2027 Breakout Candidates

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As I have done the last several years, I will be posting several season preview articles in October &amp; November. However, at this time, I wanted to give an early look at a handful of 2027 prospects who I feel could step up and stand out during the 2024-2025 season. This isn't everyone, obviously, but based on their play this Summer, or their opportunity this upcoming Winter...or a combination of both...they stood out to me as solid candidates to really expand on what they did as rookies one year ago.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><font color="FFFFFF">.</font></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["756239"],"_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-66d1c12020daf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Riley is probably the most seasoned player on this list, as she had to step in and handle the ball quite a bit for the Flashes last year. She is a dynamic point guard, she understands how to run offense, she takes care of the basketball, but she can also create, plus she can knock down open shots herself. The combination of Franklin Central having a lot of youthful talent, and her being a Freshman last year, Riley averaged 4.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. I'd expect each of those numbers to rise quite a bit in her second year at the helm.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["756243"],"_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-66d1c12020e31"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Macy flashed a great deal of potential last June at the IBCA team showcase as an incoming Freshman. She had her moments in 2023-2024, averaging 2.8 points and 3.6 rebounds per game, but with some added strength, another year of experience, plus the graduation of some key 2024s, Macy could/should step into a key role as a Sophomore. She has an athletically strong frame, she's a fluid athlete, and she can handle &amp; create, knock down open shots, or score the ball equally well in the midrange game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Gracyn Musick","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'5u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12121","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Faith Christian","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66d1c12020f24"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Addition by subtraction will be a huge component to Gracyn's opportunities as a Sophomore. With the loss of a number of transfers leaving Faith Christian, it allows Gracyn to not only be in the lineup, but also be a starring player moving forward. She has a nice, versatile skillset, some touch from outside, but she can also make plays for herself and others. I would expect at the Class 1A level, she'll be able to take her 4.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game from a year ago and at least double them, if not triple them in 2024-2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["751055"],"_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-66d1c12020f86"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ellie is yet another prospect who could see a significant role increase because of the 2024 graduating class departing. She saw some action in 2023-2024, averaging 4.2 points and 2.2 rebounds per game, but I would expect her role and her averages to both expand significantly this season. She has a strong, almost powerful frame now, solid length at her size, plus she is skilled. She can knock down open jumpers, put it on the floor North/South and head straight to the basket, but she can also be physical inside the paint and defend/rebound well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["751114"],"_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-66d1c12020fc6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Olivia was a standout a year ago at the Prep Girls Hoops Indiana Freshman Showcase, and I thought she'd have a bit bigger Freshman season. She did play a vital role for Daleville, averaging 4.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.3 steals per game, but she was almost leaned on more heavily defensively. This season, with a little growth and added strength, I figure the high-motor guard will likely improve her scoring quite a bit while maintaining her prowess as a highly effective defender. I really enjoy her energy and toughness.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["756245"],"_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-66d1c12021029"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Speaking of opportunity, the Kougars graduated a number of key players in the Springs of 2023 and 2024, leaving the door wide open for Mallorie and her younger teammates. In fact, of the eight players who saw action in more than seven games last year, she was the only non-Senior. She averaged 5.4 points and 3.7 rebounds as a rookie. She is strong, physical, athletic North/South, plus she plays with a motor. It could be a little rough early on with Crown Point and Valpo to lead off the schedule, but KV has talent in 2027 &amp; 2028.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->