Matthew Gipple 2029 Johnston Small Forward Scouting Report

Matthew Gipple, a 6'4", 195-pound Class of 2029 small forward attending Johnston, is a developing boys basketball prospect competing on the grassroots circuit with All Iowa Attack EYBLC.

Gipple already possesses an impressive physical foundation for his graduating class, combining size, strength, and positional versatility that should give him opportunities to impact games in multiple areas.

His frame allows him to operate effectively around the basket while providing the potential to develop into a versatile perimeter forward. 

Gipple's physical tools can become particularly valuable as he continues improving his ball-handling, shooting consistency, decision-making, and overall offensive versatility. 

His ability to contribute as a rebounder and physical defender also gives him ways to influence games beyond scoring.

Defensively, Gipple possesses the size and strength to potentially defend multiple positions as his lateral movement, awareness, and technique continue developing. 

His participation with All Iowa Attack EYBLC should provide valuable competition and development opportunities against talented players throughout the grassroots basketball landscape.

Gipple remains an early-stage prospect with considerable development ahead. 

Continued improvement in perimeter skills, athleticism, defensive versatility, shooting, and basketball IQ could significantly raise his long-term ceiling throughout his high school career and eventual college recruiting process.

Player Information

Player: Matthew Gipple
Graduating Class: 2029
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 195 pounds
Position: Small Forward
High School: Johnston
Grassroots Program: All Iowa Attack EYBLC
Sport: Boys Basketball

 

Offensive Skill Evaluation

Gipple combines strength, size, finishing potential, rebounding ability, and developing perimeter skills from the forward position.

 

Defensive Evaluation

Gipple's physical frame provides potential for positional versatility, strong rebounding, interior resistance, and developing perimeter defense.

 

Basketball IQ

Gipple shows developing court awareness while learning positioning, decision-making, spacing, defensive responsibilities, and effective offensive reads.

 

Intangibles

Gipple's physical presence, developmental upside, competitive environment, versatility, and youth provide an intriguing long-term foundation.

 

Areas for Improvement

Continue developing perimeter shooting, ball-handling, lateral quickness, explosiveness, playmaking, conditioning, and consistency against stronger competition.

 

Projection

Matthew Gipple projects as a developing Class of 2029 forward whose combination of size, strength, and positional potential warrants continued evaluation. 

At 6'4" and 195 pounds this early in his high school development, his eventual physical profile could become a significant advantage. 

His long-term recruiting ceiling will depend heavily on skill development, particularly shooting, ball-handling, mobility, decision-making, and his ability to defend multiple positions as the competition becomes more demanding.

 

Final Evaluation

Matthew Gipple is an intriguing Class of 2029 boys basketball prospect with the physical foundation to develop into a versatile forward. 

His 6'4", 195-pound frame provides strength, rebounding potential, and positional flexibility at an early stage. 

Continued development with Johnston and All Iowa Attack EYBLC should help sharpen his overall game. 

Improving perimeter shooting, ball-handling, mobility, defensive versatility, and decision-making will be important as Gipple progresses toward becoming a potential college basketball prospect over the coming years.

Devin Bolden 6'8" Class Of 2027 RockTop Academy Forward

Devin Bolden, a 6-foot-8 Class of 2027 boys basketball forward at RockTop Academy in New Jersey, brings proven production, physicality, rebounding, and an expanding offensive skill set to the floor.

The Indianapolis, Indiana native previously starred at Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter, where he developed into one of Indiana’s most productive frontcourt prospects. 

As a junior, Bolden averaged 20.9 points, 12.6 rebounds, 1.0 assist, 1.3 steals, and 1.4 blocks across 27 games, following strong freshman and sophomore campaigns. 

His combination of size, mobility, strength, hands, and activity allows him to impact games around the basket while also running the floor effectively in transition. 

Historically viewed as a power forward or center, Bolden has increasingly shown qualities associated with a modern small forward, including face-up scoring, perimeter movement, and a developing three-point shot. 

Defensively, his mobility gives him potential to guard multiple frontcourt positions, provide help-side protection, and contest shots. 

Bolden earned Indiana Junior All-Star recognition in 2026 and has publicly reported Division I offers from Eastern Kentucky and Toledo. 

His move to RockTop Academy creates another opportunity to demonstrate that his expanding perimeter game can complement his established interior production against strong competition. 

His next developmental step centers on consistent two-way versatility.

