2027 Sleepers To Watch

<p>On Monday, Prep Hoops Arizona released its updated class of 2027 rankings. As expected following the last summer of high school basketball for these players, there was plenty of movement. </p>   <p>If you haven't seen the updated list, here's a link to view those rankings. <a href="https://prephoops.com/arizona/rankings/2027-rankings/"><strong><em>Class of 2027 Rankings</em></strong></a></p>   <p>With the updated rankings, there's quality talent all throughout. But it always leads to the question of "What players are flying under the radar"?</p>   <p>In short, these players listed below are a few of my favorite sleeper prospects in this class that could have standout senior seasons.</p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2763998' first='Jacai' last='Reed'] - Williams Field</h2>   <p>When it comes to this season, [player_tooltip player_id='2763998' first='Jacai' last='Reed'] could possibly be the most prolific scorer in all of the AIA. There's no doubt that Reed runs the show for his Williams Field team and he holds his own. It doesn't matter where he is on the floor, he shows the ability to create his own shot and knock it down. He pairs that prolific scoring ability with a tight handle and shiftiness that allows him to blow past defenders. He also uses it tr create space to get a shot off. Reed attacks the rim with finesse or will breakdown defenders off the dribble. There's no doubt he's a true three-level scorer.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2295697' first='Chase' last='Swenson'] - Chaparral</h2>   <p>Not many players in Arizona play as smart as Swenson does when he runs the floor for his Chaparral team. But it's fitting as a high academic prospect that he plays with such high IQ. He knocks down three-point shots with a rapid release that only needs a blink of the eye to get off. He fights through defenders to get to his spots. Swenson also shows the skill to attack the rim or catch defenses lacking with a pump fake.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2223522' first='Kolby' last='Barnes'] - Perry</h2>   <p>It's not often the title of "3-and-D" could be given to a point guard. But that's the perfect way to describe Barnes, who is due for a big year for Perry. The guard is one of the best defending guards in all of the AIA. He has exceptional length for the position and he uses that to jump into passing lanes, contest shots, and strip the ball from opposing players. Pair that with a shot that has gotten better and is a true consistent threat to fall from deep. His 3-and-D skill will be important to Perry's success this upcoming year.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2396138' first='Rashad' last='Ortiz'] - Palo Verde</h2>   <p>Had a certain shot not happened in the open semifinals, [player_tooltip player_id='2396138' first='Rashad' last='Ortiz']'s shot in the 3A semifinals would've been the biggest shot of the year in the AIA. After a fantastic junior year that saw him breakout into a 20 point per game scorer, a 48-percent shooter from deep, and an all-conference player, Ortiz returns hoping to one up those accolades. He's a pure sniper from deep that can knock down shots in a flurry and he pairs that skill with an athletic game that lets him impact both ends of the court.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2427680' first='Conner' last='Tefteller']- Campo Verde</h2>   <p>Campo Verde broke out last season behind a fantastic junior season from Tefteller. With him back, the Coyotes look like one of the top teams in 5A to start the year. As a pure point guard, his ability to distribute the rock and set his teammates up is one of the best in the AIA. He runs the floor and attacks and dishes it around from the paint and outside. He'll get hot from deep and keeps defenses off balanced with his skill.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='3667472' first='Kaleb' last='Scott'] - La Joya</h2>   <p>One of the underrated stars in the west valley is Scott who will be key for a La Joya team jumping back up to 6A. Scott will be a star this year as the Lobos will rely on his skill on the wing to win games. Scott gets down hill with strength and finishes but shows the skill to stop in the midrange and pull up as well. With a gifted offensive game that allows him to control that end of the court for La Joya, his ability to score in different ways will be seen all year.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2466071' first='Nick' last='Appenzeller'] - Desert Edge</h2>   <p>A long spacing big that shows upside with an evolving shot. He finishes strong at the rim through contact when he chooses to. As a passer he sets his teammates up well as a post distributor. The goes along with him continuing to make progress as an offensive threat. But it's his defensive chops that standout. When it comes to that end of the court, his ability allows him to block shots at the rim and step out and guard on the wing as well. With Desert Edge as a preseason top ten team in 5A, his impact will determine how high they go.</p>   <p></p>

On Monday, Prep Hoops Arizona released its updated class of 2027 rankings. As expected following the last summer of high school basketball for these players, there was plenty of movement.