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  "path": "/high-school-basketball/2026/05/05/rising-stars-to-keep-an-eye-on-in-the-states-class-of-2027",
  "publishedAt": "2026-05-05T15:10:30.567Z",
  "site": "https://chicago.suntimes.com",
  "textContent": "<p>There is still a full summer and an entire high school basketball season to go, but the junior class still has quite a bit to prove.</p><p>Right now the lack of Division I prospect depth is real in the Class of 2027. And while Warren’s Jaxson Davis remains, the previous departures of former high-profile stars Devin Cleveland (Kenwood) and Davion Thompson (Bolingbrook) to prep school left the class shortchanged of bonafide stars at the top.</p><p>Nonetheless, there are always individual players who rise to the occasion while jump-starting their recruitments in the spring. The lone “live” period this spring for college coaches to evaluate is right around the corner.</p><p>Here are five still-improving players set to see their stock climb this spring and summer in the Class of 2027.</p><p><b>Markese Peoples, St. Laurence</b></p><p>Peoples certainly opened some eyes in the Catholic League this past winter, putting up 17 points, seven rebounds and three assists a game.</p><p>But the bully ball 6-2 guard has made a significant jump since then and has climbed the City/Suburban Hoops Report rankings while playing for Young and Reckless on the club circuit.</p><p>Coaches will be enamored with his downhill onslaughts, both in the halfcourt and in the open floor. He’s quickly solidifying himself as a potential mid-major recruiting target.</p><p><b>Zion Braimah, Pecatonica</b></p><p>Pecatonica, a small town of 2,000 people that sits 15 minutes west of Rockford, has a true sleeper. And it’s hard not to get excited about the 6-7 Braimah, who plays for a Chicago area team, Breakaway, on the Adidas circuit.</p><p>Braimah displays spectacular athleticism. There has been improvement and added confidence in his overall game, but the physique and elite explosiveness will open eyes when college coaches catch a glimpse.</p><p><b>Alex Sirbu, Buffalo Grove</b></p><p>There was significant production this past season and it’s impossible to dismiss. Sirbu averaged 19.6 points and 13.1 rebounds a game and set the single-season and single-game school rebounding records. The problem was not enough people took notice as the Bison finished 13-19 while playing in the MSL’s second division.</p><p>But Buffalo Grove will be much improved next season, thanks to the presence of the 6-8 Sirbu. He’s come a long way and has turned himself into a Division I prospect. He plays hard, uses good footwork and is polished in the post while displaying a soft touch as a finisher.</p><p><b>Lamari Carpenter, Glenbard North</b></p><p>The upside is that of a two-way guard with a broad range of impact. With his 6-4 size and length, Carpenter could very well turn himself into a Swiss Army-style guard.</p><p>He has a lean, lanky physique with nice athleticism for the position. He will become that much more of a weapon as his perimeter jumper becomes more consistent. In small doses, Carpenter can still make a defense pay by scoring the basketball at all three levels.</p><p><b>Ed Stasys, Benet</b></p><p>Yes, he’s become a known commodity due to who and where he’s played the past two seasons. Stasys has filled a valuable role for a team that has played in the state championship in each of the past two seasons.</p><p>Physicality, toughness and tenacity make him impactful defensively and very difficult to contain in one-on-one rebounding situations.</p><p>As he’s climbed the player rankings in the Class of 2028, he’s set to grab more attention from college coaches, especially if he makes positive strides on the offensive end.<br></p>",
  "title": "Rising stars to keep an eye on in the state's Class of 2027",
  "updatedAt": "2026-05-05T15:10:30.567Z"
}