Player Information

Player: Devin Bolden
Class: 2027
Gender/Sport: Boys Basketball
Height: 6'8"
Weight: 200 pounds
Position: SF / PF / C
Current School: RockTop Academy, New Jersey
Previous School: Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter, Indiana
Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana
Grassroots Programs: Progeny UAA / EG10 Basketball
Reported College Offers: Eastern Kentucky, Toledo
Recognition: 2026 Indiana Junior All-Star
Junior Statistics: 20.9 PPG, 12.6 RPG, 1.0 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.4 BPG

Offensive Skill Evaluation 

Bolden scores through contact, rebounds offensively, runs the floor, and shows developing perimeter shooting ability effectively.

Defensive Evaluation 

Bolden uses mobility, length, strength, and awareness to rebound, contest shots, and defend space effectively.

Basketball IQ 

Bolden understands positioning, recognizes scoring opportunities, runs lanes well, and makes versatile basketball decisions consistently.

Intangibles 

Bolden brings toughness, consistent production, physical competitiveness, rebounding effort, and willingness to expand his versatility.

Areas for Improvement 

Bolden should tighten his handle, perimeter creation, three-point consistency, passing reads, and lateral quickness defensively further.

College Projection

Bolden's college projection becomes especially intriguing if his perimeter development continues. 

At 6'8", he already possesses the rebounding production, physicality, interior finishing, mobility, and competitive approach needed to impact games in the frontcourt.

The key to raising his ceiling is becoming increasingly comfortable operating away from the basket. 

Developing consistent three-point shooting, improving his handle, attacking closeouts, making decisions off the dribble, and defending quicker perimeter players could transform him from a productive interior prospect into a legitimate multi-positional college forward.

His reported Division I offers from Eastern Kentucky and Toledo demonstrate that his combination of production and long-term upside has already generated college interest. 

RockTop Academy should provide another important evaluation environment as Bolden continues transitioning toward a more complete forward skill set.

Final Evaluation 

Devin Bolden projects as a versatile Division I forward whose value extends beyond traditional interior production. 

His rebounding, physical finishing, mobility, toughness, and proven varsity numbers establish a strong foundation. 

Continued improvement as a shooter, ball handler, perimeter defender, and decision-maker could elevate his ceiling considerably. 

At RockTop Academy, Bolden has an important opportunity to prove his evolving wing skills against strong competition while maintaining the interior productivity that has defined his boys basketball career.

Class Of 2027 Basketball Recruiting: Keep An Eye On These Five Prospects

Introduction

The Class of 2027 basketball recruiting picture continues to develop, and college coaches should keep their evaluations open.

Not every potential college basketball player will be nationally ranked, heavily recruited, or surrounded by offers at this stage. 

Some prospects develop later, improve dramatically between seasons, or simply need the right college program to recognize how their abilities could translate to the next level.

This Woods Recruiting Class of 2027 watchlist features five student-athletes worth continued evaluation: Kalou Fofana, Colton Sembower, Declan Plate, Malachi Stennett, and Braeden Terrell.

Different sizes, backgrounds, production levels, and playing styles make these prospects interesting. 

The question for college coaches is simple: Could one of these players eventually be a fit for your program?

 

Class Overview

The Class of 2027 remains a developing recruiting class with plenty of time for prospects to improve their games and college coaches to expand their recruiting boards.

The five players highlighted here are all backcourt prospects, ranging from smaller point guards to a 6'5" shooting guard.

That variety matters because college programs recruit for different systems, roster needs, academic requirements, and playing styles. 

Evaluating prospects should go beyond rankings and offer lists and focus on development, production, potential, academics, character, and projected fit.

 

Players to Watch

Kalou Fofana — Knoxville West High School

Kalou Fofana is a 5'11" Class of 2027 point guard from Knoxville West High School who has already demonstrated significant scoring production.

Fofana averaged 20.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.8 steals during his junior season while shooting 47 percent from the field. 

His 50-point performance against Powell demonstrated his ability to take over offensively.

For college coaches, his combination of scoring and defensive activity deserves attention. 

Continued development as a perimeter shooter and facilitator could help Fofana become an even more complete point guard prospect.

 

Colton Sembower — SPIRE Academy International

Colton Sembower is a 6'5" Class of 2027 shooting guard attending SPIRE Academy International while competing with Team Scoot PRO16.

His positional size immediately stands out, but his overall résumé extends beyond basketball. 

Sembower has earned First Team All-State recognition and carries an impressive 4.54 GPA with a 30 ACT.

That academic profile could potentially expand his recruiting possibilities significantly. 

