Class of 2027 Summer Superlatives

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The summer is in full swing, and tons of basketball has been played. It's time to shout out some of the best players in the class of 2027.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Read: <a href="https://prephoops.com/2025/07/class-of-2026-summer-superlatives/">Class of 2026 Summer Superlatives</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are my class of 2027 summer superlatives.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best shooter:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='2470924' first='Ryan' last='McLaughlin']. McLaughlin has one of the prettier shots in his class and can stroke it off of the catch and off the dribble. Despite his lack of size, he has a quick release and the ball handling necessary to get his shot off in a variety of circumstances. In terms of a wide open three pointer, I'm not sure there's a guy in his class I would be more confident in hitting a shot, but he also can shoot off of movement and dribbling. Total stud who I could watch shoot for days.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best passer:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='2470946' first='LaDanion' last='Payne']. Payne isn't necessarily thought of as a passer in New England basketball circles, but I see a level of vision and unselfishness that is quite impressive. He makes the kick ahead pass so consistently and also understands how to operate in the pick and roll as a ball handler and facilitator. What's amazing is that Payne still has room to expand his offensive game and will be in the perfect position to do so at Brimmer &amp; May this coming season. He's a D1 player for sure.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Most fun player to watch: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2470964' first='Antonio' last='Pemberton']. Pemberton is only a 6-foot point guard but he plays like a 6-foot-6 wing. He's one of the best athletes in the entire region and is a walking highlight reel whenever he plays; he can get well above the rim for dunks but can also cross up anybody with his quick and tight handle. I also love watching Pemberton jump off the ground on his jumpers; he gets so much elevation and still manages to keep himself balanced and in control.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Most physically imposing: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2470882' first='Theo' last='Edema']. Edema is a 7-foot center who has the most college-ready body of anybody in the 2027 class. He has a ridiculous upper body and uses it to bulldoze his way into the paint, and he's impossible to stop from getting to the offensive glass. I don't know how much room Edema has to continue growing or getting stronger, but if he somehow does, he could be primed for the highest level of college basketball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Most underrated:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='2470933' first='Connor' last='Noel']. Noel is a late-blooming 2027 who I think could really burst onto the scene in this coming season. He's a 6-foot-5 wing who absolutely strokes it, and I can see a clear pathway to him getting a lot stronger and more physically developed to the point where he's a legitimate scholarship prospect. People might not take him as seriously as they should because of his frame and athleticism, but that could change really fast, and all of a sudden he might not be so underrated anymore.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Coach's dream:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='2470977' first='Seven' last='Pridgen']. Pridgen is a DOG. He's only 6-foot-3, but he can guard anyone because of his toughness and strength. He slides his feet incredibly well against quick guards, but he also can guard big men and wings on switches because of his fight. The offensive skills are still coming along, but he does everything you could ever want out of a player. Once the offensive arsenal -- specifically his shooting and handle -- come along, it could be really dangerous.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->