Closer Look at Rising 2027 Prospects

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With offseason basketball in full swing, PH scout Drew Johnson is taking a closer look at some notable risers in the PH rankings. These players have shown significant improvement over the summer/fall periods and made notable impacts on the court this season. For this list, look at some impressive 2027 stars that could play big-time D1 ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2140424' first='Cooper' last='LaSalle'] | CG | 2027 | Gateway Charter | @Coop_2027</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LaSalle is a 6-0 combo guard who has shown to be one of the top shooters in the area for the 2027 class. He's someone you can't give any space off the catch and shoot play. Impressed with his overall IQ and skills at the guard position as he has plenty of time for growth. The rising freshman should have a larger role in his second high school season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2294414' first='Jeremy' last='Jenkins Jr'] | F | 2027 | Riviera Prep | @jeremyjenkins7_</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jenkins was&nbsp; impressive for Riviera Prep during the post season playoffs that saw the team take home the 3A state title. This kid is a physical prospect with football experience that helped him dominate in certain positions. Huge upside because of his solid 6-7, 205-pound frame with plenty of time to work on his game and technique.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2294486' first='Myles' last='Fuentes'] | G | 2027 | Riviera Prep | @mylesfuentes3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2397081' first='Jaiziah' last='Battle'] | CG | 2027 | Kathleen | @JaiziahBattle</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite a tough season for the Red Devils, Battle was a breakout two-sport athlete that showed true upside on the hardwood. Battle is just a rising freshman but is an athletic dual-sport prospect with good agility and speed to have an impact on the hardwood. Still has time to grow into his build but he can light it up with his jump shot and get to the basket with physicality.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2082230' first='Chase' last='Weismiller'] | CG | 2027 | Sickles | @chase_w2027</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What a season Weismiller put together in his first chance at varsity high school play. He ended up leading his team in scoring with 14.5 points per game as the 6-2 freshman displayed a good three-point shot combined with his quick release and just a solid overall offensive game. He's also a good defender who likes to push the floor after causing turnovers or grabbing boards. Weismiller was selected to the Western Conference American Division second team and was a top 25 all-star selection from TBB Coaches for his productive play. Look out for him to continue progressing heading into the summer period.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2194964' first='Nolan' last='Nelson'] | F | 2027 | Creekside | @NolanNelson2027</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The dual-sport athlete is listed at 6-7, 210 pounds with the ability to be mobile and fluid because of his overall athleticism. He's a problem near the rim and is becoming more well-rounded with his game which includes a solid jump shot to help stretch the floor. Nelson led his high school in scoring this past season with 13.6 points per game while shooting 61% from the field. He also crashes the boards as he grabbed 7.7 rebounds per game with 1.4 blocks to add on the defensive end. This kid has the tools and potential to develop into a premier recruit.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ryan Gornto | G | 2027 | Nease | @ryan_gornto</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gornto was one of my top standouts at one of our PH Florida events that saw him shoot the ball from three consistently while giving maximum effort on the defensive end. Has a good frame already where he can add some size and weight to be effective at the varsity level. He scored 10.5 points per game this past season in which I came away really impressed with his ability to stay locked in and be a deadeye shooter from start to finish. Have to get eyes on the rising freshman during the summer period.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2397085' first='Kayden' last='Calhoun'] | G | 2027 | CHS | @WillieCalh48572</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Calhoun finished as a top-five 2027 scorer in the state with 17.8 points per game this season as a rising freshman. He's a smooth guard with solid handles and a nice jumper that he uses in the pull-up game or in pick-and-roll sets. One of the better freshman ISO scorers who can get it done with the ball in his hands.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->