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<p>The Class of 2027 is loaded with talent across all classifications and schools. In this five-part series, I take an in-depth look at my top 25 players -- regardless of position -- breaking down what makes each prospect stand out.</p>
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<p><strong><em>15. (tie) Tyson Phillips | 6'6" Forward | Wichita Heights | Team One of Us</em></strong></p>
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<p>A rapidly rising name, Tyson Phillips has emerged as a dominant interior presence after an impressive spring and summer. A physical, multi-sport athlete, Phillips brings toughness and explosiveness around the rim. He finishes with power -- whether throwing it down above the rim or using either hand to extend and score over defenders with control and touch. Phillips is also a high-level rebounder, particularly on the offensive glass, where he consistently creates second-chance opportunities. With his athleticism, physicality, and relentless motor, he's quickly becoming one of the more impactful bigs in his class.</p>
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<p><strong><em>15. (tie) [player_tooltip player_id='2205715' first='Jaylen' last='Phillips-Grey'] | 6'4" Forward | Wichita East | PAC</em></strong></p>
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<p>Jaylen is a rugged interior presence who brings physicality and versatility to the floor. With a wide frame and strong base, he excels at carving out space on the offensive end -- finding openings inside and finishing through contact with physicality and control. What makes Phillips-Grey even more intriguing is his ability to operate in the open floor and make plays from the perimeter. He's capable of attacking closeouts and using his strength to absorb contact around the rim. Additionally, he's showing promising development as a passer, reading defensive help and creating opportunities for teammates.</p>
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<p><strong><em>14. [player_tooltip player_id='2205722' first='Luke' last='Henderson'] | 6'0" Guard | Wichita East | Team One of Us</em></strong></p>
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<p>Henderson may possess some of the best ball-handling skills in the state, combining creativity with control to keep defenders off balance. He excels in ball screen situations, using his feel and pace to create scoring opportunities for himself or deliver precise reads to set up teammates. Around the rim, Henderson showcases a crafty finishing package, using angles and touch to score in traffic. He's also a consistent threat in the mid-range, making him a tough cover at all three levels. With his advanced handle and offensive versatility, Henderson is a dynamic playmaker with a high ceiling.</p>
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<p><strong><em>13. [player_tooltip player_id='2816224' first='Jalen' last='Batiste'] | 6'4" Guard | Maize South | PAC</em></strong></p>
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<p>Coming off a summer where he made significant physical strides, Jalen has seamlessly integrated his improved frame into his already unique and dynamic game. A talented lead guard, Batiste consistently breaks down defenses with his quickness and vision, showing a strong willingness to distribute and get teammates involved. Offensively, he's a well-rounded threat -- knocking down shots from the perimeter with consistency while also operating effectively in the mid-range. His scoring arsenal includes smooth floaters and confident pull-up jumpers, making him a difficult matchup for opposing guards.</p>
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<p><strong><em>12. [player_tooltip player_id='2205709' first='Colton' last='Nichols'] | 6'4" Wing | Blue Valley North | PAC</em></strong></p>
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<p>Nichols is a talented wing who added noticeable size and strength over the summer, further elevating his game. He's a powerful finisher around the rim and plays well above the rim, bringing athleticism and physicality to the offensive end. Defensively, Nichols is a true Swiss Army knife. He defends the ball with intensity, jumps passing lanes, and consistently creates deflections and turnovers. In transition, he thrives -- pushing the pace to either get to the basket himself or find teammates in drive-and-kick situations. His versatility and two-way impact make him a valuable asset on the floor.</p>
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<p><strong><em>11. [player_tooltip player_id='2205719' first='Liam' last='Tesmer'] | 5'10" Guard | Bishop Miege | PAC</em></strong></p>
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<p>Liam is an explosive athlete at the point guard position who thrives on creating advantages with his change of speed and pace. He's especially effective in ball screen situations, where his ability to shift gears allows him to get downhill and collapse defenses. Tesmer finishes well around the rim, showing great body control and the ability to hang in the air and finish with either hand. What truly sets him apart, though, is his elite passing ability. He sees plays develop before they happen, regularly looking off defenders and delivering pinpoint passes that put his teammates in prime scoring positions. With his blend of athleticism, vision, and control, Tesmer is a dynamic playmaker and floor general.</p>
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The Class of 2027 is loaded with talent across all classifications and schools. In this five-part series, I take an in-depth look at my top 25 players -- regardless of position -- breaking down what makes each prospect stand out.
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