Benton Wheeldon is a skilled 6’2” guard from Logan County High School in Russellville, Kentucky, c/o 2029, who shows advanced feel and competitiveness for his age. 

Playing with WKY Basketball Club on the Puma circuit and training under Greg Keown, Wheeldon already displays a polished offensive approach and a strong understanding of guard play.

Offensively, Wheeldon is most effective with the ball in his hands, where he can create advantages both as a scorer and facilitator. 

He has a smooth shooting stroke with range beyond the arc and is comfortable shooting off the catch or the dribble. 

His footwork is advanced for a young guard, allowing him to get into clean pull ups from the midrange and create separation without relying solely on speed. 

He plays with good pace, changing speeds to keep defenders off balance, and shows confidence taking big shots.

As a playmaker, Wheeldon demonstrates solid court vision and decision making. 

He reads, helps defenders well and delivers accurate passes to shooters and rollers. 

He understands spacing and rarely forces action, which allows the offense to flow when he is running the show. 

His ability to play both on and off the ball gives coaches lineup flexibility and allows him to impact games in multiple roles.

Defensively, Wheeldon competes and takes pride in staying in front of his man. 

He uses anticipation and positioning to disrupt passing lanes and generate turnovers. 

While not an elite athlete yet, his effort level, instincts, and willingness to defend set a strong foundation for future growth.

Overall, Wheeldon projects as a high IQ guard with scoring versatility, strong fundamentals, and a mature approach to the game that should continue to translate as the competition level rises.

College Projection

If development continues on its current trajectory, Benton Wheeldon projects as a mid to high level Division II guard with the upside to push toward low Division I by his upper class years. 

His shooting ability, feel for the game, and positional versatility are traits college coaches value, especially in guards who can play within a system. 

Continued physical development and added explosiveness will be key in determining how high his ceiling ultimately climbs.

Evaluation Summary

Wheeldon brings strong shooting touch, advanced feel, and guard instincts that translate well to the college game. 

His physical tools are still developing, but his skill base and basketball IQ give him a clear pathway to becoming a college level contributor.

Key Development Areas

• Tightening handle under pressure and improving finishing through contact
  • Adding strength and overall explosiveness to handle faster, stronger guards
  • Maintaining consistent defensive intensity possession to possession

Long-Term Outlook

Benton Wheeldon has the makeup and skill foundation to develop into a trusted college guard whose impact grows each year as his body and game mature.

Alijah Owens is a 6’2 point guard and combo guard in the 2029 class who brings versatility, pace control, and competitive edge to the backcourt. 

Playing for Boyd County High School in Kentucky and Midwest Basketball Club on the 3SSB circuit, Owens has already shown the ability to impact games in multiple roles against strong regional competition.

Owens is at his best with the ball in his hands, where he demonstrates advanced feel for his age. 

He plays with his head up, reads help defenders well, and consistently makes the right play out of ball screens and transition situations. 

As a passer, he delivers the ball on time and on target, capable of hitting shooters on kick-outs or threading bounce passes into the lane. 

His vision stands out, especially when attacking off the dribble.

As a scorer, Owens shows promise at all three levels. 

He can knock down open perimeter shots, create space with change-of-pace dribbles, and finish through contact using body control and touch. 

He is comfortable playing on or off the ball, which allows coaches flexibility in how they use him within different lineups.

Defensively, Owens competes. 

His size at the guard spot allows him to defend both point guards and wings, and he shows good anticipation in passing lanes. 

He communicates, stays engaged, and understands team defensive concepts, which is notable for a player his age.

Overall, Owens is a well-rounded guard prospect with strong basketball IQ, positional size, and a steady approach to the game. 

As he continues to mature physically and refine his skills, his ceiling will rise quickly within the national 2029 landscape.

College Projection

Owens projects as a high-academic Division II to mid-major Division I guard long term, with the upside to push higher depending on physical development and shooting consistency. 

