Upstate NY 2027 Standouts This Season Pt. 1
The High School Basketball season is now fully underway, and with that comes the yearly following of the newest season's biggest names. I’d argue that not many people love their high school hoops like they do in Upstate New York – and the early portion of the season has not disappointed – mainly, the younger guys.
While college coaches aim to seal the deal with the class of 2026, we’ve begun getting a head start on following some of the early seasons' most impressive juniors across Upstate. From Section 2 to Section 5, all the way up to 10, here are some names that should be on college coaches' radar if they aren’t already…
Carter Proudfoot, Corning Painted Post: Proudfoot is primed for a big junior season alongside his younger brother, Nolyn Proudfoot, at Corning Painted Post. The 6'1" guard can really fill it up once he gets going, making him a lethal threat to change the course of a game. Proudfoot brings impressive shooting fluidity to the table, with the versatility to get his shots off in different ways. As a threat to shoot it, he attacks closeouts well and gets to the rack to score it too.
George Wright, Berne-Knox Westerlo: Wright is off to a hot start this season for the defending Class C State Champions. Alongside Air Force Commit Shane Kirker, Wright’s early-season performances have rightfully established the Bulldogs’ duo as one of the best in the state. Wright has been dominating box scores for 4-1 BKW, who since winning the state, have moved to a much stronger, independent schedule. At 6’6”, he has continued to display the ability to hit shots from beyond the arc while now using some of that developed strength to operate inside more effectively. Moreso, Wright can score on the block and has proven more than capable in attacking gaps and using his length to finish athletically at the rim.
Jake McCarthy, Jackson Green, & Constantine Johnson, Penfield HS: Another one of the state's most captivating combinations, Penfield bolsters an attack of Green (6’6”), Johnson (6’5”), and McCarthy (6’9”). Green, the lengthy wing, attacks with intent and finishes effectively at the rim while locking up and blocking shots on the other end. Johnson uses elite athleticism to finish over and around defenders while utilizing a swift release to maintain a high percentage from behind the arc. McCarthy is a handful inside; with great hands and an innate ability to limit his dribbles, he’s one of the more polarizing forces statewide. The best thing about the trio is that they each play with a pace and an IQ that will continue to foster scholarship interest.
JJ Osinski, CBA: Osinski has been one of the hottest names in Section 2 since his freshman season, and each year, has continued to develop. The 6’5” all-suburban council forward is poised for another great campaign due to the fact that he has continued to improve physically and possesses an IQ that reflects a college senior rather than a high school Junior. Osinski is effective from all three levels: a deadly three, a midrange game mirrored by the ability to hit tough shots, and strength and efficiency down low. Additionally, Osinski is a willing and gifted passer, the type of player who excels in key moments.
Ian VanWagner, Potsdam: The North Country star capped off his Sophomore campaign, having already tallied over 2,000 points in his high school career. The 6’3” guard excels in the open court, using his quickness and athleticism to finish with craft at and above the rim. VanWagner is a problem in the paint, with a midrange game that is often too much for defenders 1 on 1. If defenses dare to overplay him, his excellent court vision and passing ability will ultimately find the open teammate - perhaps it helps that he doubles as a star QB at Class B Potsdam.
Brayden Smalls, CVA: Smalls, a 6’3” guard by way of Central Valley Academy in Ilion, NY is one of the more under-the-radar juniors mentioned. With a great first step and the length to score over defenders, Smalls has kicked off his Junior campaign by showing capable of scoring effectively at all three levels. He can hit the three but excels at getting to his spots in the midrange and providing for his teammates as an above-the-rim-threat. Through the first few weeks of the season, Smalls already has an array of dunks on his highlight reel.
Elijah Taylor, Albany Academy: Taylor boasts all of the physical traits needed in an undersized guard for Albany Academy - a team enjoying some early-season success in their first year as a NEPSAC program. Taylor is lightning quick, guards 94 feet every possession, and is difficult to shake. What has stood out most is his development with the ball in his hands. While always a reliable point guard in regard to setting up his teammates, Taylor has done well at using his speed and strength to create his own shots, particularly in the midrange. Additionally, Taylor is no stranger to knocking down a good look from distance.
Marcelin Mukendi, Shaker HS: Mukendi is just one of the many contributing forces that Class AAA State Champion Shaker returns from a season ago. Mukendi, a 6’5” wing/forward has the strength and versatility to guard different positions and offensively uses a quick first step and a tight handle to glide past defenders in the open court. He shoots the ball efficiently from all over but especially excels in using his athleticism at the rim.
Nolyn Proudfoot
Jackson Green
Constantine Johnson