2027 Big Name Risers Making Immediate Impacts – Part 3

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the final piece of the Big Name Risers series, we'll be reviewing who's solidified themselves throughout the course of the season. These select skilled hoopers know how to put on a show in front of packed crowds. With discipline and hard work, players can easily rise in the rankings, and these guys have done just that. It's time to give recognition to the players who've shown up all season long. Let's talk about it. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2257252"],"_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-69d1e741d6181"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2257252' first='Colton' last='Holloway'] has been a vital floor general for the Strasburg Indians throughout their impressive 26-2 campaign last season. A 5'10" junior guard, Holloway has proven to be a master of backcourt efficiency with limited minutes, averaging 5.6 PPG while finishing second in assists (2.8 APG). Holloway's impact was never more apparent than during Strasburg's deep run in the 3A state tournament, dropping a clutch 14-point outing in a thrilling win over Forge Christian. Beyond his playmaking, Holloway is a defensive pest on the perimeter, utilizing his quick hands to disrupt opposing offenses to acquire 1.8 SPG. His ability to balance scoring outbursts with selfless distribution and lock-down defense has made him an indispensable piece of a Strasburg squad that finished the year ranked among the top 10 teams in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2885974"],"_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-69d1e741d61ed"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2885974' first='Damien' last='Rios'] has been a reliable spark plug for Ponderosa this past season, providing consistent energy and two-way production in the highly competitive Continental League. As a junior, Rios has averaged 9.7 PPG across 20 contests, showing a particular knack for scoring in bunches. Rios' efficiency at the rim is a focal point of his offensive profile, but his defensive activity is arguably where he makes the most noise, contributing 1.8 SPG.  Standing as a key member of the Jaguars' core assets, Rios combines scoring versatility with a high motor, contributing 2.7 RPG and nearly an assist per game. His ability to disrupt passing lanes and convert those turnovers into transition points has made him a vital secondary scoring option for Ponderosa. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2395563"],"_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-69d1e741d623a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2395563' first='Harry' last='Lyle'] has been the engine for Centaurus this past season, leading the Warriors to an impressive 18-7 record.  Standing at 6'7, the junior forward has been a mismatch nightmare in 6A, leading the team with 9.7 PPG while anchoring the interior. Lyle's efficiency has become the center point of his game, frequently putting up high-percentage looks that typically drop straight through the basket. Beyond /his scoring, Lyle is a high-motor presence on the glass and defensive end, averaging 4.5 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 0.5 blocks per contest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2837540"],"_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-69d1e741d62c6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2837540' first='Avery' last='Lamar'] took a massive leap from his previous freshman year campaign, transforming from little minutes and no scoring to averaging over 11 PPG in his junior season. The versatile 5'9 guard can hurt defenses in a plethora of ways, whether it's getting open from behind the arc or attacking the rim, Lamar will certainly get the job done. In addition to his deep scoring bag, Lamar's court vision is astounding, pinpointing his teammates on the cut for easy assists. Expect Lamar to continue rising in the rankings as I expect him to get into a serious groove come his senior year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2395351"],"_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-69d1e741d6314"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2395351' first='Andrew' last='Ward'] has been a vital multi-dimensional threat for Holy Family during the 2025-2026 season, helping lead the Tigers to a deep Class 4A state tournament run. As a 6'3" junior shooting guard, Ward finished the season as the team's third-leading scorer, averaging <strong>9.8 points per game</strong> while maintaining a highly efficient <strong>49% field goal percentage</strong>. His perimeter shooting was a major asset for the Tigers' spacing, as he knocked down 35 triples on the year at a <strong>40% clip from beyond the arc</strong>. Ward's impact extends well beyond just scoring; he proved to be a reliable presence in the paint and on the defensive end, contributing <strong>3.5 rebounds</strong> and <strong>0.4 blocks</strong> per contest. His ability to perform in high-pressure postseason moments—highlighted by double-digit scoring efforts in the state tournament against Peak to Peak and The Classical Academy—solidifies his status as one of the most consistent and versatile wing prospects in the Granite Peaks League.<br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->