’27 Rankings Update: Stock-Riser Guards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>New Readers: Use code "Proia30" for discounted subscription</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We updated our 2027 prospect rankings <a href="https://prephoops.com/2025/01/updated-2027-maryland-rankings/">today</a>, adding in 35 new players for a total of 135 prospects hailing from Washington DC and Maryland. We've already written about our <a href="https://prephoops.com/2025/01/2027-ranking-update-breaking-down-our-top-10/">Top 10</a> in the Class, here we will break down some of the biggest movers in this update's group of guards. Let's tap in!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2454534"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":2746824,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-679181954c311"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Previous spot: 24</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-The lightning quick guard has carved out a starting role with the Panthers and are a big part of their 17-4 record with a 4-1 mark in the Baltimore Catholic League. Jones is a maestro in transition that uses his speed and handle to attack teams in transition, timing ball fakes or pass deliveries well to avoid turnovers and get a good look for his team. A shifty southpaw guard that can throw both on-ball and help defenders off balance with a crossover or pump fake, Jones is both getting to the rim and shooting from beyond the arc at a more consistent level to make him a more difficult cover. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2509329"],"_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-679181954c386"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Previous Ranking: 35</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Graves has impressed in new threads at Carroll as a dynamic off ball guard that can get to the rim and score when the offense stalls or Brown is off the floor. Graves can hit C+S looks, is starting to score more consistently with pull-up 2s in the paint, and works hard to chase down long rebounds to extend possessions for his team. His athleticism and size allows him to switch 1-3 at the defensive end of the floor to give Carroll some lineup flexibility. He's fighting over screens to stay in front and he's learning when he can reach in to poke out a steal and when that will get him in foul trouble or out of position. Needs to improve his finishing ability around the basket to avoid shot-blockers by using the rim as a deterrent or simply using upfakes/pivots more in the paint.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2575614"],"_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-679181954c3d0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Previous Ranking: 38</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-One of the best players in Anne Arundel county had a great game last night, leading his team back from 14 down to win in OT against North County to secure the win. A lightning quick guard that can get into his jumper quickly off the bounce, Scott understands pace and will use his opponent's momentum against them to attack the outside shoulder before getting to his spots. He's a dynamic finisher in transition that can finish around the basket with either hand and a deep bag of finishing moves to score around the defense. His ability to read the defense and make the right play coming off of ball screens sets him apart in this class, would not be surprised to see him continue to rise in the rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2194952"],"_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-679181954c415"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Previous Ranking: 42</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-The lefty shooter has continued to improve as the season has went along for an MSJ team that has won 5 straight games. Purnell's handle has smoothened to get him to his spots and his 1 or 2-dribble pull-up from either elbow coming from the opposite slot is a really difficult shot to defend. His fluidity as a scorer that can create pretty good looks--especially at the end of shot clocks/quarters-- makes him a valuable piece for the Gaels. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2548898"],"_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-679181954c457"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Previous Ranking: 72</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-The utility guard is putting together a nice season for Gwynn Park under a new head coach. Strickland is putting up averages of 18 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds in the early going in PG County-- showing consistent productivity in new threads for the Yellow Jackets. He's beginning to knock down open jumpers but he excels at getting to the paint and turning turnovers/long rebounds into baskets at the other end of the floor. As he continues to grow and fine tune the athletic ability, he can be a really good 2-way guard with upside as a scorer in the halfcourt. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->