College programs looking for size on the perimeter combined with strong academics should continue monitoring his development.

 

Declan Plate — Spring-Ford

Declan Plate is a 6'3" Class of 2027 guard from Spring-Ford who also competes with Uptown MHA AAU.

Plate's size provides him with an intriguing foundation as a versatile backcourt prospect. 

His continued development in shooting, ball handling, strength, explosiveness, defense, and decision-making will be important.

He represents the type of prospect college coaches should evaluate more than once. 

Development is rarely linear, and continued improvement could substantially change his recruiting outlook.

 

Malachi Stennett — Cornerstone High School

Malachi Stennett is a 5'10", 150-pound Class of 2027 point guard from Cornerstone High School in New Albany, Ohio. He also competes with Ohio Elite Basketball Academy.

Stennett remains a developmental prospect whose progress should be monitored. 

Shooting consistency, playmaking, ball security, physical strength, and defensive effectiveness will be important areas moving forward.

Additional high school and AAU experience should provide opportunities for Stennett to demonstrate improvement and establish himself as a potential college basketball prospect.

 

Braeden Terrell — Akins High School

Braeden Terrell is a 6'2" Class of 2027 guard from Akins High School in Austin, Texas.

Terrell averaged 13.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists during his junior season while earning First-Team All-District 26-6A recognition.

His two-way ability makes him particularly interesting. 

Terrell has demonstrated offensive production while developing a strong defensive reputation. 

His leadership, competitiveness, experience, and positional versatility give college coaches several reasons to continue tracking him.

 

Position Breakdown

This particular group is heavily concentrated in the backcourt.

Fofana and Stennett are point guards who must continue demonstrating their ability to run an offense, create opportunities, protect the basketball, and defend their position.

Terrell and Plate offer more size and potential positional versatility, while Sembower's 6'5" frame gives him particularly intriguing size for a shooting guard.

For college coaches, the evaluation should ultimately come down to projection and fit rather than simply comparing statistics.

 

Emerging And Under-The-Radar Prospects

One of the biggest mistakes in recruiting is assuming every future college contributor has already been identified.

Players develop at different speeds. 

Bodies mature. 

Shooting improves. 

Confidence grows. 

Roles change. 

Opportunities expand.

That is why continued evaluation matters.

Plate and Stennett, in particular, should have opportunities to improve their recruiting profiles substantially through development and increased production. 

The next stage of their high school and grassroots careers will be important.

 

Recruiting Outlook

The recruiting outlook for these five prospects should remain fluid.

Fofana's production, Sembower's size and academic credentials, Plate's developmental potential, Stennett's opportunity for continued growth, and Terrell's two-way production create different recruiting stories.

None should be evaluated through exactly the same lens.

College programs should determine whether each player's strengths, projected development, academic profile, personality, and style of play align with their specific needs.

 

What College Coaches Should Know

The Class of 2027 still has development ahead.

College coaches should continue watching film, following statistical production, evaluating prospects during high school and grassroots competition, and monitoring physical and skill development.

A player who does not fit a program today could become exactly what that program needs months from now.

Recruiting is about evaluation, projection, relationships, and fit.

 

Class Takeaways

Kalou Fofana, Colton Sembower, Declan Plate, Malachi Stennett, and Braeden Terrell are five Class of 2027 prospects with different strengths and developmental paths.

Fofana brings proven scoring production. Sembower combines excellent size with outstanding academics. 

Plate offers developmental versatility. Stennett is building his point guard profile. 

Terrell brings production, defense, and leadership.

The common denominator is opportunity.

 

Conclusion

College basketball recruiting extends far beyond national rankings and highly publicized prospects.

There are players throughout the country working, developing, competing, and attempting to prove they belong at the next level.

These five Class of 2027 prospects deserve continued evaluation.

College coaches, keep an eye on them. One of these players may eventually be exactly the fit your program has been searching for.

Kalou Fofana 2027 Boys Basketball Scouting Report

Kalou Fofana, a 5'11" Class of 2027 point guard at Knoxville West High School in Knoxville, Tennessee, has established himself as a productive boys basketball prospect with scoring ability, defensive activity, and playmaking potential.

 

 

Wearing No. 1 and competing on the grassroots circuit with Tennessee Travelers 2027, Fofana produced an impressive junior season, averaging 20.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.8 steals per game.

He shot 47 percent from the field and 34 percent from three-point range while totaling 676 points, 174 rebounds, 107 assists, and 93 steals. 

