Now the 2027 Class is weak for a number of reasons. None bigger than a lack of a work ethic and poor training decisions. But the good news is that this class has 8 players currently at NBS with a real upside. They all will play D1 basketball. Once again check my track record in such matters. There are 3 players on this list who have willed themselves to D1 status. There are a as many as three more possible D1 players in the Sophomore class at NBS. But we are talking about D1 LOCKS today … not possible D1 players on this list
NBS LOCK D1 SOPHOMORES
https://twitter.com/lissylyons/status/1813984023661904291?s=46
‘27 LISSY LYONS – 5’10”- ST JOHN VIANNEY
College position – Swing
Work Ethic– Developing
College projection– D1 LOCK
Current Ball handling Skills – Solid and reliable against pressure. Doesn’t panic and can pass out of traps using her size and getting the ball out of her hands quickly. Excellent in the open floor and makes good decisions
Shooting– One of most improved three point shooters to 23 feet. Has excellent pull up game and automatic from 18 feet and in
Finishing skills– Has the ability to score over taller players and can post smaller wings. Using up and under moves combined with pump fakes and electric pivot moves
Overall Scoring ability- No question as the three point shot continues to evolve, she is a three level scorer in time. She makes dynamic cuts to the rim for scores. She constantly is moving without the ball. She is a willing screener
Defensive Skill– Total understanding of team defense and game planning
OVERALL– She entered her freshman year as the top freshman in the Shore a year ago. Now she is gained focus and fulfilling her potential. She is emerging in the last 3 months. There is no question she is a D1 player. The only question is what level?
’27 KYLEE BEAM- 6’0”-HOWELL HIGH SCHOOL
College position – Forward
Work Ethic– Starting to understand
College projection– D1 LOCK
Current Ball handling Skills – Underrated as she uses her ball handling to create space in the post. Effective with either hand off the bounce
Shooting– excellent form and range to 19 feet. She is a self made shooter. She has a nice mid range game on step outs
Finishing skills– Next level vs the best competition. Use wonderful foot work and uses her body to perfection. Can finish with every type move around the basket with both hands. Keeps defenders off balance with her ball handling and college ready body in the lane.
Overall Scoring ability- She has a real understanding of how and when to seal and deal in the post. She also is an excellent post passer and screener. She has a high offensive IQ. The development of her mid range game has made her a tough match because she can get to the rim with one bounce.
Defensive Skill– She is a next level defensive post player in fact elite in this area. But what makes her special is that she can switch on wings and guard them with ease. She is a big time rebounder in traffic who is very physical.
OVERALL– She has a real competitive nature. This is a classic case of a kid who doesn’t look the part but plays it so well. She is the most underrated athlete I have seen in years. She was 1st. Team All Freshman a year ago and has made leaps and bounds the past 3 months. SHE IS A D1 STEAL right now
https://twitter.com/btnscouting/status/1806160690736185476?s=46
‘27 ASHLEY KREIGER- 6’2”- RANNEY HIGH SCHOOL
College position – FORWARD
Work Ethic– ELITE AND OFF THE CHARTS
College projection– P5 LOCK
Current Ball handling Skills – Rare handle for a forward. Has the ability to be a legitimate POINT FORWARD. Can rip down rebounds and start the break. She has an elite IQ and decision making skills
Shooting– She is deadly from 22 feet and in. Sets up opponents with jabs, ball and shoulder fakes only to quickly release the ball in there face. Deadly from all spots on the floor.
