Under the Radar 2027 wings Heading Into the Spring and Summer

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The travel season is approaching. College coaches are beginning to map out their evaluation plans. There are always a handful of prospects who haven't quite hit the mainstream. Nevertheless, they are primed to make serious noise. The Class of 2027 in Virginia is loaded with talent. A few names are trending upward as we head into a pivotal spring and summer stretch on the circuit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are three under-the-radar prospects who are ready to elevate their stock in a big way:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2472280"],"_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-69c2ac8047e3b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2472280' first='Kiontai' last='Barbour'] is the type of prospect that immediately stands out once you see him in person. At 6'3 with great length and athleticism, he impacts the game on both ends of the floor. Defensively, Barbour thrives—using his wingspan to disrupt passing lanes, guard multiple positions, and contest shots at a high level. His motor and toughness make him a nightmare for opposing wings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Offensively, he's at his best in transition where he can fully utilize his explosiveness. Barbour plays above the rim whether he's filling lanes or attacking downhill. He brings an edge that translates well to the next level. He embraces physicality and doesn't shy away from contact, making him a tough cover in open space.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This spring and summer, Barbour will join B Elite on the 3SSB Gold circuit. He's expected to play a major role. He will gain increased exposure. The high-level competition will provide him with all the tools to emerge as a priority name in the 2027 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Demarcus Bells","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'3u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77245","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Rise Academy","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"Team [program_tooltip program_id='2416185' first='Loaded' last='804'] Black ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c2ac8048017"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Every successful team needs a player like Demarcus “Marcus” Bells. He may not always fill the stat sheet in flashy ways, but his impact is undeniable. Bells exemplifies a glue guy. He brings toughness, effort, and a team-first mentality every time he steps on the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He rebounds extremely well for his size, consistently outworking bigger opponents and securing extra possessions. His willingness to do the dirty work—diving on the floor, defending multiple positions, and making winning plays—makes him invaluable. Bells plays bigger than his frame and brings a physical presence that sets the tone.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This summer with Team [program_tooltip program_id='2416185' first='Loaded' last='804'] Black, he'll be a key piece capable of contributing across multiple positions. Coaches at the next level will appreciate his motor and versatility. His intangibles don't always show up in the box score, but they directly impact winning.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2898037"],"_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-69c2ac80480dc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2898037' first='Ahmad' last='Britt'] is another name trending upward heading into the travel season. A long, athletic wing, Britt brings energy, versatility, and leadership to the floor. One of his most noticeable traits is his communication. He's vocal on defense and helps organize his team on that end. This is rare for a player his age.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Britt is a strong finisher around the rim and thrives when attacking in space. Whether in transition or in the half court, he has the ability to elevate and finish above defenders. His athleticism pops immediately, and when combined with his defensive instincts, it makes him a two-way asset.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming off a strong season at John Marshall, Britt is poised for a breakout summer. With continued development and exposure, he's a player college programs will monitor. They are searching for versatile wings. These players can impact the game in multiple ways.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Final Thoughts</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The spring and summer circuits are where reputations are built. These three prospects have the tools and opportunity to make major statements. They have a blend of athleticism, toughness, and versatility. So, don't be surprised if all three see their recruitment and recognition take a significant jump in the coming months.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->