Top 2027 Prospects To Watch In North Carolina

<p>North Carolina is home to a deep talent pool of elite softball players across its high school and travel ball teams, especially in its 2027 class. This group of young athletes showcases a remarkable combination of athleticism, skill, and potential, as they are ready to significantly impact the state's softball scene.</p>   <p>Below, Prep Softball highlights some of the top players from North Carolina in the high school graduating class of 2027.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Firecrackers NC</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Hayley Pugh is an exceptional student-athlete from Grace Christian School in Sanford, NC. Well-known for her outstanding skills in multiple sports, she has excelled in both softball and volleyball. As a dominant down-ball pitcher, she displays excellent strike zone command and has an evolving changeup that consistently results in weak contact from batters. Almost averaging a strikeout per inning, her impressive statistics have led to her recognition as a three-time All-State selection. Pugh has played four years of varsity volleyball and three years of varsity softball. In the box, Pugh showcases exceptional power and confidence. She has a high batting average and consistently strives for extra-base hits, all while only striking out three times during the entire fall season. This makes her an elite competitor at the plate. Beyond her athletic skills, Pugh maintains an impressive 4.42 GPA and is a proud member of the National Honor Society and part of the A-Honor Roll for three semesters. Haley Pugh's academic focus, athletic skills, and desire to further develop will serve her well at the next level.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Emery Jensen is a distinguished student-athlete from Pine Lake Preparatory High School, maintaining a 4.29 GPA. She has consistently achieved academic excellence, earning a spot on the "A" Honor Roll while excelling in athletics. Athletically, she has earned All-Conference, All-District, and All-State honors since starting her high school softball career. Jensen is also a proud member of the Firecrackers 16U LaRousa team. She is recognized for her dedication and leadership on and off the field. Jensen possesses size and power that create a dominating presence, often intimidating opposing teams. She effectively commands the zone and has confidence in all her pitches. She always seeks the most challenging competition to improve and grow as a pitcher. Another significant achievement is her participation with Team USA 16 in the Triple Crown International Challenge. Emery Jensen is an elite student-athlete with exceptional leadership skills and athleticism, which will serve her well at the next level.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lady Dukes </h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Jazlene Linares is a talented athlete from Cleveland High School and a proud Lady Dukes 16U National - Massey team member. A focused student-athlete, maintaining a 4.0 GPA, she is a member of the National Honor Society and Beta Club. Linares is an elite softball player who excels both offensively and defensively. Linares is a versatile switch hitter with an impressive batting average of .450, making her a consistent offensive threat, no matter which side of the plate she hits from. Coaches always want her up to bat when runners are on base because she can move them over and score. Defensively, she plays as a shortstop and utility player, showcasing her excellent leadership skills on the field. Her exceptional defensive skills earned her the title of Defensive MVP for her junior varsity team. She was also named to the All-Academic team. Linares is a utility player who is ready to play any position to help her team, demonstrating her athleticism and team-first qualities. Jazlene Linares is a talented and dedicated student-athlete, who is always willing to support her team in any way she can.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Allie Woods is a student-athlete from Heritage High School who maintains a 4.37 GPA and has been recognized on the All-Academic All-Conference team. She is a versatile player for the Lady Dukes 16U National - Massey travel ball team, where she excels both as a middle infielder and outfielder. Woods exhibits her athleticism as a middle infielder through skilled footwork and a strong arm. In the outfield, she effectively tracks fly balls and demonstrates her agility. Woods, a left-handed hitter, consistently finds ways to get on base. Despite her small stature, she can hit with power and pressure the defense. In addition to her athletic achievements and abilities, she actively participates in the Student Athletic Council, Future Farmers of America (FFA), and the Debate Club, showcasing her leadership skills and commitment to academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities. With Wood's impressive academic record, versatile athletic abilities, and dedication, she is a well-rounded student-athlete who is ready for continued success at the next level.