Finishing skills– When she goes to the rim it’s explosive and with poise. She can finish with either hand. Her foot work in the post is the best I have ever seen period. She has the jump hook, turn around jumper, the up and under. Her post game is missing nothing. Her ability to get defenders off balance is once in a lifetime type stuff
Overall Scoring ability- She is an elite scorer. Who will be better in college. She literally gets fouled every time she touches the ball at the high school level. Her mental toughness is on a whole different level. She will be a go to player in college. The type you build your offense around
Defensive Skill– Can switch to all 5 positions. Physical and active hands with quick feet. Understands team defense and constantly directing traffic
OVERALL– Ashley was FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR last season. She still has not touched her physical growth yet. She is a true scorer and play maker at 6’2” with long arms and elite quickness, speed and footwork. She will be a PLAYER OF THE YEAR CANDIDATE at some point. She is easily the best 2027 in New Jersey. This is a must recruit for almost all programs because the development is stunning year to year. She is a elite teammate.
‘27 TATUM SHARPE- 6’0”- ST. JOHN VIANNEY
College position – SWING
Work Ethic– SOLID
College projection– D1 LOCK
Current Ball handling Skills – Not dangerous with the ball, a true ball protector. Can handle all traps but throwing over the top or splitting. While not dynamic a highly effective ball handling skills.
Shooting– The biggest improvement in her game right now. She knocks down 22 foot jumpers with confidence. Add this new found skill with her pull up game and you have magic
Finishing skills– One of the best guards below the foul line in the state. Gets off her feet to take contact and finish. Offers lots of post moves in the lane. She is underrated on the offensive end. Once she gets going in transition, she is a handful because of her playing skills and ability to get down hill. This is an elite finisher
Overall Scoring ability- Her new found shooting exploits make her a matchup nightmare. She can drags bigs out or post guards with equal efficiency. She can score with either hand and will be a high volume free throw shooter. The entire package is next level
Defensive Skill– Next level big time defender because of the length, size and quickness. Active hands that get deflections and steals. She is a big time rebounding guard. Full understanding of team defense
OVERALL– She can defend 4 positions. She is a two way guard right now because of the scoring ability. She can a play role as connector, play maker of scorer. She is a prize recruit. She has multiple D1 offers. There is no doubt she is a future All Shore Player and prime time IVY AND PATRIOT SCHOOL recruit. She is an elite student
’27 ABBY STRUM- 6’0”- RED BANK CATHOLIC
College position – SWING
Work Ethic– STRONG
College projection–D1
Current Ball handling Skills – Average and improving
Shooting– streaky and range to 23 feet
Finishing skills– Right now she is solid in the post. But she is a willing worker and in the perfect environment for her development at RBC
Overall Scoring ability- She is 6’0” right now and very mobile I believe she will be 6’2” or bigger before her high school playing days are over. She has a competitive nature and that’s why she stays at RBC and play behind 4 D1 players in her position
Defensive Skill– Full understanding
OVERALL– This may come as a surprise to many. But this projection will be spot on in a year. She has size, a work ethic and a serious upside. She is in a competitive environment. She would start at most schools. The big thing has been her progress and growth. Both have been eye popping. Just like her college ready body once she fully mature. The upside her is massive to say the least in every area… THIS IS A TRUE SLEEPER FUTURE D1 PLAYER
‘27 BROOKE JAENICKE – 5’7” – RUMSON FAIR HAVEN HIGH SCHOOL
College position – POINT GUARD
Work Ethic– supreme
College projection–D1
Current Ball handling Skills – Next level. Strong with the ball and plays with head up on a swivel. Strong with both hands. She is a physical ball handler
Shooting– Range is to 23 feet and streaky. But yet much improved
Finishing skills– She can get to spots and get the ball on the rim. She is strong and shows bully ball skills. Great at getting past defenders and turning into a true play maker
Overall Scoring ability- She has the potential to be a scoring point guard. But she plays with so much energy and fire right now
Defensive Skill– Make no mistake this is an elite defender both on and off the ball. She is easily a Top 2 defender in the Shore Conference. She has active hands, quick feet and is physical. Brooke is already a D1 defender
OVERALL– This projection will open some eyes. That’s because she doesn’t have a big reputation. But she lives in the gym. Embraces competition and tough coaching. Her parents have allowed her to fail but keep returning. RARE STUFF from kids in her environment. She has one of the best guard coaches in the the state in Coach Callahan. My guess is her improvement will grow. She has a burning desire. High Academic D1 schools pay close attention to the development and competitive nature
’27 HARPER COHEN- 5’5”- MAHWAH HIGH SCHOOL
College position – POINT GUARD
Work Ethic– NEXT LEVEL
College projection– D1
Current Ball handling Skills – She has a next level handle. Harper has all required skills. This is the strongest part of her game currently.
