2027 Rising Stars Ready to Take Over

I had the opportunity to watch these players compete with their AAU or high school teams at the Pacers Athletic Center and at the Charlie Hughes Showcase hosted at Fishers High School.    [player_tooltip player_id='751064' first='Hannah' last='Menser'] has established herself as one of the top players at Plainfield, leading the team in scoring every year since her freshman season. A versatile and reliable scorer, she has the ability to put points on the board from anywhere on the floor. While she can play at the point when needed, she excels as a catch-and-shoot guard, knocking down shots from beyond the arc and in the mid-range. As a sophomore, Hannah averaged 17 points per game, showcasing her consistency and offensive efficiency. With her continued growth, she enters this season poised to play at an All-Star level for Plainfield. The career she is building has the potential to place her among the very best players to ever come through Plainfield High School.     [player_tooltip player_id='751096' first='Lily' last='Burns'] is poised to make a major impact for the Fishers Tigers this upcoming season. A long, athletic, and efficient guard with a high ceiling, she has been the definition of success throughout her early career, losing only two games across her freshman and JV seasons. This summer, she showcased her versatility at the Charlie Hughes Showcase, playing in a point-forward role and displaying her ability to score at all three levels. As she transitions to the varsity level, Lily is expected to be a key contributor for Fishers and has the potential to develop into a standout player over the next two seasons. She should be getting offers in the next year or two.     [player_tooltip player_id='750718' first='Adah' last='Hupfer'] is widely regarded as the top center in Indiana's Class of 2027. She brings a commanding presence to the floor, capable of finishing on both sides of the rim and using a sharp one-dribble spin move to create scoring opportunities. This past summer marked a major step forward in her development while playing for [program_tooltip program_id='1002297' first='IGB' last=''] GUAA, earning her 15 Division I offers from programs including Butler, Ball State, Bradley, Northern Kentucky, and more.   Adah stands out as one of the best players in Pendleton Heights history. Last season, she averaged 13.5 points and 13.6 rebounds per game, finishing as the team's second-leading scorer behind Kaycie Warfel. She also played a key role in guiding Pendleton to its first sectional championship since 2011. With Adah on the roster, Pendleton Heights is positioned to compete for another title.     [player_tooltip player_id='1137311' first='Aniya' last='Doughty'] burst onto the scene last year as one of Franklin Central's top contributors. Part of a talented 2027 class, she has already established herself as a strong, three-level scoring guard who also rebounds and defends at a high level. With the graduation of Lily Graves and Emma McVey, Aniya is poised to take on an even bigger scoring role for a Franklin Central team with high expectations after winning its first sectional championship in five years.   This season, she looks to build on her AAU success by becoming a more consistent offensive threat while leading her team deeper into the IHSAA State Tournament. With her skill set and continued development, Aniya is a strong candidate to begin receiving college offers within the next year or two.     Lillie has developed into one of the top players in Indiana's Class of 2027. Since her freshman year, she has shown the skills and athleticism of a Division I prospect, earning offers from Florida, Indiana, Miami, and more over the past two seasons. She is long, explosive, and has a quick first step, making her difficult for defenders to contain.   Lillie has a proven track record of team success, winning a sectional championship as a freshman and a regional championship last season. She has also improved her jump shot, adding another weapon to her scoring arsenal and making her even more challenging to guard. Keep an eye on her as she looks to make an even bigger impact during her junior season.     [player_tooltip player_id='751044' first='Brooklyn' last='Roberts'] has recently made a name for herself as a rising star. Last season, she was a key contributor to the Wildcats' state championship team. With the departure of a few players, this season presents an opportunity for Brooklyn to step into a leading role. She can create off the dribble and consistently catch and shoot from the wing.   What makes Brooklyn especially valuable is her combination of Varsity experience and strong work ethic. She understands what it takes to win and has put in the effort to elevate her game. Fans and scouts should keep an eye on Brooklyn as she leads alongside [player_tooltip player_id='1038866' first='Kalea' last='Bentley'], and she is expected to begin receiving Division I offers in the near future.     Paige has been making a name for herself since her freshman year at Gibson Southern. She boasts an impressive resume, including playing alongside Gabby Spink and winning a state championship. Paige has emerged as one of the top players in Indiana's Class of 2027.   She has a solid frame, can finish effectively around the paint, and covers space exceptionally well. What sets Paige apart is her consistent ability to convert her shots—she shot 54% from the field as a freshman and 53% last season. With her continued development, Paige is on track to potentially average a double-double in the near future. She is quickly establishing herself as a standout player at Gibson Southern and throughout the region.     [player_tooltip player_id='756240' first='Malika' last='Jenkins'] is one of the top players in Northwest Indiana. With the departure of Kylie Wells, she is poised to be Merrillville's leading scorer over the next two years. Malika is tough to guard thanks to her combination of floor-spacing shooting, physicality attacking the rim, and the ability to read defenses in pick-and-roll situations.   One of her main goals is to add a sectional championship to her list of achievements, something Merrillville has a proud tradition of but has not won since 2021. With her skill set, work ethic, and leadership, Malika is quickly establishing herself among the standout players in Merrillville High School's storied basketball history.     [player_tooltip player_id='751051' first='Claire' last='Larrison'] has put together an impressive career at Greensburg over the past two seasons. What makes her such a fun player to watch is her offensive versatility combined with the ability to defend every position on the floor. She also had a strong AAU season, earning Division I mid-major offers from Purdue Fort Wayne, Ball State, Oakland, and Evansville.   Last season, Claire delivered one of the best campaigns you'll see from a player at her position. She led Greensburg to a 27-1 record and a trip to the state finals, averaging 16.5 points and 7.7 rebounds per game while shooting an incredible 61% from the field and 46% from three. With her returning as a junior, Greensburg remains a championship contender, and Claire has the chance to elevate her game into being one of the most dominant wing players in Indiana.     Riley has been the floor general at Franklin Central since her freshman year, and each season she has elevated her game along with her team's success. Last year, she helped guide Franklin Central to a sectional championship, showcasing her growth as a true point guard.   She attacks the rim with speed and power, while also having the ability to knock down shots when defenders sag off. On the defensive end, Riley's quickness allows her to stay in front of opposing guards and disrupt plays. This past summer, her hard work paid off as she earned Division I offers from Purdue Fort Wayne and Detroit Mercy. Entering the upcoming season, Riley is expected to play an even bigger role in leading her team both offensively and defensively.     [player_tooltip player_id='692561' first='Ashlee' last='Baker'] is another key piece of Franklin Central's talented 2027 class. A confident shooter with deep range, she can score from anywhere on the floor. This past summer, she showcased her ability to knock down contested shots, and what truly stands out is her unwavering belief that every shot she takes is going in—a mentality that separates her from many players her age.   Alongside [player_tooltip player_id='756239' first='Riley' last='Huotari'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1137311' first='Aniya' last='Doughty'], Ashlee forms part of one of the strongest backcourts Franklin Central has seen in years. With this trio leading the way, Franklin Central is positioned to achieve even more than last season's sectional championship.     [player_tooltip player_id='751034' first='Alanna' last='Anthony'] has been surrounded by winning since her freshman year, playing alongside standout teammates like Talia Harris, Joridyn Smith, Kate Thomas, Allison Scheu, and Nevaeh Dickman. This past summer, while competing with both her AAU and high school teams, she began to truly establish herself as her own player.   Alanna brings a strong physical presence to the floor and has expanded her game with a reliable mid-range jumper and a consistent shot from beyond the arc. Now stepping into a leadership role alongside [player_tooltip player_id='486553' first='Natalie' last='Thomas'], she is poised to guide her team while continuing her individual growth. With her skill set and mentality, Alanna has the potential to be one of the best and most improved players in Hamilton County this season.     If there's one word to describe Bryleigh, it's scrappy. She is the type of guard who thrives on doing the little things that make a big difference. This past summer, she made noticeable strides in her game—improving her on-ball defense against quick guards, sharpening her shooting consistency, ball-handling, and developing the ability to attack the rim from the perimeter.   Bryleigh's relentless energy was on full display last season in a game where she recorded seven steals, showcasing just how disruptive she can be on defense. As she continues to grow, she will be a key piece for Plainfield, especially alongside standout guard [player_tooltip player_id='751064' first='Hannah' last='Menser']. Together, they form a backcourt that will make Plainfield a tough team to beat this season.     Grace is a player who can heat up in a hurry, especially with her shooting from beyond the arc. This past summer, she showed growth in her ability to attack the rim against bigger guards, adding more versatility to her offensive game.   It was also fun to watch her alongside Plainfield point guard Bryleigh Todd, as their chemistry was clear and allowed both players to elevate their scoring impact when sharing the floor. At Monrovia, Grace will be a key piece this season, especially playing alongside [player_tooltip player_id='999443' first='Zoie' last='Walls']. With her shooting ability and growing all-around game, she is poised to help lead Monrovia to greater success.     [player_tooltip player_id='751058' first='Etta' last='Young'] is a proven scorer for Jennings County—and for any team she suits up with. She plays with a smooth, confident style, able to finish at the rim as well as knock down shots from the perimeter. This past summer, she shined playing alongside Franklin Central guard [player_tooltip player_id='1137311' first='Aniya' last='Doughty'], gaining valuable experience and drawing college interest in the process.   The next goal on Etta's list is bringing home a sectional championship for Jennings County, where she'll team up again with Division I prospect [player_tooltip player_id='486508' first='Mollie' last='Ernstes']. With the two of them leading the way, expectations are high for Jennings County this season. Look for Etta to elevate her scoring even further and make a strong case as an All-Star candidate.     [player_tooltip player_id='751115' first='Payton' last='DuVall'] is quickly becoming one of the best players in Franklin Central history. Since her freshman year, she has built a strong reputation as a dominant presence, especially in the post. Last season, she was the team's second-leading scorer with 12.3 points per game while also averaging 10 rebounds.   As she continues to develop, Payton is working on adding quickness and expanding her outside game, which will make her an even more versatile threat. What sets her apart is her relentless work ethic and dedication to staying in the gym. Surrounded by a talented supporting cast that includes [player_tooltip player_id='756239' first='Riley' last='Huotari'], [player_tooltip player_id='692561' first='Ashlee' last='Baker'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1137311' first='Aniya' last='Doughty'], Payton is building the type of résumé that could eventually make her an Indiana All-Star.

I had the opportunity to watch these players compete with their AAU or high school teams at the Pacers Athletic Center and at the Charlie Hughes Showcase hosted at Fishers High School.