Rankings Update: 2027 Watch List

As we wrap up our rankings coverage for the Class of 2027, we want to highlight a few prospects that fell just outside of the rankings and ended up on the Watch List.   In most cases, these are prospects that might be new to the region, have recently appeared on our radar, or that we simply haven't had the chance to evaluate in person.   Below are five prospects from the Watch List that we'll have our eyes on this winter.    Vertin, a wing out of New Canaan High School in Connecticut, appears on the Watch List after impressing offensively with his ability to make plays as a scorer or creator. At 6'3", he has the ability to handle the ball in the half-court, shows good vision as a facilitator, and also is a tough scorer in isolation situations. He has a high release on his jumper and does a nice job of stepping into shots off the catch or off the dribble. Defensively, he's able to guard any of three spots on the perimeter and makes plays by being in the right spot in rotations.     Witham, a guard out of Mount Desert Island High School in Maine, lands on the Watch List after establishing himself as one of the top guards in Maine, regardless of class. The lead guard plays with great pace with the ball in his hands, has elite footwork as an off ball scorer, and does a nice job of making decisions as a facilitator off the dribble. He stands out with his ability to score at the rim in transition, make tough twos in isolations, and knock down threes with range. Defensively, he moves his feet to stay in front of the basketball and has quick hands that lead to plenty of steals.     Gaston, a guard out of the King School in Connecticut, appears on the Watch List after impressing at the ZG Prep Classic in December. A strong and physical guard, he does a nice job of filling the stat sheet by making plays on both ends of the floor. He's capable of playing through contact as a downhill driver, finishes with either hand around the rim, and has increased his consistency as a shooter in catch and shoot situations. Defensively, he guards up and down a position and does a nice job of making an impact on the glass.     Scott, a wing out of Methuen High School in Massachusetts, makes his first appearance on the Watch List after standing out at the Commonwealth Motors Christmas Classic. A high motor forward, Scott is a threat to secure a double-double any time he steps on the floor. He's an aggressive two-way rebounder that reads the ball well off the glass, particularly on the offensive end of the floor. He gets out and scores in transition, using his athleticism to finish around the rim. Defensively, he's able to defend in space or around the basket, using his quickness laterally and his strength.     Maresca, a guard out of the Greenwich Country Day School in Connecticut, is a three-sport athlete that appears on the Watch List for the first time. The combo guard does a nice job of playing to his strengths on the offensive end of the floor, mixing up his responsibilities as a playmaker and scorer. He's got some wiggle off the bounce, has the ability to make good reads out of ball screens, and does a nice job of scoring with touch in the soft spots offensively. Defensively, he's scrappy and willing to make the plays that lead to winning.    That wraps up our rankings coverage for the Class of 2027, but keep an eye out next week as we drop the updated rankings for the Class of 2028!

As we wrap up our rankings coverage for the Class of 2027, we want to highlight a few prospects that fell just outside of the rankings and ended up on the Watch List.