Jumpin’ Juniors – Southwestern Conference

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>This article highlights some of the most notable players in the 2027 class. These players already have or are expected to jump up into leadership roles on their team for the 2026–2027 season. </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2749984"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":3462454,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6980077c92b43"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2749984' first='James' last='Johnson'] (#23) of Belleville East helped the Lancers beat the Althoff Crusaders on January 31st. Finishing the game with seventeen points, Johnson was the team's top scorer. Johnson's shot was effective from both long and mid-range. As usual, this multi-sport athlete used his athleticism and versatility to tip rebounds. I am eager to watch this Division 1-caliber athlete. He will continue to transfer his football skills to the court for the rest of the season. He will also do so next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2540188"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6980077c92bc1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2540188' first='Ryan' last='Howard'] (#3) and the Alton Redbirds defeated the Sacred Heart Griffin Cyclones on 1/30/26 in an 83–56 landslide. Howard found success by locating open lanes. He drove to the basket and finished at the rim. He drew a foul on his shot or passed accurately on the fly. He also showcased solid perimeter shooting and appeared to act best when his feet were set.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2749981"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6980077c92c11"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2749981' first='Rowan' last='Weller'] (#5) of the Edwardsville Tigers demonstrated why he deserves more responsibility. In the team's loss to the Mascoutah Indians, Weller started the game with a smooth turnaround jumper and a steal. Weller is a skilled ball handler who communicates well with his teammates and directs the offense. He uses his skills to create scoring chances for his teammates. Defensively, he maintains good posture and effectively cuts off passing lanes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3427194"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6980077c92c5c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">T.J. cason IV (#4) of the Belleville West Maroons erupted in the fourth quarter. He helped the Maroons erase a five-point deficit. Cason IV began the quarter with a steal and dunk. He then grabbed a defensive rebound. Instantly, he used his explosiveness to pressure the offensive zone. After that, Cason IV nailed a three-pointer, prompting the Edwardsville Tigers to call a timeout. T.J. Cason IV is a versatile wing who depends on his athleticism for rebounding, defending, and creating offense. Cason IV is energetic and can shift the momentum of a game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2632023"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6980077c92ca6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2632023' first='Sutton' last='Massey'] (#20) showcased his hard work against the East St. Louis Flyers on 01/30/26 by crashing the boards for rebounds and sprinting the full length of the court. Massey also demonstrated strong finishing skills when driving to the basket and often used his body to draw fouls. When not attacking the rim, Massey appeared comfortable shooting mid-range and from beyond the arc. Massey possesses a high basketball IQ and reads the plays well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->