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.   5. [player_tooltip player_id='2334869' first='Cameron' last='Barnes'] | 6'7" Forward | Link Academy | MOKAN   Cameron has long been recognized as one of the top prospects in his class, and he continues to back up that status with a complete, ever-evolving game. With a strong, college-ready frame and impressive fluidity for his size, Barnes is a true two-way force who can impact the game from nearly every area on the floor. Traditionally known for his dominance on the interior, Barnes has always excelled at finishing through contact. He uses his length, strength, and soft touch to score over defenders, and is comfortable finishing with either hand around the rim. He establishes deep post position, embraces physicality, and has shown excellent patience when operating in the paint. What makes Barnes especially intriguing now is how much his perimeter skill set has grown. His ball-handling ability has taken a big leap, allowing him to comfortably initiate offense, attack closeouts, and create off the dribble. He's become much more of a face-up threat, using crossovers, hesitations, and spin moves to break down defenders. Add in a smooth, reliable outside jumper -- both off the catch and off the bounce -- and he's now a legitimate three-level scorer. Defensively, Barnes is just as versatile. His size and strength allow him to defend traditional bigs in the post, while his lateral mobility and footwork let him switch onto smaller guards and hold his own on the perimeter. He's a smart positional defender who communicates well and understands when to rotate, challenge shots, or hedge ball screens. This winter, Barnes will suit up for powerhouse Link Academy, where he'll face elite national competition on a nightly basis. With his size, skill, and versatility, he's primed to not just hold his own -- but stand out -- against some of the top high school talent in the country.   4. [player_tooltip player_id='2334901' first='Chase' last='Branham'] | 6'4" Guard | [player_tooltip player_id='2873530' first='Logan' last='']-Rogersville | KC Run GMC   Branham has been one of the hottest names on the high school circuit this summer -- and his recent commitment to Indiana only solidifies his status as one of the premier guards in the Midwest. A high-level shot creator and offensive weapon, Chase is capable of filling it up in a hurry, with a natural knack for scoring in ways that many guards simply can't replicate. What makes Branham so dangerous is his ability to score from all three levels -- and to do it in rhythm or in difficult, off-balance situations. Whether it's a deep pull-up three, a tough mid-range jumper, or a crafty finish at the rim, he has a deep bag of moves and isn't afraid to use it. He thrives at getting into the paint, where he can absorb contact and finish with touch, or use hang-time and body control to make defenders miss. His ability to hit unorthodox shots, especially off-balance or with a hand in his face, gives him a special edge as a scorer. Beyond his scoring, Chase is a smart and composed playmaker. His handle is tight and efficient, allowing him to create space in isolation or in ball-screen situations. He consistently makes the right read when defenses collapse, showing the ability to draw help and kick to open shooters or hit cutters in stride. His basketball IQ is a standout trait -- he's rarely rattled, never rushed, and always seems in control, even in high-pressure moments or tight quarters. Defensively, Branham competes with toughness and awareness, often playing the passing lanes and showing strong anticipation in help-side situations. He uses his understanding of the game to position himself well and make timely plays on both ends of the floor. This winter, Branham will once again be the leader of a motivated and talented [player_tooltip player_id='2873530' first='Logan' last='']-Rogersville squad -- one still carrying the sting of last year's heartbreaking loss in Columbia with a trip to the state championship on the line. With Branham's leadership, experience, and elite-level talent, expect [player_tooltip player_id='2873530' first='Logan' last='']-Rogersville to be right back in the hunt, looking to finish the job and make a statement in the postseason.   3. [player_tooltip player_id='2334870' first='Scottie' last='Adkinson'] | 6'2" Guard | Webster Groves | MOKAN   Scottie has the résumé, skill set, and upside to be the No. 1 player on this list -- and his status as a consensus top-35 national recruit only strengthens that argument. A highly skilled and polished guard, Adkinson combines athleticism, a high basketball IQ, and a relentless motor to impact games in nearly every way. While his talent with the ball in his hands is well-documented, what truly sets Adkinson apart is how effective he is without it. He has a mature understanding of movement within an offense -- constantly using off-ball actions, such as curls, fades, and backdoor cuts, to free himself and get to his spots. Whether he's reading a defender over a screen or slipping into open space on