2027 Group 3 Prospects to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The summer season is about to start with June starting right around the corner. The 2027 class has made an impact on the hardwood during their debut varsity season, including in Group 3. Here are the 2027 Group 3 prospects to watch over the summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2380816' first='De-an' last='Armstrong'], 6'0 PG Payne Tech</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Armstrong had a solid debut season for the Lions and should carry it over into the summer. The 6'0 guard has a good release on his jumper and can get hot from distance in a hurry. Armstrong is more than just a shooter as he has a solid handle and finishes nicely around the basket. He rarely gets sped up on the defensive end and slides his feet on the defensive end. Armstrong's ability to stretch the floor is something that will help his game in a big way over the next couple of months.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2433707' first='Bryce' last='Higgins'], 6'3 SF North Hunterdon</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Higgins made plays over the course of his debut season and has the potential to have a big summer. The 6'3 wing attacks the basket strong as he finishes well around the basket and can draw contact in the paint. Higgins can also score in the mid-range and uses his size to see over his defender. He fights for rebounds on both ends of the floor and is an underrated defender. Higgins is a hard-working forward prospect who should make plays throughout the summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2421371' first='Akeem' last='Paul'], 6'9 C Payne Tech</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Paul has the potential to breakout this summer with his ability to impact the paint at both ends of the floor. The 6'9 post swats a ton of shots around the basket and influences plenty of others on the defensive end. Paul is a force on the boards as he helps secure second chance opportunities for his team. He runs the floor hard and has a nice touch around the basket. Paul is a shot-blocking post prospect whose ability to finish around the basket will help his game in a big way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2421373' first='Tommy' last='Calaprese'], SG Cliffside Park</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Calaprese torched the nets for the Red Raiders in 2023-24 and should bring it over into the summer. He has a smooth shooting stroke as he wastes little motion and can knock down triples in bunches. Calaprese moves well without the ball in his hands, freeing himself for open layups and jumpers in the halfcourt. He has an underrated handle and rarely forces jumpers in the halfcourt. Calaprese is a sharp-shooting guard prospect who will be one to watch over the next couple of months.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2379631' first='Christian' last='Brown'], 5'10 SG Matawan</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brown showed the ability to play on and off the ball last season, which will help his development in a big way. The 5'10 guard has a nice release on his jumper and sets his feet before he shoots. Brown can also put the ball on the floor and can find his open teammates in the halfcourt. He can draw contact in the paint and is an underrated rebounder. Brown's ability to play on and off the ball is something that will help his game throughout the course of the summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->