2027 Initial Rankings: Players Ranked 11-20
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(11) SF Evan Abbott Evan Abbott 6'4" | SF Centennial | 2027 State IA | Centennial | Iowa United There are several players within the top 20 who saw very little or no varsity time during their freshmen years, with…
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Continue Reading(11) SF Evan Abbott Evan Abbott 6'4" | SF Centennial | 2027 State IA | Centennial | Iowa United
There are several players within the top 20 who saw very little or no varsity time during their freshmen years, with Abbott being one of them. But that doesn’t hold them back from making high debuts in this update. Abbott is a 6-5 wing with great length, a quick trigger off the catch, and the ability to space the floor with his jumper. His shot is his biggest asset right now, but he has a lot of potential as a versatile three-level scoring threat as his ball-handling continues to improve.
(12) SF Darren Grandon Darren Grandon 6'4" | SF Johnston | 2027 State IA | Johnston | Iowa United
Grandon (pictured) got onto my radar at our Freshman Showcase event way back in August, as he was the best player in the gym. He didn’t see any varsity action for the Dragons, but is a key piece of an absolutely loaded 2027 class at Johnston. An athletic, long 6-2/6-3 wing who can score from all three levels, defend multiple positions, and pound the glass on both ends of the floor, Grandon is a high-upside wing who could explode over the next few years as he continues to iron out his skill set and add some strength to his frame.
(13) PF Parker Miller Parker Miller 6'4" | PF Ballard | 2027 State IA | Ballard | Iowa United
Miller is an athletic, rim-running 6-4 forward with great length, a non-stop motor, and soft hands that he uses to corral rebounds. He’s a good enough ball-handler to lead the break after pulling down a defensive rebound, and he finishes well around the rim with either hand. He was a solid contributor as a freshman for the Bombers, averaging 4.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists a game on 56.3% shooting.
(14) PG Derrick Akines Derrick Akines 6'1" | PG Waterloo West | 2027 State IA | Waterloo West | Iowa Barnstormers
Akines is a big, physical point guard with a great feel for the game. He creates shots for himself and his teammates off the dribble, sees the floor well, and finishes at a high level around the rim through contact. His jumper can be a bit streaky, especially from distance, but he knows how to get to his spots in the mid-range and is a versatile scoring threat.
(15) PG Emri Jones Emri Jones 5'10" | PG Johnston | 2027 State IA | Johnston | Iowa United
Another piece in a really talented 2027 class at Johnston, Jones is a skilled 5-10/5-11 playmaking guard who can break down a defense and find open teammates. He shoots it well off the dribble and knows how to get to his spots within a halfcourt setting, and he plays well in ball-screen actions, with the ability to turn the corner and get to the rim or step behind the screen and knock down shots.
(16) SF Bryer Putman Bryer Putman 6'5" | SF Wilton | 2027 State IA | Wilton | Martin Brothers
Putman is a physically imposing wing who put together one of the best freshman seasons of anyone in the state this winter, averaging 17.1 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 2.8 steals, and 2.5 blocks a game for the Beavers. At 6-5, he handles it well and is really good in the mid-range. He rebounds extremely well on both ends of the floor and can get his teammates involved out of the high-post area, where he’s a skilled passer. Adding consistent range to his jumper will be the next step in his development.
(17) SG Austin Joens Austin Joens 5'10" | SG Prairie | 2027 State IA | Prairie | All Iowa Attack
Joens was a solid contributor for the Hawks as a freshman, shooting 35.3% from behind the arc en route to averaging 6.9 points a game. A 5-9 guard who can play with or without the ball in his hands, he moves really well without the ball in his hands and has a quick release off the catch.
(18) PG Lincoln Norris Lincoln Norris 5'11" | PG Knoxville | 2027 State IA | Knoxville | Kingdom Hoops
Norris is a 6-0 guard who can play with or without the ball in his hands, averaging 10.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists a game on 38-36-61 shooting splits. He handles it well and has good vision and footwork, shoots it well both off the dribble and the catch, and is a solid contributor on the glass from his backcourt spot.
(19) PG Miller Haedt Miller Haedt 5'9" | PG North Scott | 2027 State IA | North Scott | Martin Brothers
Haedt didn’t put up big numbers for the Lancers as a freshman – 1.5 points, 1.0 rebounds, 0.7 assists – but the 5-10 point guard appeared in every game for one of 4A’s best teams, including a pair of starts. He’s off to a strong start to his spring with Martin Brothers , showing the ability to score from all three levels or create quality looks for his teammates with his vision and passing.
(20) SF Wesley Rainer Wesley Rainer 6'2" | SF Senior | 2027 State IA | Senior | DCBA
Rainer didn’t play for the Rams varsity team this winter, but the 6-3 wing is an intriguing part of their future. He’s a great athlete who moves his feet well on the defensive end, and when you combine his athleticism with his length and toughness, you have a player who can provide a ton of versatility on the defensive end. He can get to the rim off the bounce on the offensive end and he does a good job finishing through contact.