Turn It Up ‘27 Class

Well, the offseason is finally here. Really, but not really. Many of our female hoopers around the state are sharpening their skills in the gym either by doing personal training workouts or competing in fall leagues. Some may even be playing a different sport such as volleyball, either way, you know the ball is bouncing somewhere at a gym near you.    I've been out of pocket for a bit, but through the world of social media, I am amazed at how may of our student athletes caught the eyes of collegiate coaches both near and far. I have always said, top to bottom, it doesn't matter the classification, the girls in this state are tough and can compete toe to toe with some of the best from other states. I would love to see matchups if there could ever be one. I would be very intrigued.    The reason why I wanted to touch a little on the ‘27 class is because we have had some big-time young ladies who were freshman last year that stepped up in a big way both for their high school team and their travel ball club. These young ladies do get a lot of pub in a way, but rightfully so. They have put in the work like others and their talent has risen. All throughout the 2025s and 2026s, you have girls who have D1 offers or D1 potential. There is something special about this 2027 class though. I don't know what it is, but seeing the schools reaching out to a lot of these girls is an awesome testament not only to their body of work, but to the quality of ball in the state. I love how coaches come here looking for a Tennessee girl. It means something.   Here are a few of the ‘27 Studs who are attracting the eyes of some big-time coaches.   [player_tooltip player_id='821620' first='Lauren' last='Hassell'] (6'3/F/ Clarksville Christian)- She's a unicorn that can do all things. Phenomenal inside/out player who is a threat from anywhere on the floor. Uses her size to her advantage and finds the bottom of the net at a consistent clip. Defensive juggernaut, she takes up real-estate and there is a no fly zone in her area. She dropped her top 12 schools on X which included: UCONN, Vanderbilt, Maryland, Illinois, North Carolina, Providence, Baylor, Louisville, Clemson, Alabama, Duke, Rutgers. Talented, yes. This you lady is going to be a huge building block for whomever wins her services.   Haylen Ayers (6'1/CG/USJ)- One of the most versatile two way players in the game. Talk about an athlete and this young lady comes to mind. Not only is she a heck of a basketball player, she gets it done on the diamond too. Keeping the hoop theme going, she has a boatload of schools after her services. Tennessee, Ohio State, Louisville, Kentucky, and Alabama just to name a few. This kid is a go-getter and whatever school gets her to sign on the dotted line is in for getting a fantastic student athlete.   [player_tooltip player_id='818264' first='Sydney' last='Wilhite'] (5'9/G/ Cumberland Co.)- Poised floor general who can shoot it and dish it with the best of them. One of her offers is South Alabama, however, there will be plenty more to follow. This kid can lock up on D, facilitate the rock, and shoot lights out. Love her ability to create her own shot as well as create for others. Her recruitment is just getting started but look for it to start ascending upwards.   [player_tooltip player_id='821670' first='Jade' last='Watson'] (5'7/PG/Rockvale)- Dynamic scoring guard who has a great feel for the game. Can slice through defense with ease, knock down the open 3, and so much more. She's a tough competitor that utilizes her speed on not just the offensive end, but the defensive end as well. Schools such as Belmont, Lipscomb, South Alabama have come knocking, but there are plenty of others who are right there at the doormat as well. If you need someone to go get you a bucket this is the girl you need. A solid two-way player who continues to grow and get better every time she steps onto the floor.   [player_tooltip player_id='583370' first='Skylar' last='Walden'] (5'8/ PG/ TKA)- Talk about someone who is trending up, this young lady's game is doing just that. Had a great high school season and then carried that momentum into the travel ball season. Her ability to manage a team, knock down open shots, facilitate the rock, defend, and just contribute in so many other ways, it's just tremendous. She is an ultimate teammate who brings energy every time she steps onto the floor. Lipscomb and Carson Newman got in the recruiting game early, but look for others to come knocking real soon. Solid player who has tremendous upside.   These are just a few of the'27 who have been making some noise over the course of these last months. I expect many more to be right up there with these ladies. This is a special class that has a lot of talent top to bottom. The crazy thing is, these girls are just getting started. Stay tuned!

Well, the offseason is finally here. Really, but not really. Many of our female hoopers around the state are sharpening their skills in the gym either by doing personal training workouts or competing in fall leagues. Some may even be playing a different sport such as volleyball, either way, you know the ball is bouncing somewhere at a gym near you.