Late July Standout 2027s

Ryan Morgan July 29, 2024 @ 07:33 PM

Time to check out some of the younger players lighting it up as this month comes to a close. Here are some 2027s to know this winter who really came to play in the final few AAU tournaments of the season.   [player_tooltip player_id='2196830' first='Jaylen' last='McLaughlin'] Bothell | [program_tooltip program_id='2078823' first='Washington'   last='Supreme']   McLaughlin went down to Cali Live with his [program_tooltip program_id='2078823' first='Washington' last='Supreme'] squad and continued to light it up from the perimeter, dropping in 3s, mixing in some long twos off a one or two dribble pull-up, and showing why he has one of the smoothest strokes in the state. He had a strong finish to the high school season and now has finished the AAU season strong too. Look for him to take another step forward from last winter when he averaged 14.3 PPG with 52 3s (36.3%).   [player_tooltip player_id='2457264' first='Cole' last='Haizlip'] O'Dea | [program_tooltip program_id='2078823' first='Washington' last='Supreme']   Another young player showing some skill behind the arc, Haizlip had the touch down in Cali, hitting at least two 3s in both of their games I saw. He nailed most of them off the catch and had a pretty smooth motion, getting his feet set quickly and getting the ball out in little time. Haizlip also brought big energy on defense with active hands and the will to work.   [player_tooltip player_id='2384271' first='Grant' last='Williams'] Edmonds Woodway | [program_tooltip program_id='2078823' first='Washington' last='Supreme']   He's a quick guard who can change direction with one quick step and is able to maintain his speed while shaking defenders downhill. He's also a solid shooter behind the 3-point line and played well down in Cali, reading defenders to see if they gave him space for the jumper or wanted to press up on him. He's also been working the midrange area well, staying controlled after a big initial burst on drives and using the threat of his speed to get some space for floaters and short jumpers.   [player_tooltip player_id='2116694' first='Trey' last='Collier'] Lincoln (Tacoma) | [program_tooltip program_id='2451463' first='NW' last='Drip']   He is a high-energy, high pace player who can get the game rolling on both ends. He's a defender who can gamble on the ball and creates lots of turnovers, and can spur a lot of action in the half-court with his ability to get inside. And while he loves to play fast and get to the hoop, Collier's also shown some improvements from 3-point range, as well as burying some tough jumpers in the midrange off the bounce.   [player_tooltip player_id='2140846' first='Micah' last='Ili-Meneese'] Rainier Beach | [program_tooltip program_id='2076260' first='FOH' last='']   Here's a kid who has really been rising to the occasion in July. Ili-Meneese has all the tools to be a potent scorer; he gets to the rim, can stop and start, finish with power or finesse, and has shown a nice jumper working off the dribble. His focus at the rim makes him a really special finisher, and he could be another high-level prospect who leaves a mark at Rainier Beach.   [player_tooltip player_id='2375388' first='Noah' last='Kaylor'] Curtis | [program_tooltip program_id='2451463' first='NW' last='Drip']   Kaylor has been a big performer this July with his defensive effort. It's easy to see he's set his mind to locking down his 1v1 matchups and working hard to keep his man out of the paint. He's also improved from 3-point range, shooting much better off the catch and looking to move with drivers to spot up and cash in on kickouts.

Time to check out some of the younger players lighting it up as this month comes to a close. Here are some 2027s to know this winter who really came to play in the final few AAU tournaments of the season.