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1202714"],"_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-6a53d974ae723"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kauffman, a two-time Heart of the Plains League first team selection, joins the 2027 rankings after incorrectly being included in the 2028. The Sports In Kansas 1A D II second team selection has been a integral part of the Cougars' fourth place finish in the 2026 state tournament. Heady and scrappy she pushes tempo well to get transition baskets. She picks up assists with pinpoint passing to teammates running their lanes and handles solidly with speed. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1878625"],"_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-6a53d974ae7c6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">"Emmie" Cooper matured into the point guard position well as the 2026 season progressed, eventually earning Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division I second team and Sports In Kansas 6A Honorable Mention honors. Tough on the ball with a low handle Cooper can get downhill quickly. Heading into her senior season improved physical strength to not get knocked off the ball will be something I will be watching. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1878623"],"_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-6a53d974ae85a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Over the past two season the Bulldog averaged roughly 10 points and 10 rebounds during the span. She picked up Tri-Valley League second team honors following the 2026 season as well has 3A honorable mention honors from KSHSAACovered and Sports In Kansas. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1816829"],"_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-6a53d974ae8e8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brunkow is part of a strong Cardinal backcourt that, after losing to Bishop Miege in the Class 4A State Tournament quarterfinals the past two years, will be striving to make a deeper run in 2027. A tough, energetic defender on and off the ball she also is a strong perimeter shooter with good bounce on her jumper. She also has solid handles to effectively finish around the basket off the drive. The two-time Frontier League honorable mention also picked up KSHSAACovered and Sports In Kansas 4A honorable mention selections. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->