His production demonstrates that he can impact games in multiple areas rather than functioning strictly as a scorer.

Fofana's offensive ceiling was displayed during a remarkable 50-point performance against Powell in February 2026. 

He connected on six three-pointers, converted 16 of 17 free throws, and added eight steals.

As Fofana progresses toward his senior season, continued development as a facilitator, perimeter shooter, decision-maker, and defender should strengthen his overall profile. 

His combination of scoring production, rebounding, defensive activity, and competitive experience makes him an intriguing Class of 2027 guard for college programs to continue evaluating.

Player Information

Player: Kalou Fofana
High School: Knoxville West High School — Knoxville, Tennessee
Graduating Class: 2027
Position: Point Guard
Height: 5'11"
Jersey: No. 1
AAU/Club: Tennessee Travelers 2027
Sport: Boys Basketball

2025-26 Production:
20.5 PPG | 5.3 RPG | 3.2 APG | 2.8 SPG | 47% FG | 34% 3PT

 

Evaluations

Offensive Skill Evaluation 

Fofana attacks confidently, creates scoring opportunities, finishes effectively, shoots competently, and pressures defenses with aggressiveness consistently.

 

Defensive Evaluation 

Active hands, anticipation, toughness, and competitive instincts allow Fofana to disrupt opponents and generate turnovers consistently.

 

Basketball IQ 

Fofana recognizes scoring opportunities, understands spacing, makes reads, and contributes effectively within structured offensive possessions consistently.

 

Intangibles 

Competitive production, confidence, toughness, scoring mentality, and defensive activity highlight Fofana's approach to boys basketball competition.

 

Areas for Improvement 

Improving three-point consistency, playmaking decisions, assist production, and defensive discipline could elevate his college projection considerably.

 

Projection

Fofana projects as an intriguing Class of 2027 guard whose value comes from his ability to influence multiple areas of a game. 

His scoring production immediately attracts attention, but his rebounding and defensive numbers provide additional substance to his evaluation. 

Continued improvement as a primary facilitator and perimeter shooter could make his offensive game more complete. 

College coaches should continue tracking his senior-season development, physical growth, efficiency, decision-making, and performance against quality competition.

 

Final Evaluation 

Kalou Fofana is a productive Class of 2027 point guard whose scoring ability, defensive activity, rebounding, and competitiveness deserve continued evaluation. 

Averaging more than 20 points while contributing as a rebounder, passer, and defender demonstrates his versatility. 

His 50-point performance provides evidence of an impressive scoring ceiling. 

Continued development as a three-point shooter, facilitator, and decision-maker could strengthen his college basketball opportunities. 

Fofana should remain an intriguing prospect for programs seeking productive backcourt talent.

Colton Sembower 2027 Shooting Guard Scouting Report

Colton Sembower is a 6'5" Class of 2027 shooting guard attending SPIRE Academy International and competing on the boys basketball circuit with Team Scoot PRO16.

 

 

The Gainesville, Florida, prospect brings an impressive combination of positional size, basketball ability, academic achievement, and long-term college potential. 

Listed as the No. 3 shooting guard in Florida and No. 2 All-Academic player nationally, Sembower has already established an impressive résumé that includes First Team All-State recognition.

His academic profile is equally noteworthy. 

Sembower carries a 4.54 GPA and has recorded a 30 ACT score, providing college programs with a student-athlete whose classroom accomplishments complement his basketball credentials.

At 6'5", Sembower possesses excellent size for a shooting guard and the physical dimensions to potentially provide lineup versatility as he continues developing. 

Competing with Team Scoot PRO16 gives him additional opportunities to test his game against talented prospects while preparing for the demands of college basketball.

Sembower's combination of basketball credentials, academic excellence, positional size, and competitive experience makes him an intriguing Class of 2027 prospect. 

Continued development should strengthen his recruiting profile and create opportunities for college programs seeking accomplished student-athletes.

Player Information

Player: Colton Sembower
Graduating Class: 2027
Position: Shooting Guard
Height: 6'5"
High School: SPIRE Academy International
Club Program: Team Scoot PRO16
Hometown: Gainesville, Florida
Florida SG Ranking: No. 3
All-Academic Ranking: No. 2 nationally
Recognition: First Team All-State
GPA: 4.54
ACT: 30
Sport: Boys Basketball

 

Evaluations

Offensive Skill Evaluation 

Sembower possesses excellent guard size, scoring potential, perimeter versatility, and tools to create offensive mismatches consistently.

