GRC hosted the KABC Bluegrass Cardinal Classic on June 12-14, 2025. This is a scholastic live period event that gives high school teams the chance to play in front of college coaches in June. I got the chance to watch over 30 different teams compete across the 3 day event. To catch as many teams and players as possible, I was typically only able to see either half of a game or one full game for each team. However, I made note of the players that grabbed my attention in those games. Below you can see the 2027 players that caught my eye. These are listed in alphabetical order by last name.
Jaelee Knowles
Frederick Douglass | 5'11 | SF
Huge difference maker. Great length & uses it to be super disruptive defensively – steals, blocks, deflections, etc. Moves so well without the ball on the offensive end & can finish some TOUGH baskets through contact. Really stretches the floor with ability to be a consistent 3-point shooting threat. Great in the pick & roll, excellent ends, just really impressive overall.
2027 5’11 SF Jaelee Knowles (@jaelee_knowles) with Frederick Douglass at the Cardinal Classic👀🔥
— Alyx White (@alyxwhite_) June 19, 2025
Huge difference maker. Great length & uses it to be super disruptive defensively - steals, blocks, deflections, etc. Moves so well without the ball on the offensive end & can finish… pic.twitter.com/nHUJxO3ENd
Peyton (Skeeter) Mabe
South Laurel | 6'0 | G/F
One of the most versatile players in the state with the ability to play inside or out. Naturally a PG but has the size and strength to be whatever the Cardinals need her to be. Strong finishes on both sides of the rim. Handled the ball well. Matchup nightmare.
Taylor Mannahan
Owensboro Catholic | 5'3 | CG
Definitely a player to watch in the 3rd Region. Great job beating defenders off of the bounce and had some great finishes at the rim. Shifts body to keep defense away. Good looking outside shot too. Applied great pressure on the defensive end and was the motor for the Aces on both ends of the court.
Maci Messer
South Laurel | 5'10 | SF
Excellent length and uses it to make things tough as a defender. Wasn’t forcing but was still a consistent scoring threat. Made strong passes. Elevated well to shoot over the defense.
Brynli Pernell
Simon Kenton | 5'6 | PG/SG
Put Brynli on any team and it will instantly make you better. Such a great competitor. Excellent mix of scoring and creating. Handles the ball with any pressure thrown at her. Sees the court and delivers good passes. Knockdown shooter with range.
Kourtney Peterson
Purcell Marian | 5'11 | SF/C
Had some really nice moves inside and finished really well, showing great touch. Outside shooting also looked strong and forced the defense to stretch out to the perimeter. Versatile with the ability to play and defend multiple positions. Strong on the boards. Truly felt Kourtney’s impact throughout the game.
Kaleigh Potts
Dunbar | 5'7 | CG
Potts definitely showed how she will help the Bulldogs this season. Can knock down shots off the dribble or off the catch. Created space off the bounce because the defense has to respect the ability to drive all the way to the basket. Shared the ball well.
Maggie Simons
Nicholas County | 5'10 | CG
Simons can score in every way imaginable and was showing great leadership with her young team. Strong frame and can handle a lot of contact. Good handles and ran the PG well but also was really effective on the wing. Knocked down multiple shots and finished inside. Shots weren’t falling for teammates at times but probably would’ve averaged double digit assists too with the excellent passes she was making.
2027 5’10 CG Maggie Simons (@MaggieSimons_27) with Nicholas County at the Cardinal Classic👀🤩
— Alyx White (@alyxwhite_) June 19, 2025
Simons can score in every way imaginable and was showing great leadership with her young team. Strong frame and can handle a lot of contact. Good handles and ran the PG well but also… pic.twitter.com/q4iGPukGMQ
Kyleigh Stakelin
GRC | 5'10 | CG/SF
Love the motor she plays with. Always brings excellent energy and effort to the court. Great length. Made a lot of smart plays with the ball and moved well without the ball. Always a scoring threat but has a really smart shot selection.
Kennedy Stamper
GRC | 5'5 | PG
Such strong PG skills. One of the craftiest players you’ll watch. Can create space at will, whether that’s through ball handling moves or fakes. Excellent vision and passes – such a strong playmaker. Was consistently scoring at all 3 levels as well. A very high impact player.
Makiyia Wheeler
Franklin County | 5'5 | PG
Knocked down multiple jumpers from outside the perimeter and in the midrange. Handled the ball really well, staying in control no matter what kind of pressure was thrown at her and mixing up moves consistently. Made great passes as well.