His size, versatility, and feel for the game align well with college systems that value decision-making guards who can play multiple roles. 

Continued progress over the next three years will determine whether he becomes a primary ball-handler at the Division I level or a high-impact multi-year contributor at Division II.

Evaluation Summary

Owens combines positional size, court vision, and composure with a growing offensive skill set. 

His feel for the game and defensive engagement translate well to structured college systems. 

As his body and scoring efficiency improve, his overall impact will scale up.

Key Development Areas

• Tightening handle under pressure and improving shot creation off the bounce
  • Adding functional strength to absorb contact and finish consistently
  • Maintaining aggressiveness and assertiveness throughout full games

Long-Term Outlook

Alijah Owens has the tools, mindset, and basketball IQ to develop into a college guard coaches trust, and I am confident his trajectory points toward a high-level collegiate career.

Jack Kohnen is a physically developed 6’6, 210-pound Guard/Forward from Slinger High School and Team Herro EYBL in the 2027 class. 

He brings a strong frame, positional versatility, and a mature approach to the game that shows up on both ends of the floor. 

Kohnen plays with confidence, poise, and a clear understanding of how to impact winning beyond just scoring.

Offensively, Kohnen is a multi-level threat. 

He shoots the ball with confidence from the perimeter, especially on catch-and-shoot opportunities, and has the strength to score through contact when attacking closeouts. 

His size allows him to post smaller guards and face up against slower forwards, giving his coaches lineup flexibility. 

He moves well without the ball, cuts with purpose, and consistently puts himself in scoring windows within the flow of the offense.

As a ball mover, Kohnen shows solid court vision and decision-making. 

He is comfortable making the extra pass, hitting shooters on kick-outs, and keeping the ball moving. 

While not a primary ball-dominant creator, he can initiate offense when needed and understands spacing, tempo, and timing.

Defensively, Kohnen’s physical tools stand out. 

He has the strength to guard multiple positions and the awareness to be in the right place consistently. 

He rebounds his position well, uses his body effectively, and competes on every possession. 

His defensive versatility allows him to switch across the perimeter and battle bigger wings inside.

Kohnen plays with a high motor and brings intangibles that translate. 

His 3.8 GPA reflects discipline and coachability, and his approach mirrors a player who values preparation and accountability. 

He impacts games in subtle ways that coaches trust, making him a reliable presence in competitive EYBL settings.

College Projection

Jack Kohnen projects as a strong mid-major to high-level Division II prospect with legitimate upside to earn low-to-mid Division I attention as his skill set continues to sharpen. 

His size, strength, and versatility are already college-ready, and continued development as a shooter and secondary creator could elevate his recruiting ceiling. 

He profiles as a plug-and-play wing who can contribute early through defense, rebounding, and smart offensive play while growing into a larger role.

Evaluation Summary

Kohnen combines college-level size with positional versatility and a strong feel for the game. 

His impact skills are rooted in physicality, shooting potential, and defensive reliability. 

He projects as a winning player whose game translates well to structured college systems.

Key Development Areas

• Tighten handle and expand off-the-dribble creation
  • Improve lateral quickness and burst for perimeter defense
  • Maintain assertiveness as a scorer in high-usage moments

Long-Term Outlook

Jack Kohnen has the tools, mindset, and work ethic to become a multi-year college contributor who coaches trust in big moments.

Matyas Larson is a 6 foot 4 point guard with strong size for the position and a mature approach to the game. 

Playing at St. Croix Central High School and competing on the BSB 17U circuit, Larson shows a steady command of tempo and consistently plays with poise beyond his years. 

He is at his best with the ball in his hands, reading the floor, organizing teammates, and making the right decision at the right time.

Offensively, Larson is a reliable perimeter shooter with sound mechanics and confident range, especially off the catch. 

He can also score off the bounce when defenders close out too aggressively, using length and body control to get into the lane. 

