The class of 2027 are the 8th graders heading into 9th grade after the summer. This is one of my favorite stages to evaluate prospects to separate who is maturating, developing, learning and applying. All players want to play varsity as a freshman, but are you ready for the grind? Are you doing your due diligence to be mentally and physically prepared for what varsity entails? I'll be keeping a close eye on the 2027 class. One thing for sure in this event the players listed as Prime Performers proved to be more equipped for the next level as of right now, but it is a marathon, so stay the course.

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Omari Chaudhry | Game Elite | G 

Chaudhry's game and frame has grown since I last seen him during the school season. His production is high and he operates exceptionally well off the dribble. He dictates the pace of play whenever he is on the floor. He has good size for a guard and tends to use it to his advantage when going against smaller opponents. Chaudhry is good at putting players on his hip to control the pace of play. You're not speeding him up. 

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Zach Schmoeckel | Redline Basketball | F

Big shot Zach was unlocked at the Who Got Next Tip-Off. He hit one of the most unexpected game winners all weekend. Schmoeckel is the standard for playing within the flow of the game. He seamlessly moves without the basketball knowing a teammate will find him with how well Redline Basketball Club swings the ball and finds the open man. He isn't afraid to bang in the paint, nor is he trigger shy when his feet are set. Trending to a stretch 4, Schmoeckel is a player all championship teams desire.

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Chance Reynolds | AJ Bouye Elite | G

Lead guards that play the game the right away by analyzing what their team needs are game by game is what I love most about the game. Reynolds fits that mold. In this tournament his team needed him to impact the game by facilitating and he did it with flash and flare. His passes were on target, which usually led to a bucket or foul line trip for the teammate he was assisting. Reynolds shot the ball with precision and broke down the best perimeter defenders opposing teams to defend him. His bag is deep and will get deeper.

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Yahines Maxwell | AE5 Elite | G

Maxwell was among the leading scorers in his division. He is a shooting guard in the truest sense. He scores effortlessly, efficiently, and easily. It took double teams or zone defenses to slow Maxwell down, because I didn't see defenders get stops one on one. He shoots the mid-range jumper often, which completely opens his game. There are more and more players developing into three level scorers, but not many can produce from all three levels with the volume of shots Maxwell takes. The biggest take away watching Maxwell is that he doesn't take bad shots. His shot selection is pure and he can surely make each one he takes.

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Josiah Randolph | Norcross Heat | G | 2027
Randolph is a gritty two way guard that completely gets after it on both ends. He competed and took on the opposing teams toughest assignment on the perimeter. Randolph long arms and active hands led to cause turnovers and getting quality stops on defense. Offensively he thrived in the open floor. Randolph constantly looked to get to the rim to open up the floor for his shooters.

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