Class of 2027: Northern Kentucky Players to Watch

The 2027 class out of Northern Kentucky — featuring players from Boone, Kenton, and Campbell counties — is as talented as any group in recent years. Every name on this list, if not already recognized, will be soon. It features players who had strong performances last season and are expected to take another step forward this year across schools of varying sizes and styles. Several of them have the potential to draw attention not only within the region, but across the entire state.    Braden Elam showed impressive flashes last season and is poised for a much larger role this year. His height and length make him an effective rim protector and a capable finisher around the basket. Elam's long strides help him attack the rim and finish above it with authority. He does a good job finding scoring opportunities both on and off the ball, whether it's coming off screens or using shot fakes.     No question that Peyton Morris can fill up the scoring column. He's got the ability to do it from anywhere, driving, midrange, three point or even a few steps back. He's got a solid handle and draws attention from defenders, that opens up for his teammates at the basket. Calvary Christian has some potential to make some noise among all of the small schools and Morris will be at the center of it.     [player_tooltip player_id='2326411' first='Amontae' last='Lowe'] continues to impress and seems to elevate his game every time he steps on the floor. He's an athletic, dynamic scorer with a natural feel for getting buckets in a variety of ways, whether it's with his jumper, his ability to twist and finish at the rim, or his activity on both ends. Beyond his scoring, Lowe impacts the game defensively and brings consistent energy. He's expected to be the go-to option for the Wildcats this season and has the potential to be one of the top five players in Northern Kentucky.     [player_tooltip player_id='2828341' first='Braeden' last='Myrick'] transferred to Park Hills from Mason County, but proved just how talented he is. He's capable of catching fire in a hurry and staying hot. His strong handle and smart shot selection make it difficult for defenders to force turnovers or contest his looks. Myrick can knock down shots from well beyond the arc and has a quick, deadly release. With the talent surrounding him at Covington Catholic, he can easily gel right away and will get better, while making his team better as one of the area's top scorers.     [player_tooltip player_id='2415476' first='Teegan' last='Stava'] consistently makes winning plays and contributes in a variety of ways. He's a strong driver who finishes well and shows good instincts as a passer. Defensively, Stava takes pride in guarding the ball, using quick hands to poke it loose and anticipate passes. He excels in transition, whether pushing the ball ahead, finding teammates, or finishing at the rim, and brings a steady, high-IQ presence to Covington Catholic's lineup. He adds yet another strong piece to an already talented and dangerous Colonels team.     [player_tooltip player_id='2125709' first='Holden' last='Smith'] had a strong summer and is poised for a breakout season with a Ryle team that's capable of making noise. He's a versatile offensive threat who can score at all three levels and create for others. Smith finishes confidently around the rim, passes well within the flow of the offense, and provides steady defense on the other end. From the perimeter, he's a legitimate threat He can't be left open and has the range to stretch defenses well beyond the arc. He also shows good shot discipline, taking quality looks and rarely forcing the issue.     [player_tooltip player_id='2481699' first='Hunter' last='Seng'] is a fundamentally sound post player who competes with toughness and confidence against elite bigs and taller frontcourts. He's strong inside, displaying good footwork and the ability to create space and finish with touch off the glass. Defensively, Seng holds his ground well, maintaining a solid stance when being backed down and pursuing rebounds on both ends. He does the little things that don't always show up in the box score but are vital to his team's success. A hard-nosed competitor, Seng deserves more recognition as one of the more underrated bigs in northern Kentucky.

The 2027 class out of Northern Kentucky — featuring players from Boone, Kenton, and Campbell counties — is as talented as any group in recent years. Every name on this list, if not already recognized, will be soon. It features players who had strong performances last season and are expected to take another step forward this year across schools of varying sizes and styles. Several of them have the potential to draw attention not only within the region, but across the entire state.