the baseline, Adkinson is always a step ahead. His perimeter shooting continues to grow more confident and consistent. He can knock down shots off the catch or coming off movement, making him difficult to defend in both half-court sets and transition opportunities. When defenders chase him off the line, he's quick to put the ball on the floor and attack -- where his athleticism and touch around the rim take over. In the open floor, he's a blur. Adkinson excels at leaking out in transition, finishing through contact, and elevating in traffic -- often creating highlight-reel moments with his vertical burst. He rebounds well for his position, runs the floor hard, and makes winning plays on both ends. Coming off a state championship with Webster Groves, where he played a central role in powering a deep postseason run, Adkinson enters this season with the same goal -- and an even bigger target on his back.   2. [player_tooltip player_id='2334950' first='Tyran' last='Frazier'] | 6'9" Forward | Hazelwood East | [program_tooltip program_id='2075324' first='Brad' last='Beal Elite']   Up until recently, Tyran was widely expected to continue his career in Missouri and was firmly penciled in as one of the state's premier recruits. However, in a major move, Frazier will now take his talents to the prestigious Overtime Elite (OTE) league, joining one of the country's most competitive and development-focused professional prep environments. This transition marks a major step in Frazier's basketball journey and speaks volumes about his trajectory as a high-level prospect. During his time at Hazelwood East, he steadily developed into one of Missouri's most dominant and versatile forwards -- consistently impacting games on both ends of the floor with his size, skill, and motor. Standing out with pro-level length and athleticism, Frazier is a unique talent who can stretch the floor offensively while still maintaining an inside presence. He has a smooth shooting stroke from the perimeter and continues to grow in confidence as a face-up threat. Whether spotting up, trailing in transition, or operating from the high post, he's capable of hitting shots from deep and mid-range with consistency. Inside the paint, Frazier finishes well over defenders thanks to his length, timing, and soft touch. He's shown the ability to score through contact, use both hands around the rim, and take advantage of mismatches in the post. Defensively, he brings just as much value. A reliable rebounder with good instincts, Frazier also excels as a rim protector. He alters shots with his length, rotates well in help-side situations, and has shown the ability to defend both forwards and wings thanks to his lateral quickness and size. As he heads into his time with Overtime Elite, Frazier will be challenged and developed against elite national and international talent. It's a massive opportunity -- and one that reflects his sky-high potential. While he leaves behind a strong legacy at Hazelwood East, Frazier's next chapter is just beginning, and the spotlight on him is only getting brighter.   1. [player_tooltip player_id='2323624' first='Davion' last='Thompson'] | 6'2" Guard | Link Academy | Meanstreets   Davion is my clear choice as the No. 1 player in Missouri's 2027 class -- and his trajectory is only trending upward. The high-profile guard will suit up for powerhouse Link Academy this winter, and he's poised to be one of the most talked-about young players not only in the state, but across the country. Thompson possesses elite-level quickness and plays the game with an impressive combination of pace and poise. He can go coast-to-coast in an instant, putting constant pressure on defenses in both transition and the half court. What separates him from other young guards is his ability to change speeds, navigate traffic, and remain under control -- making him equally dangerous as a scorer or facilitator. A gifted finisher, Thompson shows a creative and highly effective touch around the rim, especially with his unique left hand, which features a full arsenal of scoop finishes, floaters, and off-angle layups. He's tough to predict and even tougher to contain once he gets into the paint. From the perimeter, Thompson continues to prove he's a confident and consistent shooter. He can knock down shots off the dribble, spot up from deep, or pull up in the mid-range with rhythm and balance. His release is clean, and his footwork is advanced -- allowing him to get to his spots and elevate quickly. But Thompson isn't just a scorer -- he's a natural playmaker. He regularly looks to create for others, using his dribble penetration to collapse defenses and open up the floor for teammates. His vision and passing ability allow him to make reads beyond his years, and his presence alone opens scoring opportunities for those around him. As he steps into a major role at Link Academy, one of the nation's top prep programs, Thompson will be challenged against elite competition -- an environment that's sure to accelerate his already rapid development.

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.