2027 Rankings: Stock Rising Forwards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These forwards all deserved a bump up in the rankings. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Many of them played pivotal roles on their teams and they're also decent shot makers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2111894"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67d9bbd717f72"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Previous rank #6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I recently named Merto the most improved player in 5A. Early on in the season, he had some really nice flashes. Then as Desert Pines got deeper into thein schedule, you could see him playing with more confidence and he had better production as well. In the playoffs he also notched 15 points against Liberty and 20 points against Bishop Gorman. His ability to run the floor, make long range shots, and play in the paint makes him a very intriguing prospect. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2024-2025 Season Stats - 7.9 PPG, 5.5 PRG, 2.2 APG, 1.1 SPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2280840"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67d9bbd71802b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Previous rank #22</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Meadows School small forward makes a massive leap in the rankings. [player_tooltip player_id='2280840' first='Uzo' last='Nwapa'] was the top scoring sophomore in the state this year. He showcased his jumper, post moves, and high flying abilities throughout the season and helped the Mustangs make it the 3A Southern Region Semifinals. Nwapa is also a tenacious defender, and creates turnovers regularly thanks to his athleticism and IQ. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2024-2025 Season Stats - 17.9 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 1.2 APG, 1.4 SPG, 1.2 BPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2128634"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67d9bbd7180a3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Previous rank #18</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2128634' first='Brady' last='Robinson'] was one of the better shooting forwards that I saw play this season. He has good mechanics and is also able to shoot over just about any defender. Robinson isn't just a perimeter player though, he has get to the cup too and is capable of grabbing offensive rebounds. Keep an eye out for him this spring and summer. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1945840"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67d9bbd718136"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Previous rank #23</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1945840' first='Ien' last='Kirkland'] has the versatility to guard just about anyone. He utilizes his agility and long arms to cover ground at a rapid rate. Which helps him prevent his opponents from getting to their spots and he can disrupt shots as well. In addition to his defensive skills, he can get downhill on offense and makes mid-range shots from time to time. If he keeps expanding his game this offseason, watch out. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2642329"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67d9bbd7181a0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Previous rank #33</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2642329' first='Denali' last='Connelly'] is now up to 27th in 2027 rankings. He can score in a variety of ways, and makes aggressive moves to the basket. Once he's got a shooting window, he takes advantage of it and he also can make difficult finishes. When it comes to his defense, Connelly is the type of guy who hustles and will dive on the ground for a loose ball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2024-2025 Season Stats - 8.6 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 1.2 APG, 1.4 SPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->