Fall Rankings Rundown: 2027 Small Forwards

The featured image is of [player_tooltip player_id='751297' first='Grace' last='Lee'] (2027) from Pendleton Heights High School.   It's September, which means it's time for the rankings throughout the site to be updated. About a week and a half ago we released the updated list of 2027 prospects, but I would like to turn my attention to the small forwards in this article. Below is a list of those prospects with "small forward" listed as their primary position, followed by some attention for the newcomers, and a look at a couple of ladies who are on the rise.   .    NEWCOMERS:    Layla began the 2025-2026 season nicely, but she was unable to finish the year. She is a wiry-strong, fairly fluid wing prospect who is a very good shooter from the perimeter. When she's able to find any space and has rhythm, she is almost automatic outside. With the depth of Carmel's backcourt, look for her to get some clean looks. Her opportunity there this year could come down to her ability to defend and rebound. But she is hard-working and an intelligent ballplayer, so I would expect her to carve out a role.     Ellie is a solid to strong wing prospect who has really come along over the last 12 to 18 months. She is part of a strong South Knox program, but she played good minutes as a Sophomore. It wasn't until her Junior year, however, that she contributed at a high level, averaging 9.5 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. In addition, she shot a solid 35% from 3-point range and made 39 total 3-pointers. Look for her to be a big presence for the Spartans this season, plus I think she has a lot of potential as a small college prospect.     Merritt is one of those kids who is just a worker. She is very strong, almost powerful, physical, and she plays with a high motor. She has some comfort around the perimeter, but she performs even better when operating in the mid-post or along the baseline. She's an effortful defender, and she is a very good rebounder with a nose for the ball. Offensively, she is kind of an opportunistic scorer who rebounds others' misses and lays them in, or she finds space upon others' penetration.     Kora was instrumental in Oak Hill's run to the State Finals this past Winter. She is a long, wiry-strong athlete, plus she has good speed and some bounce to her. She is always "on attack" from the perimeter, but she does have a nice perimeter jumper as well. Using her length and athleticism, she has the potential to become a high-level defender also. I really think she could be a steal for a small college program, because she's versatile, athletic, skilled, and she works hard each possession.    .   STOCK-RISERS:    If there is a prospect who can match [player_tooltip player_id='751059' first='Eva' last='Scarbeary'] (from the similar SG article) in terms of having a great Spring & Summer, it's likely Emma. She was good in March, April, and May, but in June with her Zionsville team, she really exploded. She is a long, wiry, fluidly athletic wing. She is a dangerous weapon from the perimeter, and she knocked down shots in June with sheer precision. Over the years, she has really worked on her handle and ability to create space, but she has also gotten stronger and more aggressive inside the arc.     Grace has been on the radar of several small colleges for a couple of years, but transferring to a much deeper Pendleton Heights team last year and playing for a new coach this Spring & Summer have really forced her to excel and bring her potential to the surface. She has become an excellent on-ball defender who can create a 5-second count at times. She has nice length, a wiry-strong frame, speed, quickness, and bounce, plus she is playing with an improved motor. Look for her to have a great Senior season.

The featured image is of Grace Lee Grace Lee 5'8" | SF/SG Pendleton Heights | 2027 State IN (2027) from Pendleton Heights High School.