While not an explosive athlete, he understands angles and spacing, allowing him to finish through contact or find open shooters. 

His passing vision stands out, particularly in drive and kick situations and early offense reads.

Defensively, Larson uses his size and instincts to disrupt passing lanes and guard multiple perimeter positions. 

He competes on that end and shows solid positional awareness. 

His basketball IQ consistently shows up in transition defense and help side rotations.

What separates Larson is his feel for the game. 

He plays under control, limits mistakes, and understands how to impact winning without forcing action. 

Combined with a 3.84 GPA, he brings a high level of reliability, coachability, and leadership to the floor. 

His frame and skill set project well as he continues to add strength and polish.

College Projection

Projection: High Academic Division III to Low Division II

Larson projects best as a multi year contributor at the high academic Division III level with a realistic path to low Division II depending on continued physical development. 

His size at point guard, decision making, and shooting translate cleanly to college systems that value ball movement and efficiency. 

Coaches will trust him to manage games, defend his position, and space the floor. 

Continued strength gains and assertiveness as a scorer will determine how high his ceiling ultimately goes.

Evaluation Summary

Big guard with strong feel, reliable shooting, and advanced decision making. 

Uses size and IQ to impact both ends without needing volume scoring. 

Skill set translates smoothly into structured college offenses.

Key Development Areas

• Tightening handle against pressure and quicker guards
  • Adding strength to finish through college level contact
  • Becoming more assertive as a scoring option

Long-Term Outlook

Larson projects as a dependable college point guard who wins games through intelligence, consistency, and leadership.

Ohio continues to be one of the most talent-rich states for girls basketball, and the Class of 2027 is already proving that the future is bright. 

From skilled guards who control the pace to versatile forwards who can score inside and out, this group has college coaches paying attention earlier than ever. 

AAU circuits, middle school-to-high school transitions, and varsity production are all shaping what could be a strong recruiting class nationally.

Below is an early Top 10 ranking of Ohio girls basketball players in the Class of 2027, based on skill level, on-court impact, upside, and long-term projection. 

These rankings are fluid and will change as players develop, grow physically, and continue to compete at high levels.

Ohio Class Of 2027 Girls Basketball Rankings

 

1. Abbie Knapp | Forward | Green HS

Abbie Knapp opens this list as one of the most complete prospects in Ohio’s 2027 class. 

At around 6-1, Knapp has the size college coaches covet along with a skill set that keeps expanding. 

She scores efficiently in the paint, rebounds through contact, and has shown the ability to stretch the floor with her jumper. 

Defensively, she alters shots and uses her length well without fouling. What separates Knapp is her feel for the game and consistency. 

She impacts winning even when she is not scoring in bunches.

 

Recruiting projection: High-major potential with continued perimeter development. Power Five programs will track her closely through AAU.

 

2. Aniah Barnett | Wing | Zanesville HS

Aniah Barnett has built a reputation as a tough, competitive wing who plays with confidence and edge. 

She attacks the basket aggressively, finishes through contact, and is not afraid of physical play. 

Barnett rebounds well for her position and defends multiple spots, making her valuable in different lineups. 

Her jumper continues to improve, and as her three-point shot becomes more consistent, her offensive ceiling rises. 

She thrives in big moments and brings leadership qualities that coaches value.

Recruiting projection: Strong mid-major to high-major interest depending on shooting development and athletic growth.

 

3. Josie Burr | Forward | Bloom-Carroll HS

Josie Burr is one of the more versatile forwards in the Ohio 2027 class. 

She plays comfortably with her back to the basket but has also shown flashes of a face-up game that makes defenders uncomfortable. 

Burr rebounds at a high rate and understands positioning on both ends of the floor. 

Her touch around the rim stands out, and she finishes plays with patience rather than rushing shots. 

As she continues to improve lateral quickness and perimeter defense, her value only increases.

