Top new names from 2027 Rankings Update

Our 2027 rankings update saw some new names join the top of our list from other states. In this article we'll break down the five highest ranked debuts in our list.    One of the top guards in the country, Gibson plays with an elite pace and feel for the game. Very skilled on the ball, Gibson controls the pace of the game and displays an excellent mix of rim pressure, perimeter shooting and play-making ability. Gibson averaged over 16 PPG on the EYBL 16 U circuit for Team United, also grabbing 5 rebounds and dishing out 3.6 assists per game. Gibson is ranked 4th nationally on Rivals and showed me why he's one of the top guards in the nation when I saw him at Peach Jam.     The champion of UAA 16 U was Team Thrill and they were led at the point guard position by Davis. A lead guard who is active on both ends of the court and just finds a way to make plays, Davis is a tough defender, can really score the basketball and can set the table for his teammates. Davis makes up for his lack of size with consistent activity on both ends of the court, you really notice him out there at all times. It seemed like every time I talked with a college coach or scout who watched Team Thrill 16 U during their championship run, they mentioned how impactful Davis was for his team.     One of the bigger sleepers in Ohio, Kirura was a prospect I knew I had to carve out time to watch him during Midwest Live and I left very impressed with how well-rounded his game was. Kirura has excellent positional size for a wing who can also play as a primary creator for himself and others. Showing the ability to attack a closeout or operate as a pick and roll ball handler, Kirura could be used in multiple ways to get to spots on the court where he could score. Defensively, Kirura has the frame to be an impactful defender as he had a couple blocks and steals in the first game I saw him play. I expect Kirura to become a name regional low to mid major schools closely monitor his development as it is hard to find wings with his athleticism and ball skills.     Moving from one side of the Ohio river to the other, Combs comes to Lakota West from Cooper High School in Kentucky. Helping Cooper make the quarterfinals of the KHSAA Sweet 16 tournament last season, Combs will hope to have an impact for a Lakota West squad that's got state title expectations this season. Combs is a strong framed wing who provides toughness, rebounding and defensive ability. His best offense is played in transition, as a cutter and when he crashes the glass. Combs is starting to flash a more consistent 3-point shot as well, which could come in handy if teams run a zone to try and force the Firebirds to take more jump-shots. Expect Combs to be a name everybody in Cincinnati knows early in the season.     One of the biggest risers in the month of June at different team camp events, Hester has taken massive strides in the past few months. Showing confidence to shoot post hooks with his back to the basket, use his size to score over smaller defenders and alter shots at the rim, Hester looks like a more confident player on both ends of the court with how he moves his body and asserts himself in the paint. Making the move to Toledo St Francis, the Knights now have one of the best frontcourts in the entire state with Hester, [player_tooltip player_id='1705954' first='Alan' last='Horton'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2476444' first='Tre'Sean' last='Chenault'].

Our 2027 rankings update saw some new names join the top of our list from other states. In this article we'll break down the five highest ranked debuts in our list.