15 Utah Players I’m Excited to Watch in 2026-27

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the 2026-27 high school basketball season right around the corner, there are plenty of players around Utah I'm excited to get eyes on. This list isn't a ranking — these are simply 15 players who stand out to me and who I'm looking forward to evaluating throughout the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3782352"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6abb1200979b3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Peciulis is a 6'4” point guard from Lithuania who brings an overseas style of play to LCA. He has the size and skill set of a high-level D1 prospect, with deep range from three and elite playmaking ability. His size also allows him to be a strong rebounder from the point guard position. He's the type of guard who can impact the game in multiple ways.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I was able to catch up with Gabe about his senior season. <strong>“Our goal at LCA is to win as many games as possible and go compete. I want to be a player that can do everything at a high level, and I'm excited for my senior season here in Utah.”</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2561222"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6abb357b201fe"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Willis is currently ranked No. 1 in Utah for the 2028 class and No. 18 nationally, and is a four-star prospect according to ESPN. Utah Prep just landed a monster with his addition. His ability to defend at a high level with his length and athleticism is a major part of his game, but his transition scoring could be just as dangerous. At 6'8” and moving the way he does, Willis is going to be a problem in the open floor. He's an elite player, and I'm excited to see what he does at Utah Prep this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1724365"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6abb357b20223"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fotheringham is the No. 1-ranked player in Utah for the 2027 class and one of the most exciting players to watch in the state. At 6'7”, he brings a long, athletic frame and the ability to score at multiple levels. He also makes a big impact on the defensive end with his length and athleticism.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lone Peak has several highly ranked players on its roster, giving them plenty of talent to make a run this season. With Fotheringham leading the way, I'm excited to see what this group can accomplish.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1724358"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6abb357b20244"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kaufusi recently transferred to Wasatch Academy and joins one of the most talented programs in the state. He's a true point guard with a strong, shifty handle and a great pace to his game. Troy currently holds Division I offers and continues to develop with plenty of upside ahead of him. He is currently ranked No. 2 in Utah's 2028 class, making him one of the young players I'm most excited to watch this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2675042"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6abb357b20262"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hadzialijagic is a tall, athletic big with a smooth jump shot who can truly stretch the floor. What stands out most to me is his footwork and craftiness when finding ways to get open. He's a good rebounder who can also handle the ball and make plays for others. Alen has a full package to his game and is a player I'm excited to watch this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Alen on his expectations: <strong>“My expectations are first to get 20 wins again as well as a region championship and a region MVP. I also want to make a deep run at the U, which results in a championship. I want a run at 5A tournament MVP.”</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1724363"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6abb357b20282"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">White is a long, athletic guard who transferred to American Fork from Pleasant Grove and currently holds D1 offers. He can shoot with the best of them, and what really stands out to me is his creativity with the ball in his hands. He has the ability to create his own shot, make plays for others and change the game in a variety of ways. I'm excited to see what he brings to American Fork this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When i spoke to White about his expectations this is what he had to say. <strong>“My expectation is to win a state championship and be the best leader I can be.”</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2450680"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6abb357b202a4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Horsley is one of the best shooters in the state and can make contested shots with ease while knocking down open looks with elite consistency. He has also added a strong downhill attack to his game, giving him another way to score and put pressure on defenses. With his shot-making ability and added versatility, I'm excited to see Jordan step into a bigger role at Mountain Ridge and continue to grow this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2446881"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6abb357b202c2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Milbourn is a player who doesn't get the love he should. He's a pure scoring point guard who can also make plays for others and brings a high level of competitiveness every time he steps on the floor. He has a crafty downhill attack and has continued to grow, giving him another level to his game. I'm expecting Carter to have a big year for Riverton.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>/</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2820429"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6abb357b202e2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 6'9”, Naang brings a rare combination of length and athleticism for the 2029 class. He has a strong defensive presence with the ability to make things difficult for opponents on that end of the floor. Offensively, he has shown the ability to knock down catch-and-shoot threes, while his handle continues to improve and gives him more options off the bounce. The upside is significant with Naang, and his combination of size, athleticism, defensive ability and developing perimeter skills makes him a player with plenty of long-term potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2809197"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6abb357b202ff"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kozlowski is a young player who is ready to step into a bigger role for the Chargers this season. He had a strong summer and has continued to attract D1 interest with his development. He can score in multiple ways, showing the ability to create off the bounce while also knocking down shots from the three-point line. His offensive game continues to expand, and he has gotten better each year. I'm excited to see Kozlowski take another step and show what he can do with a bigger opportunity this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3782505"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6abb357b2031b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thorn is a player who sat behind a stacked Westlake team last season that went on to win a state championship, but he was a JV killer and showed what he can do while waiting for his opportunity. I'm excited to see him compete at the varsity level this season. He's a three-level scoring machine with a pure three-point shot, a beautiful mid-range game and a downhill attack that features a variety of athletic finishing moves. With a bigger opportunity in front of him, Thorn is one of the players I'll be watching closely this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I caught up with Triston, and when I asked about his goals for the season, he said, <strong>“I hope to develop more as a player and prepare myself for college, while staying just as competitive as I was last year.”</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3035703"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6abb357b20338"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hendrix is a young 2029 prospect who brings a lot of explosiveness and athleticism to the floor. He has good size for his class and can use his athletic ability to make an impact on both ends. Offensively, he has shown the ability to knock down the midrange and three-point shot with consistency, giving him more ways to score as his game continues to develop. He's adding more to his overall offensive game each year, and he's a young player I'll be watching closely this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3043001"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6abb357b2035b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gardner is a young point guard with a great feel for the game and a natural understanding of how to play the position. He plays with good pace, sees the floor well and does a nice job creating opportunities with the ball in his hands. He can also knock down shots from the perimeter, giving him the ability to space the floor and play alongside other guards. Brevin is coached by his dad, Jeff Gardner, who is one of the best high school coaches in the state . With his feel, shooting ability and overall upside, Gardner is a young player I'll be watching closely as he continues to develop.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2895644"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6abb357b20377"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 6'5”, Stem is a wing with a ton of potential and an explosive downhill game. He attacks the rim with force and has the athletic ability to finish through and around defenders at a high level. Defensively, his ability to slide his feet and stay in front of opponents gives him another way to impact the game. Stem had a big summer with Team Bwil, and I'm excited to see him bring that momentum into his senior season at Cottonwood.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1724367"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6abb357b20393"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Young is ranked No. 6 in Utah's 2027 class and had a strong summer, picking up multiple D1 offers. He is a high-level competitor who brings consistent effort and toughness every time he steps on the floor. Young is a complete offensive player who can shoot it from deep, create for others and make plays with the ball in his hands. His ability to knock down shots from range makes him difficult to guard, and his developing downhill game has added another layer to his offensive package. Young brings the type of effort and playmaking you want from a player on your team, and he should be a key piece for a talented Lone Peak group this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This group is just a small look at some of the talented players I'm excited to watch throughout the season. From established prospects to young players ready to take the next step, there is plenty of talent across the state. Each player brings something different to the floor, and I'll be keeping a close eye on their development, production and impact as the season gets going. There are a lot of talented players in Utah, and I'm excited to see who takes that next step this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->