Battle on the beach: 2027 at a glance

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I've heard rumblings of the talent brewing in the 2027 class. Last weekend I hit the baseline to find some new faces to track. Here are six players who are creating resumes worthy of making the upcoming freshman watchlist.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":1970018,"sizeSlug":"thumbnail","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-thumbnail"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/IMG_1792.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/IMG_1792.jpeg?w=150&amp;h=150&amp;crop=1" alt="Jonathan Watts The Traveling Hoopers" class="wp-image-1970018" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jonathan Watts<br>Watts has all the tools to succeed in basketball. He has the length and size to guard 1-4. He plays with a high motor that turns into positive plays on both ends of the court. Watts can rebound and push the ball in transition to start the break. He does so many things for his team he doesn't need to be a top scorer for you to notice him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ayaan Bhadouri<br>Bhadouri is an upside play worth monitoring. His production is up and down, but the flashes of shotmaking and offensive creation are intriguing. He has the size to fit on a varsity roster at a shade over 6'1. He can shift defenders to find holes in the defense when he's in attack mode. The pull-up jumper looks consistent in the midrange. His biggest improvement will come from his mentality on offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":1970030,"sizeSlug":"thumbnail","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-thumbnail"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/IMG_1793.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/IMG_1793.jpeg?w=150&amp;h=150&amp;crop=1" alt="[player_tooltip player_id='2809404' first='Kevin' last='Edou'] | The Traveling Hoopers" class="wp-image-1970030" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2809404' first='Kevin' last='Edou']<br>Edou is a work in progress, like any young player, but there's a lot to like about his game. He's an athletic forward that rebounds, blocks shots, and looks for contact at the rim. He may be raw in the game, but the physical tools and motor give him a promising edge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jeremiah Torchon<br>Torchon is set to join his older brother Trevon on Potter's House roster. He'll bring a strong physical frame to the SIAA. The incoming freshman recently became a full time guard and fits the mold with his ability to get downhill and make plays with his passing. He's developing a more consistent jumper but already has good elevation and mechanics on pull ups.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":1970020,"sizeSlug":"thumbnail","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-thumbnail"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/IMG_1791.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/IMG_1791.jpeg?w=150&amp;h=150&amp;crop=1" alt="[player_tooltip player_id='2809408' first='James' last='Nowells'] | The Traveling Hoopers" class="wp-image-1970020" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2809408' first='James' last='Nowells']<br>Nowells is one of the biggest lead guards I've seen in the class. He's pushing 6'3 and uses his size to create contact on finishes. He can grab offensive rebounds against his peers and push the ball on the break. Nowells has one of the most impressive handles I've seen in the class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":1970012,"sizeSlug":"thumbnail","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-thumbnail"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/IMG_1788.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/IMG_1788.jpeg?w=150&amp;h=150&amp;crop=1" alt="Martay Barnes | The Traveling Hoopers" class="wp-image-1970012" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Martay Barnes<br>Barnes is already a known commodity at the varsity level. The lead guard has played for Foundation Academy since the seventh grade. He played up an age group and still looked like the best player on the court despite playing alongside freshmen fielding division offers. Barber is a quick playmaker that can get downhill with sudden bursts. He's a high-level passer that finds guys in the half court and in transition. His speed allows him to create turnovers on defense. At 6'2, Barnes has the size and IQ to run a team. He can change the flow of the game at any time and increase the game's pace.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->