2027 Rankings: 10 Middle of the Pack Prospects

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This group sits in that competitive middle tier. Talented, improving, and showing flashes that hint at more in the near future. The question now is who can turn potential into production and rise in the next update? Keep us updated on ALL prospects over on “X“ and “Instagram,” just tag @PrepHoops_AR &amp; @VortexSportsArkansas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Guards:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2762090' first='Braylen' last='Clegg'] (Nashville) - Clegg plays with intensity, keeping the ball moving and making winning decisions. He gets to his spots, values each possession, and defends with effort in passing lanes. As he continues tightening his handle and becoming more assertive as a scorer, his reliability gives him a strong developmental foundation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2858724' first='Dexton' last='Howard'] (Strong) - Howard brings hustle to the floor, using his first step to get downhill and pressure the defense. He thrives when he's pushing tempo or slipping into gaps for paint touches. Continued growth in his reads and finishing angles will help him turn those bursts into consistent production.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2762096' first='Lucas' last='Worth'] (Bentonville) - Worth isn't afraid to let it fly, stepping into jumpers with rhythm. He moves well off the ball and stays ready to punish late closeouts. As he sharpens his shot selection and adds more playmaking off the bounce, his scoring value has the potential to grow real consistency.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2437122' first='Jacob' last='Hiley'] (West Memphis Christian) - Hiley brings toughness and IQ on both ends, playing with energy and finding open lanes and teammates when the ball swings his way. He plays with purpose and embraces the dirty‑work plays guards often overlook. Continued improvement in his perimeter shooting and decision-making under pressure will round out his role.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2396145' first='Peyton' last='Bolding'] (Benton) - Bolding fits the modern 3‑and‑D mold, spacing the floor and defending with purpose. On the defensive end, he competes on the ball, slides well laterally, and takes pride in making scorers uncomfortable. His ability to knock down perimeter shots while guarding wings and guards alike gives him a clean, translatable role as he continues to develop.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Forwards/Wings:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2389960' first='Landon' last='Morton'] (Greene Co. Tech) - Morton gives his team a steady interior presence, sealing deep, carving out space, and finishing with balance around the rim. Defensively, he holds his ground, contests shot after shot, and rebounds in traffic. His ability to anchor the paint on both ends provides a reliable foundation for his team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2574752' first='Karter' last='Wilson'] (Wonderview) - Wilson brings a productive presence in the lane, consistently impacting the game as a rebounder and scorer. He plays with a high motor, crashing the glass from the perimeter. Offensively, he runs the floor hard, seals smaller defenders, and can knock down shots from deep. His ability to stack rebounds and points through energy, timing, and physicality gives him a dependable double‑double profile that translates across levels.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2376830' first='Truman' last='Wheeler'] (Bentonville) - Wheeler uses his length and strength to cover ground defensively and battle on the boards. Offensively, he cleans up the glass to earn second-chance points and has decent hands when catching on the move. Continued growth in his post-scoring and mobility will help unlock a more complete two‑way profile.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2391994' first='Lawson' last='Adams'] (Alma) - Adams brings a sturdy frame and improving touch, carving out space inside and finishing with balance. He rebounds well, competes defensively, and is learning how to use his body to create deeper seals. As his perimeter skills on both ends and decision‑making increase, he will be a reliable forward option.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2574722' first='Jordan' last='Orr'] (Nettleton) - Orr brings a scoring‑first approach on the wing, staying aggressive and looking for opportunities to attack. He steps into perimeter shots, uses his length to finish in transition, and isn't shy about hunting open space to create scoring windows. As he continues to refine his playmaking and passing, his offensive mindset provides him with real upside as a play finisher.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->