If there was any debate about who belonged among the elite in the Class of 2027, Qandace Samuels Qandace Samuels 6'1" | SF Bishop McNamara | 2027 State #14 Nation MD did everything she could to silence it in Las Vegas. The Team Takeover standout was remarkably consistent throughout the weekend, averaging 22.8 points and 7.6 rebounds while shooting an impressive 55.3 percent from the field. She opened with 17 points against Pro Skills before posting four straight games of 22 or more points, including a 25-point, 10-rebound double-double against North Tartan and a dominant 27-point, 9-rebound performance versus Sports Academy Swish. In one of the weekend’s most anticipated matchups, Samuels more than held her own against fellow 2027 star Jezelle Banks Jezelle Banks 5'8" | PG St James | 2027 State #5 Nation VA and Team Durant , finishing with 23 points and six rebounds in Team Takeover ‘s victory. Qandace scored from all three levels, attacked the glass with purpose, and brought a physical presence on both ends of the floor. Her combination of size, efficiency, and versatility was on full display, solidifying her status as one of the premier players in the 2027 class.

Qandance continues to prove why she is widely regarded as one of the top players in the Class of 2027. A fierce competitor, she plays with relentless intensity on both ends of the floor and consistently impacts the game in a variety of ways. Her high motor, advanced basketball IQ, and understanding of the game separate her from many of her peers. Coming from a family with a rich basketball background, Qandance possesses a winning mentality and knows what it takes to compete at the highest level. Her skill set, poise, and ability to make plays in crucial moments had numerous high-major programs locked in throughout the weekend. With her continued development and elite-level production, the future remains exceptionally bright for one of the nation’s premier prospects in the 2027 class.

Qandace could probably skip her senior season and start for a power 5 college team next year. Thankfully, we get to enjoy another season of stellar play. She scored 30 points in the semi final game which has been a common area for her. Her long distance shooting can change the outcome of any game and lately opponents have to be concerned with her mid range game. Defensively she is very smart and calculating, she can anticipate where the ball is heading and meet it creating points of turnovers. She gives up her body on drives getting her to the line where she converts at a high percentage. She should be the frontrunner for the WCAC Player of the Year award next season.

The last time Bishop McNamara played PVI, Qandace Samuels Qandace Samuels 6'1" | SF Bishop McNamara | 2027 State #14 Nation MD had about as bad an offensive day as she’ll ever have. She missed a handful of looks that you always expect her to convert. This did not happen in the semi-final. The shot creation was outstanding, and she showed the full arsenal in both games. Knocking down spot-up threes, putting defenders in the mixer, and using her length to finish over oncoming defenders. Qandace was outstanding on the glass as well and was the catalyst in Bishop McNamara getting their 3rd straight WCAC title.

Qandace scored 20 of her 30 points in the first half while sitting out most of the second with the game secured. She scored half of her points not having to run the court as she or one of her teammates would create a turnover in the backcourt for a score. She was very efficient from beyond the arc going 3 for 3 from long distance. If this continues their is no one that will defeat this team.

Qandace came out firing on Sunday, knocking down two quick shots from beyond the arc in the opening quarter and securing two key rebounds to set the tone early. In the second half, she anchored the Mustangs’ defensive surge, converting three straight steals into points and stretching an already commanding lead. Her two-way impact proved instrumental in maintaining control of the game.

Qandace led the Mustangs with a quiet 16 points. She had 10 points from the free throw line and didn’t make any three pointers. She had a midrange pull-up that had the defender doing a 360, it was like she created space in a phone booth and it was one of the most beautiful plays that I’ve seen in a long time. It would probably go unnoticed as it seemed so effortless to her.

Qandace poured in 42 points, including 18 from beyond the arc in a standout performance against Good Counsel. She was a constant offensive threat, stretching the defense with her perimeter shooting while also showing a natural ability to put the ball on the floor and attack closeouts.

Qandace has a strong knack for getting to the basket, using body control and timing to absorb contact and earn trips to the free-throw line. Her scoring versatility forces defenders to pick their poison, stay home on the three or risk being beaten off the bounce. With her confidence, range, and ability to score at all three levels, she proved to be a matchup problem throughout the game.

Qandace’s defense can get over looked especially when she’s averaging 38 points per game this year. Her length is very deceptive as she pluck balls away from ball handlers from a step away. She also is an exceptional shot blocker with the with the wingspan to deflect the ball at the top of the shot.

I’m sure Qandace holds a record somewhere of consecutive games with a three pointer made, if not she should be close. It’s almost inevitable that she will make a three in the game and possible that she may make ten of them. She was able to drop multiple shots from beyond the arc in the each game that I witnessed and she shoots them within the flow of the game. Her length allows her to get other scoring opportunities outside of the three, however, she can change a game with that shot when she’s hot.