Top Rising Stars in PrepHoops: 2027 Rankings Review

The updated 2027 rankings dropped today, bringing some big surprises to the PrepHoops landscape. We have introduced a couple of fresh faces to the Top 10, as well as announced a new top overall player. While there was a lot of movement from top to bottom, here are the key players you need to know based on their stellar high school campaigns, and the prospects to watch out for this upcoming AAU season.    [player_tooltip player_id='2194600' first='Christian' last='Clair'] moved up in the rankings and looking at what he was able to do his sophomore campaign, there is more to see. Clair has national ranking skill and overall production, and this summer could be the year for the nation to take notice. Sometimes you watch a kid, and he can just do whatever he wants. He never struggles, because his IQ is in constant adjustment mode. If you need 42 points in a game, Clair can give you that. If you need 21 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals a game then you are spot on with his season averages. Clair is a problem but is also equally efficient as a piece used to highlight skilled players around him which makes him a next level coaches dream.     [player_tooltip player_id='3596604' first='Naashon' last='Cotton'] jumps in the rankings with a splash and his production at Woodlawn was impressive for the rising sophomore talent. Cotton is a shooter with a smooth style of play, but what stands out about him is his calm demeanor on the court and his ability to pick up 94 feet and be effective on both sides of the ball. Calm under pressure with a high level of skill makes Cotton one to watch this summer and beyond. Woodlawn had some impressive wins this season and Cotton could be a key piece for a big jump next season.     [player_tooltip player_id='2883730' first='Amare' last='Chambers'] is one of the most interesting players in the state because of his size and skill. He works hard to get to the goal and is crafty around the rim. At 6'5 with a strong frame, he is comfortable playing in the post and uses his agility to shift taller and slower players. He loves to play downhill and fights through contact to finish at a high clip. Chambers has a developing mid-range shot and when he starts to let that go, watch out. He is having his way in AAU and already making a name for himself, so this could be a big summer for Mr. Chambers.     [player_tooltip player_id='2422462' first='Zaylon' last='Birdlong'] made a big jump in the rankings in large part because of development and production. He does not look anything like he did last season. He is bigger, added extended range to his jump shot and his more aggressive on both sides of the ball. On top of all that he uses his new muscle to work his way to the goal, checking all the offensive boxes. Pineville is improving every season, and Birdlong looks like he will be the player to get them back to their intimidating days just a few years ago.     [player_tooltip player_id='2195043' first='Skyler' last='Garrison'] remains one of the top players in the state for several reasons. After an impressive high school season, Garrison is right back to it on AAU. He is a multi-functional stretch player with a lot of depth to his game. He is long, and can shoot. Athletic and can finish on either side of the rim or dunk with authority. His game is full of gifts and he takes advantage of each one. This will be a summer for coaches to take notice for several reasons.    Stay tuned for more player breakdowns as we jump into the deep 2028 class.

The updated 2027 rankings dropped today, bringing some big surprises to the PrepHoops landscape. We have introduced a couple of fresh faces to the Top 10, as well as announced a new top overall player. While there was a lot of movement from top to bottom, here are the key players you need to know based on their stellar high school campaigns, and the prospects to watch out for this upcoming AAU season.