Shooting– She can shoot behind screens to 23 feet and has a ready made pull up game
Finishing skills– She gets too deep in the lane at times. But has improved in this area. Despite her size, she is very physical and aggressive at the rim. Will use floaters and high arching shots over tall post players. She is hell on wheels in transition because of the speed and vision
Overall Scoring ability- She is a scoring point guard despite the lack of size. She can shoot the three or break opponents down off the bounce
Defensive Skill– She is a warrior and takes no nonsense. You want to fight and she is right there.
OVERALL– Her size may scare some away. But it will be a major mistake. That’s because of the skills, quickness and toughness. Now throw in the competitive nature and work ethic. She checks every box. She is that rare freshman who has had to take full responsibility of running a team. She embraces pressure and does the winning shit. She has played against D1 bound seniors at NBS and has not seen any slippage in her performances
‘27 JAX EDELMAN- 6’0”- MORRIS CATHOLIC
College position – SWING
Work Ethic– STRONG
College projection–D1 LOCK
Current Ball handling Skills – Solid, doesn’t over dribble. Stays out of trouble off the bounce. Eyes open and quick decisions
Shooting– Range to 25 feet. Elite shot selection. Quick release and understands how to find open spots. Always on the move and runs in transition
Finishing skills–Her size allows her to get in the lane and score or get fouled. Keeps balls alive on the offensive glass. Physical in the lane and not afraid to mix it up
Overall Scoring ability-One day she will be a three level scorer. That’s because her post game will continue evolve until she hits her growth spurt. She is going to be big and strong and highly skilled. She has every offense move. Step back, spins, fakes and big shot making ability
Defensive Skill– Solid but needs work in some areas. The good news is that she loves to box out and hustle
OVERALL– She has seen the highest level of competition and delivered. She is totally battle tested. She has had college level type coaching. This is a skilled up and highly competitive player. Her attitude towards coaching is dream like. This is a special talent who is only going to get better and I mean much better. She embraces hard work and most importantly clearly loves to play. This is a future All State type and next level player with a chance to play a major role in college. She has D1 offers on the table for a reason. She has the total package and a very exclusive bag to dip into.
MAKAYLA FINNEGAN – 5’6”- ARCHBISHOP WOOD HIGH SCHOOL
College Position– COMBO
Work Ethic– Next Level
College Projection – D1 LOCK
Ball handling Skills– Dynamic in every way. She can go left or right and change on the drop of a dime. Almost impossible to trap because she is so physical with the ball. She has real next level vision and ultra quickness. She gets under defenders with ease.
Shooting – She has a nice touch to 23 feet. Has nice rotation and height on her ball. She has a reliable pull up game off the bounce. She is is a consistent shot maker
Finishing Skills– She uses skins and toughness at the rim. Her change of pace keeps rotating defenders at bay. She uses a deadly floater with either hand in the lane. In transition she is a nightmare for defenders because of the speed, change of direction and aggressiveness
Overall Scoring ability– She can score in just about any fashion. She doesn’t need a lot of dribbles and is very selective when she goes on the attack. She can play playmaker or scorer.
Defensive Skills – She is a rough and tumble defender. She dives for loose balls and plays ball handlers chest to chest. Her hands are active and she is very, very physical. She is a warrior on defense
OVERALL – If you like blood and guts type players who are ultra competitive. Makayla Finnegan is made for you. She can play either guard position EQUALLY WELL and defend either position. She is talented with a big motor and a real game in both sides of the ball. She is talented skilled and plays with a very high. In time she will be highly recruited
