Class of 2027 Rankings: Risers

A bouncy wing-forward, who currently stars in his role for the top team in the state. Impressive verticality as a rim runner in transition and as a roll threat in the halfcourt. Hits the glass on both ends of the court, and plays fearless around the rim. Even puts his body on the line by taking charges. Seems to play with the "We > Me" mindset. Hunger and athleticism currently define his game, and it will be fun to watch the rest of his skillset continue to develop.     After a couple promising seasons, Shook has fully broken out as part of one of the best one-two punches in 3A. Plays with his head on a swivel and has fantastic vision. Complete with fancy passing. Dictates the pace on drives, playing with the patience for the defense to collapse on him. Or keep his dribble alive to give his teammates the extra second to finish their cut to the rim. Has produced some of his better shooting performances in the tougher match ups this year. Giving him a gamer mentality, which will be crucial as the Rangers are a team capable of making a run to the Class 3A State Title game.     Started the year with a bang, and has settled into a role as a big three with a pair of Wildcat seniors. Which gives Piedmont a core capable of making a State run in 6A. He's a physical guard, who plays to size around the rim on both ends of the court. Can elevate to block and contest shots around the rim. Usually records quite a few steals each game as well. On offense he keeps it simple. Good spot up shooter from beyond the arc. Then when teams close out, he's a powerful driver to the rim. Shooting, defensive and good athleticism is a combination that usually leads to next level opportunities.     Poindexter hit a growth spurt and has seen his game reach a new level for 4A contenders Cascia Hall. As an underclassman he was a baby faced shooter with promise. Still can hit form distance, but also makes his mark by doing a lot of the dirty work and energetic play that a college coach would love. Especially when he makes the occasional highlight reel dunk or block. Considering that he is still growing, it feels like he's still scratching at the surface of his true potential. Expect signature plays from Poindexter during Cascia's playoff run, and for him to continue to ascend.     The sharpshooting coach's son has made a junior year leap, that has resulted in increased production and more importantly wins for 3A Dickson. Recently went for 26 points in a win over Lone Grove. In that victory, he proved the tricks he has with his handle can create the separation he needs to pull from distance. Hit five threes, many off the dribble. Also has a successful background in cross country and longer distance track and field events. Making him a well conditioned athlete, who can hit threes and play hard even late into games.     The leader of the resurgence at US Grant. "Champ" is a hard nosed guard, who plays bigger than his size. Plays tough off the dribble, but has worked on his bag. With spin moves, ball fakes and improving footwork to navigate through the traffic of bigger players. Shoots it well enough from three to be respected, which helps open his ability to attack the basket. Has a scorer first mentality, but throughout the year has displayed intriguing vision and playmaking ability with a bit of flair to his game. A bet on production type prospect.     Pure shooter, who has made the adjustment from smaller school ball to Class 6A. Classic off the ball shooting specialist. Always ready to shoot, and even when moving quickly gets balanced with outstanding mechanics. Comfortable putting it on the deck with a good first step to attack close outs. Or perhaps more impressively simply redirect with a dribble or two and still nail the three. Shooters like Coons very often find homes and roles at the next level.