Recruiting projection: Mid-major Division I with upside toward higher levels as her mobility and shooting range expand.

 

4. Maddy Jones | Guard | Mount Vernon HS

Maddy Jones is a high-IQ guard who controls tempo and impacts the game defensively as much as offensively. 

She pressures the ball, creates turnovers, and consistently makes the right reads in transition and half-court settings. 

Jones can score when needed but is equally comfortable setting up teammates. 

Her pull-up jumper is reliable, and she finishes better than most guards her size. 

Coaches appreciate her leadership and poise under pressure.

 

Recruiting projection: Mid-major Division I guard with potential to climb based on offensive production and physical development.

 

5. Lex Koopal | Guard | Athens HS

Lex Koopal brings speed, toughness, and competitiveness to the backcourt. 

She thrives in transition, using her quick first step to get downhill and create scoring opportunities. 

Koopal plays with confidence and does not shy away from contact despite her size. 

Her defensive effort stands out, as she stays active in passing lanes and pressures opposing guards. 

Continued improvement as a perimeter shooter will be key to unlocking her full potential.

Recruiting projection: Mid-major Division I and high-level Division II interest with room to rise.

 

6. Madi Pidcock | Guard | Nelsonville-York HS

Madi Pidcock is a scorer’s guard who brings energy and intensity every time she steps on the floor. 

Her shooting ability stretches defenses, and she is comfortable pulling up from deep or attacking closeouts. 

Pidcock rebounds well for a guard and plays with a motor that never slows down. 

Defensively, she competes possession by possession and is often tasked with guarding the opponent’s best perimeter player.

 

Recruiting projection: Mid-major Division I or strong Division II programs that value shooting and toughness.

 

7. Brystol Stump | Guard | Athens HS

Brystol Stump is a confident scorer who understands how to get buckets within the flow of the game. 

She can score off the dribble or catch, and she consistently makes smart decisions with the ball. 

Stump is strong, plays through contact, and rebounds well from the guard spot. 

Defensively, she competes and brings physicality, which coaches love. 

As her ball-handling tightens, her role at higher levels becomes even clearer.

 

Recruiting projection: Mid-major Division I or upper-level Division II with scoring upside.

 

8. Adley Haines | Guard | Marion Harding HS

Adley Haines may be undersized, but her impact is significant. 

She plays with pace, confidence, and a high basketball IQ. 

Haines gets into the lane with ease and uses craftiness to finish among bigger defenders. 

Her shooting continues to improve, and her defensive pressure disrupts opposing offenses. 

She sets the tone with her energy and leadership, traits that often translate well to college basketball.

Recruiting projection: Division I low-major to Division II programs seeking a true floor general.

 

9. Isabella Norman | Guard | Zanesville HS

Isabella Norman is a versatile guard who contributes in multiple areas. 

She scores at all three levels, rebounds well for her position, and brings toughness on defense. 

Norman plays with confidence and does not shy away from responsibility late in games. 

Her ability to guard multiple positions makes her valuable in switch-heavy defensive systems. 

Continued growth as a shooter will elevate her stock.

 

Recruiting projection: Mid-major Division I or Division II with potential for growth.

 

10. Hannah Foster | Guard | Philo HS

Hannah Foster rounds out the list as a high-energy guard who impacts winning through effort and skill. 

She pushes tempo, creates offense off the dribble, and competes defensively despite size disadvantages. 

Foster’s motor stands out, as she consistently makes hustle plays that change momentum. 

Her leadership and feel for the game are advanced for her age.

 

Recruiting projection: Division II with Division I opportunities possible based on continued development.

 

Final Thoughts

The Ohio Class of 2027 is still in its early stages, and these rankings are far from permanent. 

Growth spurts, skill development, AAU performances, and varsity production will all reshape this list over the next few years. 

One thing is clear though: Ohio continues to produce high-level girls basketball talent, and college coaches would be wise to keep a close eye on this group.

 

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