My Top 25: Missouri’s Best in the 2027 Class

As I shift my focus to Missouri's Class of 2027, it's clear that this group features a strong mix of top-tier talent and emerging prospects who are steadily making a name for themselves. The class includes several high-caliber players who have already drawn attention at the state and national levels, alongside a growing list of rising talents whose development over the next couple of years will be worth watching closely. What makes this class particularly intriguing is the potential for movement — players continuing to grow physically, refine their skills, and gain exposure through high-level competition. As always, it will be fascinating to track their progress through the remainder of their high school careers and to see where their journeys take them at the next level, whether it be college programs or beyond.   25. (tie) [player_tooltip player_id='2338877' first='Karson' last='Gerdeman'] | 6'0" Guard | St. Charles West | Gateway Knights   Karson is a true floor general and skilled facilitator, consistently setting up teammates and running the offense with confidence and poise. Despite standing at 6'0", he plays with a presence that far exceeds his size. With excellent ball control and sharp changes of direction, he creates space and relentlessly attacks the lane. Around the basket, he displays a diverse finishing arsenal, including floaters and soft-touch finishes with either hand. He's also a reliable shooter, consistently hitting shots off screens and exploiting defensive gaps with high-level court awareness. Heading into this winter, Gerdeman is set to take on an even greater role as he looks to lead St. Charles West into serious contender territory.   25. (tie) [player_tooltip player_id='2344218' first='Nolan' last='Struckmann'] | 6'7" Forward | St. Dominic | [program_tooltip program_id='2075378' first='MPJ' last='Elite']   A rapidly rising forward, Nolan makes a significant impact on both ends of the floor. With a ceiling that remains untapped, he has the potential to emerge as one of the top prospects in his class. Offensively, his versatility stands out -- capable of playing inside and out with equal confidence. In the post, he's comfortable with his back to the basket, showing a strong understanding of when to attack and when to find open teammates as defenses collapse. Struckmann also stretches the floor with his three-point shooting and regularly initiates offense, showcasing his feel for the game. Defensively, he's a game-changer -- able to protect the rim and effectively guard multiple positions. Although, St. Dominic struggled last year, Nolan should lead a much more competitive team this winter with plenty of opportunities.   24. [player_tooltip player_id='2348242' first='Tyler' last='Ray'] | 6'4" Wing | MICDS | [program_tooltip program_id='2075283' first='Arsenal' last='Hoops']   Tyler is a fast-rising prospect who continues to climb the rankings thanks to his well-rounded skill set and high-impact play. A strong, aggressive wing, Ray can score from all three levels and consistently finds ways to affect the game that don't always show up on the stat sheet. He embraces contact, using pivots, fakes, and fades to create space and finish through defenders. On the offensive glass, he's relentless -- constantly generating second-chance opportunities for himself and his teammates. His shooting has also taken a noticeable leap, with a quicker release and the ability to knock down shots off the dribble with smooth rhythm. If Ray continues his upward trajectory, MICDS is poised to make serious strides this winter, especially as they face a demanding schedule.   23. [player_tooltip player_id='2205734' first='Kemper' last='Roberts'] | 6'7" Forward | Rockhurst | KC Run GMC   Kemper played a key role for a Rockhurst team that found plenty of success last season. A skilled forward with a smooth shooting touch, Roberts consistently connects from both the perimeter and mid-range, making him a reliable scoring threat. He's also comfortable operating in the post, capable of finishing over either shoulder and creating offense with smart reads and timely passes. Defensively, he brings value with his length, instincts, and willingness to rebound and guard multiple spots. With Rockhurst graduating some key pieces, Roberts is poised to take on a larger role this winter -- bringing leadership, experience, and production as the team looks to take the next step and make a deep run.   22. [player_tooltip player_id='2334942' first='Deyton' last='Lucas'] | 6'8" Forward | Lutheran South | MOKAN   Lucas has made noticeable physical strides this summer, and his expanded frame now complements a versatile offensive skill set. With added strength and size, he finishes effectively around the rim, often powering through contact. Deyton also handles the ball well for his position and can knock down shots both off the dribble and off the catch with solid rhythm. On the defensive end, he holds his ground in the paint and makes life difficult for opponents trying to finish over him. One of his most impressive areas of growth has been in transition -- he's now capable of grabbing a rebound and pushing the ball up the floor as a playmaker, a rare and dangerous skill given his combination of size and athleticism. After an up-and-down season at Lutheran South, Deyton will be counted on to lead the way this winter with consistent, impactful play on both ends of the floor.   21. [player_tooltip player_id='2701109' first='Joelle' last='Rover'] | 6'2" Guard | Glendale | [program_tooltip program_id='2075378' first='MPJ' last='Elite']   An explosive and athletic guard, [player_tooltip player_id='2701109' first='Joelle' last='Rover'] brings game-changing speed, quickness, and relentless energy to the floor. As a rising talent in the southwest Missouri region, he's poised to make a name for himself entering his junior season. Rover thrives when attacking the rim -- elevating over defenders or finishing through contact with either hand. On the defensive end, his motor and athleticism make him a standout perimeter defender, regularly applying pressure, generating deflections, and forcing turnovers. As he continues to grow his perimeter skill set, his impact will only increase. This winter, Rover will be looked to as a leader for Glendale, with the potential to help push the team into serious postseason contention.

As I shift my focus to Missouri's Class of 2027, it's clear that this group features a strong mix of top-tier talent and emerging prospects who are steadily making a name for themselves. The class includes several high-caliber players who have already drawn attention at the state and national levels, alongside a growing list of rising talents whose development over the next couple of years will be worth watching closely. What makes this class particularly intriguing is the potential for movement — players continuing to grow physically, refine their skills, and gain exposure through high-level competition. As always, it will be fascinating to track their progress through the remainder of their high school careers and to see where their journeys take them at the next level, whether it be college programs or beyond.