The 2027 class ascends to upperclassman status this school year. We're getting better sense of the depth that fills out the elite talent in this age group, including some intriguing prospects who deserve more hype.
I've been floored by the amount of guard talent specifically in this class. There's shooting and playmaking skill spread all throughout New England, and in several cases, the hype hasn't quite caught up yet. This is my chance to give some underrated prospects their flowers.
Some of these names are primed for breakout seasons among the prep and public school communities. Others are already recognized in those circles but have yet to generate momentum on the recruiting trail. And some I've even overlooked in certain respects and can catch up on giving them praise. You'll see a mix of Division 1, Division 2 and Division 3 prospects on this list, and the only restriction is that they were not part of our 2027 class watch list.
Here are 10 guards flying under the radar.
MORE UNDER THE RADAR: 2026 guards | 2026 wings and forwards
Naya Annigeri, Medfield
5-8 guard
Hometown: Medfield, Mass.
Locally, Annigeri is a well-known star as a two-time MIAA champion and Tri-Valley League MVP. To my knowledge, she hasn't broken through yet in the Division 1 recruiting conversation, and that should change. Annigeri was right on the cusp of our 2027 watch list because she's proven she can run an offense, make plays driving in a straight line and shoot at a high level. Her point-of-attack defense is phenomenal because of her long arms, speed and quick anticipation. She averaged 16.8 points, 3.8 steals and 3.2 assists per game with 49-39-87 percent shooting splits as a sophomore on our top-ranked MIAA team.
I think the Annigeri evaluation gets complicated because she does need to improve her ball-handling and she's not making highlights with explosiveness or pull-up scoring. But that shouldn't overshadow the clear winning traits she brings in several areas.
Nyasia Caban, Kimball Union
5-4 guard
Hometown: Lawrence, Mass.
This is more of a self-criticism because I haven't written much about Caban before. She won Class C Player of the Year on a class finalist squad and has a Division 1 offer from Stonehill. Caban is such a shifty guard at her size, and her ability to change speeds and get to mid-range jumpers keeps defenses guessing. She's a creative and ambitious passer who really shines with her decisions out of ball screens. Kimball Union should be great again as a smaller NEPSAC team and I look forward to watching more of Caban.
Javonah “Juice” Coston, Dexter Southfield
5-8 guard
Hometown: Boston, Mass.
It looks like Coston is finally starting to build some momentum on the recruiting front with her first Division 1 offer from UNH. She's a player I've been touting for a long time because of her quick first step and ability to get to her spots for mid-range pull-ups and layups. Coston is a streaky but capable 3-point shooter and an excellent cutter and transition playmaker. She's stronger than her slender frame would indicate and can guard 1-on-1. I think Coston needs to be more consistent finding teammates in the half-court and defending and I wonder how that can look on a talented Dexter Southfield team. She's very close to putting the pieces together and really breaking out.
Avery Littlefield, Dover
5-6 guard
Hometown: Dover, N.H.
If you want a deep sleeper pick for one of the best pure shooters in New England, try Littlefield. I was blown away by the confidence, consistency and volume of her perimeter makes when I watched her on the AAU circuit with New England Storm. She'll pretty regularly rain down a handful of threes at Dover (14.3 total points per game last season) and will be one of the top players in NHIAA this winter. Littlefield is likely a Division 2 or 3 prospect due to her size, but I'd bet on her to win a shooting contest against almost any high school player in this region.
Leah McKenzie, Loomis Chaffee
6-0 guard
Hometown: Cromwell, Conn.
McKenzie just scored her third Division 1 offer from Sacred Heart and it won't be her last. After earning solid playing time off the bench in her first year at Loomis Chaffee, she seems ticketed for a larger role in a new-look rotation. McKenzie's size and length at her position make her a weapon defending opposing guards. As an off-guard at Loomis last year, she cut well, made catch-and-shoot 3-pointers and attacked closeouts hard. You could argue McKenzie is more a fit for our soon-to-come wings/forwards list, but I think she's closer to a combo guard. I'm interested to see if she takes on more on-ball responsibilities this winter.
Gemma Murray, Londonderry
5-7 guard
Hometown: Londonderry, N.H.
Murray and 2026 teammate Sammie Sullivan will be arguably the best duo in New England state association basketball this year. Murray brings the tempo and is constantly looking to push the pace and make plays in transition. She can fly by defenders and she's also a stellar perimeter shooter with a quick release. Murray averaged 15.2 points per game in helping Londonderry to the Division 1 final last winter. She has two Division 1 offers from Le Moyne and Bryant.
London Powell, Greens Farms
5-7 guard
Hometown: Milford, Conn.
Powell recently reclassified to 2027 and has a Siena offer from about a year ago. She's a physically strong guard who can back down opponents and finish around the basket, but Powell also flashes a nice step-back jumper. She landed on our All-Class B Second Team after averaging 15 points, five assists, four rebounds and three steals at Greens Farms. The Dragons should be in the Class B playoff picture again this winter.
Jaidelis "Jaida" Rivera, New London
5-1 guard
Hometown: New London, Conn.
We're back with more small guard love! Rivera was relentless defending the point of attack when I watched her with iBelieve this grassroots season. I appreciate her consistent motor, her quickness and her surprising strength and toughness for her stature. That helps her wreak havoc pressuring the ball and make some difficult layups around the basket. Rivera was an All-ECC First Team member last season and should return as a leader on a great New London team.
Casey Stores, New Hampton
5-7 guard
Hometown: Bellingham, Mass.
Stores is an important piece to a New Hampton squad that should rank among New England's best this season. With Elyse Ngenda running the show, Stores has settled into a valuable role as an off-ball guard who can knock down wing and corner 3s and attack open space. She spaces the floor well and has grown more decisive with the ball in her hands as I've watched.
Shannon Welburn, Newman
5-8 guard
Hometown: Wellesley, Mass.
There is so much guard talent in NEPSAC that it's easy to lose track of some. Welburn starts at Newman as a combo guard and played up on the Bay State Jaguars' top 2026 Under Armour team. Her effort on the boards is phenomenal for a guard and she's always in the mix for hustle plays. Welburn can catch fire behind the arc and is great shooting off the catch. Folks at Newman have labeled her a potential breakout player and I'm inclined to agree.
