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.   15. [player_tooltip player_id='2348237' first='Wyatt' last='Slay'] | 6'4" Guard | Principia | [program_tooltip program_id='2382957' first='Southwestern' last='Illinois Jets']   Wyatt is a physically strong, skilled offensive player who brings a mature, polished presence to the floor. Offensively, he stands out as one of the most elite catch-and-shoot players in the state. Slay is consistently shot-ready, with a quick release that allows him to get his shot off with minimal space -- making him a nightmare for defenders trying to close out. He displays deep range, often knocking down shots from well beyond the arc. His off-ball movement is equally impressive. Slay has a high basketball IQ and a great feel for spacing, often using pin-downs, flare screens, and baseline actions to create separation. He reads defenders well, setting up his cuts with pace and deception, and knows how to relocate quickly after passing or setting screens. In transition, he sprints the lanes hard and frequently finds open space on the wing, making him a reliable outlet for early offense. While known for his perimeter shooting, Slay has expanded his offensive arsenal. He's become much more comfortable attacking closeouts and getting downhill. Once inside the arc, he uses strong footwork -- spins, pivots, and shot fakes -- to create scoring angles around the rim. Wyatt will be a key leader for a Principia team aiming to repeat as state champions. His offensive versatility and ability to stretch the floor make him a tough cover for any opponent, and his growth as a complete scorer could be a defining factor in Principia's title defense this winter.   14. [player_tooltip player_id='2334929' first='Will' last='Foulk'] | 6'0" Guard | De Smet Jesuit | Gateway Knights   Foulk is poised to be a key contributor for a talented and experienced De Smet team this winter. A dynamic playmaker with a natural feel for the game, he excels at creating offense quickly and efficiently. His tight handle, change of pace, and ability to string together advanced dribble moves make him a constant threat to break down defenders one-on-one. Will frequently gets opponents off balance, manipulating angles and using creative footwork to attack gaps in the defense. What separates Foulk is how well he navigates help defense. He's adept at reading secondary defenders and using his movement to force rotations -- opening up clean looks for teammates or creating driving lanes for himself. His ability to change speeds and adjust mid-drive is exceptional, and he displays a wide array of dribble pickups, whether he's weaving through traffic or pulling up in space. As a scorer, Foulk is highly versatile. He finishes at the rim with touch and control using either hand, and he's equally dangerous from the perimeter. His pull-up game is a legitimate weapon -- able to stop on a dime and rise with balance and rhythm, making him difficult to defend in ball screen actions or isolation situations. Whether he's creating off the dribble or spacing the floor, he consistently makes defenses pay. This season, he'll take on the role of floor general for De Smet, orchestrating a deep, skilled roster and providing the composure and decision-making needed to fuel a potential state title run.   13. [player_tooltip player_id='2334904' first='Kylan' last='Pickren'] | 6'5" Guard | Ozark | KC Run GMC   Kylan enters this season as one of the premier shooters in the state, known for having one of the smoothest and most consistent strokes in Missouri high school basketball. A true knockdown threat from beyond the arc, Pickren has the rare ability to catch fire quickly and shift the momentum of a game in just a few possessions. He excels in a variety of shooting situations -- off the catch, coming off screens, and even while fading or adjusting his body mid-air. His compact form, quick release, and high shot confidence make him a constant concern for opposing defenses. With good size and a strong frame, Pickren doesn't shy away from contact. He's capable of playing through physicality, especially when navigating off-ball screens to free himself for looks. His ability to maintain balance and composure under pressure allows him to convert even tightly contested shots. He also reads defenses at a high level -- understanding spacing, timing, and when to slip into open gaps during half-court sets. While his shooting draws headlines, Kylan is far from one-dimensional. He's a capable straight-line driver who can get downhill and attack the basket with purpose. In the paint, he uses body control and touch to finish through or around contact, often adjusting in mid-air and scoring with either hand. His offensive versatility makes him difficult to contain, especially when defenders overcommit to taking away his perimeter shot. This winter, Pickren will serve as the undisputed leader of an Ozark team with high expectations. After falling short in some close games last season, he'll be tasked with setting the tone on both ends of the floor and guiding the group toward taking the next step.   12. Leon Powell, Jr. | 6'5" Guard | Vashon | [program_tooltip program_id='2382957' first='Southwestern' last='Illinois Jets']   Leon might be the fastest-rising prospect on this list -- a player whose stock continues to soar as he matures and gains valuable experience at the high school level. A long, explosive, and highly athletic guard, Powell thrives in the open floor. His ability to cover ground quickly makes him a nightmare in transition, where he consistently puts pressure on opposing defenses. Whether he's finishing above the rim or using finesse around the basket, Powell brings an aggressive yet controlled approach in the open court. In the half-court, Powell's first step is elite -- lightning quick and decisive -- allowing him to create immediate separation from defenders. Once he's downhill, he's excellent at capitalizing on the advantages he creates, whether it's finishing through contact, using body control around the rim, or drawing help and kicking out to open teammates. His offensive decision-making continues to sharpen, and as his skill set expands, so does his ability to take over stretches of games. Defensively, Powell is a disruptor. His length, instincts, and high motor allow him to get into passing lanes, rack up deflections, and force turnovers at a high rate. He anticipates well, reading plays before they develop and knowing when to shoot the gap or rotate from the weak side to challenge shots at the rim. His versatility on that end allows him to guard multiple positions, often serving as a catalyst for Vashon's transition offense with his defensive playmaking. With Vashon once again loaded with talent and championship expectations, Powell is poised to take on a much larger role this winter.   11. [player_tooltip player_id='2377735' first='Kingston' last='Money'] | 6'3" Guard | Principia | [program_tooltip program_id='2075324' first='Brad' last='Beal Elite']   Kingston is a prospect whose stock is trending sharply upward -- and if his development continues over the next few months, he has the tools to crack the top ten in his class. A dynamic scorer with a competitive edge, Money has recently drawn significant interest from college programs, thanks to his offensive firepower and gritty two-way mentality. Offensively, he plays with supreme confidence. Money is a fearless shot-maker -- willing to take big shots in big moments and capable of hitting them from all three levels. Whether it's a deep three, a pull-up jumper in rhythm, or a strong finish through contact, he scores with both volume and efficiency. He thrives on attacking downhill, often dropping his shoulders and barreling through defenders, using his frame and strength to get to the rim. In transition, he's a constant threat, displaying impressive body control and the ability to finish with either hand, even while adjusting to rotating defenses. What sets Money apart is that he doesn't just score -- he competes. On the defensive end, he brings toughness and intensity. He uses his size and lateral quickness to stay in front of smaller, quicker guards and has shown the ability to cut off driving lanes and absorb contact without giving ground. He's also a smart on-ball defender who understands positioning and takes pride in getting stops. With Principia returning as one of the most talented and deep teams in the state, Money will be a vital piece in their quest to repeat as state champions.

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.