Breaking Down Our Top 10 in 2027

New readers: Use code Proia30 for discounted subscription     Today we updated our 2027 prospect rankings that can be found <a href="https://prephoops.com/2025/06/updated-2027-maryland-rankings/">here</a>. Over the next few days we will share some of the biggest stockrisers, new additions, and some sleepers that our scouts like in the class. But today, we will start by breaking down our top 10 to share we think they belong at the very top of our updated rankings for the rising junior class.    Previous Ranking: 1   -Our #1 retains his spot at the top of our state rankings as he is the top national recruit on most websites as well. Oladotun has proved his worth as a scoring wing that can really fill up the stat sheet, even after moving up an age bracket with Durant to compete at the 17u level. His skillset at his size only continues to grow and his recruiting has continually soared since the '27 prospect contact period opened at the beginning of the month.     Previous Ranking: 2   -Woodard's stock at a national level continues to rise as the McNamara/Durant wing has made improvements to his handle and shooting ability. Opponents have to respect the jumper but Woodard is consistently making the right read to either attack closeouts or let it fly from the perimeter. His motor is becoming more consistent at both ends of the floor and he projects as a 3+D wing with some upside as a playmaker and slasher that can make things happen with the ball in his hands thanks to some impressive vertical pop and lateral movement skills.     Previous Ranking: 6   -Lyons has proven his worth as a HM recruit with a productive summer on the 3SSB circuit with NW and in the first scholastic live period with Clinton Grace. College scouts are taking notes of his ability to impact the game as a scorer, facilitator, slasher, and defender that can flourish both on or off the ball. The play-making decisions and passing skill have really taken a leap forward as the handle has sharpened to improve the fluidity of his decisions.     Previous Ranking: 3   -McKnight is beginning to make better reads with the ball in his hands that have led to more assists and better efficiency on his shooting numbers. This in turn leads him to become a much more consistent player that the Stags can count on night in and night out at both ends of the floor. I don't think there are many guards in the area that can generate as many paint touches as McKnight and his vertical pop has improved to make him a better finisher around the basket. His ability to get his opponent back on their heels and make plays for a DeMatha group with good continuity in their roster should lead to a good finish within the league this season.     Previous Ranking: 4   -Unfortunately haven't gotten to see Duran much this summer due to a shoulder injury that has kept him sidelined the past few weeks. But the rising junior flourishes as a guard that can succeed both on or off the ball, providing the Mustangs with some roster flexibility as he can run an offense or hit shots off the ball to space the floor for his team. Duran's skill level with the ball in his hands will give McNamara a potent 3-headed monster in their backcourt to challenge for a WCAC Championship as they head into a season with heightened expectations.     Previous Ranking: 5   -Veney has among the safest floors of any prospect in our top 10 as an ultra-savvy floor general who can impact the game off the ball as well as a good connector and shooter. He's looked good so far in a bigger role with the Cadets this season after two backcourt starters moved onto the college level, doing a great job of distributing while limiting his turnovers to maximize his opportunities on the ball. Love the improvements that he's made to his body to become faster and add a few inches onto his leaping ability to impact the game more at both ends of the floor.     Previous Ranking: 7   -Taylor has looked good in new threads with the Cadets as he is showing off an improved perimeter skillset. His value still lies within hitting the glass extremely hard and providing his team with consistent slashing that opens up shots from the perimeter for his teammates. Taylor is a willing passer but the next step in his game will be using those paint touches to reverse pivot and kick to a shooter or pass across the paint to shift the defense. Also think that he has another level to get to as a versatile and physical defender that will eventually be capable of guarding 1-4 at the HS level.     Previous Ranking: 8   -Mancho's ability to impact the game without a ton of usage or plays being run for him really speaks to his value as a prospect. A physical rebounder that doesn't let his offensive production affect his energy, I love his attitude and communication whether he is on the floor or off of it. The ability to put up a consistent double double on a nightly basis while being a low-maintenance big that plays his role to perfection makes him a prospect that colleges should be beginning to prioritize.     Previous Ranking: 11   -Condon continues his steady ascension up our rankings on the backs of some strong production in EYBL play with Melo and in his Sidwell context. Now standing 6'7, Condon has proved his value as a big that can stretch the floor with his perimeter shooting, impacts the game as a physical rebounder in the paint, and runs the floor really hard to establish an anchor for the Sidwell offense and defense. The next step in his development will be improving his footspeed to stick with guards on the perimeter and to turn wall-up defensive contests into blocked shots to further increase his value. Love the consistent effort and physicality he provides for a Sidwell team that will lean on him even more this season.     Previous Ranking: 9   -Proctor has impressed this summer as an athletic wing prospect that impacts the game with his energy. The jumper is beginning to fall more consistently and he's more aggressive attacking closeouts to get to the rim. Still think that he projects as a high-level 3+D wing that can eventually serve as a good connector. Proving that he can play with a consistent motor at both ends of the floor will be the biggest swing skill for this prospect that has carved out a good role in DeMatha's system.

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