We’ve Got Next! Showcase: 2027 Standouts

The inaugural We've Got Next! Showcase was held Sunday at Triton Central High School. It was a great opportunity to see a ton of young talent in the gym. Here, we take a look at 2027 standouts from the event: Lillie Graves, 2027, 5-9 G, McCutcheon Graves was the first player to catch my eye. She played at her pace and was under control with the basketball in her hands. She has good size and length at 5-9 and handles the ball like a true point guard. She can score in a variety of ways and is nearly impossible to stop in transition with her playmaking ability and vision. It would not be surprising to see her become one of the top prospects in her class given her well-rounded skillset and overall feel for the game. Kate Collier, 2027, 4-11 G, Triton Central Collier is tough as nails. Defenders had problems staying in front of her in the half and open court. I was impressed with her ability to finish on drives to the basket despite being one of the smaller players at the event. I did not see her shoot it from the outside but she did show a consistent stroke at the free throw line. With her aggressiveness and quickness, Collier was a pest defensively as she was able to pressure the ball and get into passing lanes. Ellie Oliver, 2027, 5-11 F, Indian Creek Oliver is a smooth post player who shot a high percentage on attempts near the basket Sunday. She is strong, physical and has good feet, which allowed her to score with ease at times. She was decisive when she got the ball in the post and either attacked the basket or found an open teammate on the perimeter. Oliver was also able to alter shots at the defensive end with her length and awareness. Claire Larrison, 2027, 5-7 G, Waldron Larrison was one of the top shooters I saw at the showcase. Opposing teams cannot leaver her open. She has a smooth release on her jump shot and does not need much time to get a clean look off. She scored the basketball from all three levels during the event but was not selfish and looked to create shots for teammates, as well. High IQ prospect who can play both guard positions equally well. McKenzie Koch, 2027, 5-6 G, Eastern Hancock Kock was one of the top players I saw Sunday, regardless of class. I was surprised to see she is only in seventh grade as her skillset is extremely polished. She shot the ball with confidence from the perimeter and used her crafty handles and quick first step to get to the basket — and finish. She was at her best in transition but looked comfortable controlling the offense in the half court. Tough player who definitely looks to have a high ceiling with her poise and playmaking ability. Alexis Kermode, 2027, 5-11 F, Princeton Kermode is a long and lanky post prospect. She was able to stay in front of smaller guards on the perimeter Sunday and altered shots in the paint with her length. She is a still a little raw offensively but has as much upside as anyone I saw at the showcase. She also moved well in transition and showed soft touch near the basket. Grace Fischer, 2027, 5-8 W, Waldron Fischer has a chance to be a special defender with her length, quickness and high motor. She played with a ton of energy during the event and showed a quick release on her jump shot. She was difficult to defend in the open court and found a way to get to the basket or create shots for teammates. She seems like the type of player who does not need many touches to impact the game.