 

Defensive Evaluation 

His length and positional size provide valuable defensive versatility against guards and bigger perimeter opponents consistently.

 

Basketball IQ 

Sembower demonstrates strong awareness, understands responsibilities, values efficient basketball, and brings an intelligent overall approach consistently.

 

Intangibles 

Outstanding academics, competitive experience, discipline, achievement, and demonstrated productivity strengthen Sembower's overall recruiting profile considerably.

 

Areas for Improvement 

Continued development creating off dribble, finishing through contact, and improving physical strength will elevate effectiveness.

 

Projection

Colton Sembower projects as an intriguing college basketball prospect because his profile extends beyond one dimension. 

His 6'5" frame provides desirable size at shooting guard, while his All-State recognition demonstrates achievement within boys basketball. 

His Team Scoot PRO16 experience should continue challenging his development against quality competition.

Academically, Sembower separates himself significantly. 

A 4.54 GPA and 30 ACT can broaden his potential college opportunities and demonstrate the discipline necessary to balance demanding academic and athletic responsibilities. 

Continued physical and skill development could make his combination of size, academics, versatility, and basketball accomplishments increasingly attractive during the recruiting process.

Final Evaluation 

Colton Sembower possesses a compelling combination of size, basketball achievement, academic excellence, and college potential. 

At 6'5", his shooting guard dimensions provide versatility while creating opportunities for continued development on both ends. 

His First Team All-State recognition, Team Scoot PRO16 experience, 4.54 GPA, and 30 ACT strengthen an already impressive recruiting résumé. 

As Sembower develops physically and expands his perimeter game, he should remain an intriguing 2027 prospect for college basketball programs nationwide.

Declan PlateClass Of 2027 Spring-Ford Basketball Guard

Declan Plate, a 6'3" Class of 2027 guard from Spring-Ford, is a developing boys basketball prospect who also competes on the AAU circuit with Uptown MHA.

His combination of guard size, versatility, and continued development makes him an intriguing player to follow as he progresses through his high school career.

At 6'3", Plate possesses useful positional size in the backcourt, giving him opportunities to impact games in multiple ways. 

His physical profile allows him to develop as a player capable of handling different responsibilities offensively while matching up against multiple perimeter positions defensively.

Competing in both high school basketball and AAU competition provides 

Plate with important opportunities to sharpen his overall game against different opponents, styles, and levels of athleticism. 

Continued improvement in ball handling, shooting consistency, decision-making, strength, and defensive execution will be important areas in determining his long-term ceiling.

For college coaches evaluating the Class of 2027, Plate represents the type of prospect whose progression should be monitored. 

His size at the guard position provides a foundation to build upon, while continued skill development and productive performances could strengthen his recruiting profile. 

The next stage will be about turning potential into consistent production while establishing his identity as a dependable two-way guard.

Player Information

Player: Declan Plate
Graduating Class: 2027
Height: 6'3"
Position: Guard
High School: Spring-Ford
AAU Program: Uptown MHA
Sport: Boys Basketball

 

Evaluations

 

Offensive Skill Evaluation

Plate possesses excellent guard size, developing versatility, scoring potential, and opportunities to expand his offensive effectiveness.

 

Defensive Evaluation

His size provides defensive versatility, allowing Plate opportunities to defend multiple perimeter positions with effectiveness consistently.

 

Basketball IQ

Plate continues developing his understanding of spacing, decision-making, offensive reads, defensive positioning, and overall execution consistently.

 

Intangibles

Continued development, competitive experience, positional size, versatility, and commitment could strengthen Plate's overall recruiting profile significantly.

 

Areas for Improvement

Plate should continue improving shooting consistency, ball handling, physical strength, explosiveness, and decision-making under pressure situations.

 

Projection

Declan Plate projects as a developing Class of 2027 guard worth tracking as his high school career progresses. 

His 6'3" frame gives him attractive size for the backcourt, particularly if he continues expanding his perimeter skill set and defensive versatility. 

Increased production, improved shooting consistency, stronger ball handling, physical development, and quality performances against strong competition could elevate his college recruiting opportunities.

 

Final Evaluation

Declan Plate is an intriguing Class of 2027 guard whose 6'3" size provides a strong foundation for continued development. 

His high school experience at Spring-Ford and AAU competition with Uptown MHA should provide valuable opportunities to strengthen his overall game. 

Continued improvement as a shooter, ball handler, defender, and decision-maker will be important. 

Plate should remain a prospect for college coaches to monitor as his skills, physical development, consistency, and overall production continue progressing forward.