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Ashanti Marcano is an elite Jack Britt High School athlete and plays for the Lady Dukes 16U National - Massey travel ball team. Known for her versatility as a utility player, she excels in multiple positions on the field. Marcano's ability to play various roles allows her to contribute to her team in numerous ways. Offensively, Marcano hits from the right side and is a player you want in your lineup. Defensively, she showcases her strong arm and impressive variety of skills at various positions. In addition to her athletic achievements, Marcano also maintains a 3.9 GPA, demonstrating her commitment to academic excellence. Ashanti Marcano has gained national recognition for her exceptional talent, earning her a spot as a prospect for the USA Baseball Women's National Team and participating in the MLB Develops Breakthrough Series. With her unique blend of skill, athleticism, and academic achievement, she is undoubtedly a player to watch.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Bayleigh Burris is a talented student-athlete from the Lady Dukes 16U National - Massey team who attends West Alamance High School. Her impressive 4.13 GPA demonstrates her dedication to her studies. Burris is a utility player who showcases her athleticism and versatility by playing various positions. Her ability to excel at any position is a significant asset to her team. Burris is an offensive player who bats from the right side, has some hitting power, and confidently steps into the box, ready to change the game's outcome with one swing. Her achievements include a 2024 Body Armor softball tournament selection and the 2024 Newcomer of the Year award for her outstanding performances. With her combination of academic and athletic talents, Bayleigh Burris is emerging as a rising star in her graduating class.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">McCandless St. John is an accomplished student-athlete from Rosewood High School who plays for the Lady Dukes 16U National - Massey team. In addition to her athleticism, she also demonstrates excellent academic qualities and leadership skills by serving as President of DECA and being a sophomore representative in student government. McCandless is also an active Beta Club and National Honor Society member. She maintains a 4.37 GPA. McCandless is primarily a right-handed pitcher who effectively commands the strike zone with all her pitches, achieving over 100 strikeouts in just 67 innings pitched last season. She often plays first or third base when not in the circle, showcasing her quick reflexes and versatility. She is a powerhouse at the plate, boasting a .466 batting average and recording 22 RBIs. A multiple-time All-Conference selection and co-MVP, her combination of athletic talent, academic achievement, and leadership skills make her an exceptional standout.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Team NC </h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Layla Wagner is a talented athlete and dedicated student at Cannon School, maintaining a 4.0 GPA. She is a proud Team NC 16U Bowman team member, earning numerous accolades, including First-Team All-Conference and All-State honors for 2024. In 2023, she played a key role in her team winning a 4A state championship. Her versatility on the field allows her to excel at multiple positions, contributing significantly to her team's success. Layla Wagner is a right-handed hitter known for her impressive power, leading to many home runs and runs scored for her team. She plays confidently, inspiring her teammates and boosting her teams' overall performance. Layla is a supportive, dedicated, and talented student-athlete who is ready to achieve great things in her future at the collegiate level.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Blakely Bowman is an exceptional multi-sport athlete from High Point Christian Academy. She maintains an impressive GPA of 4.1 and is actively involved in several academic and community clubs, including the Beta Club, Young Life, and the Imago DEI Club. A standout player in volleyball, basketball, and softball, she has established herself as a dynamic leader both on and off the field. Additionally, Blakely is a proud member of Team NC - Bowman and has been recognized as one of the top players nationally. She has an outstanding track record, being a varsity starter since 7th grade and securing three state championships. She has also earned both All-Conference and All-State honors. Bowman is an athletic middle infielder who makes impressive defensive plays and possesses a strong arm. As a left-handed hitter, she is a triple threat, using her speed to disrupt defenses and maximize scoring opportunities. Her leadership and passion for the game will significantly benefit her future collegiate program.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Lauren Chesney is a strong student-athlete from Central Davidson High School who maintains a 4.25 GPA and consistently earns a spot on the Career A Honor Roll. In softball, she has quickly established herself as a dominant infielder for her high school team and Team NC - Bowman. Chesney earned All-State, All-District, and All-Conference honors during her freshman season, along with Defensive MVP. Known for her versatility and high softball IQ, she excels at all positions on the field. Chesney leads by example and is a support system for the rest of her teammates and coaches. She is also known for thriving in competitive environments and embraces in-game challenges. She demonstrates impressive offensive skills, showcasing patience at the plate, and consistently makes solid contact. Her speed also allows her to take extra bases effectively. Away from softball, she is a multi-sport athlete, competing on her high school's varsity volleyball and basketball teams. Her athleticism and dedication will provide a strong foundation for her future collegiate pursuits.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='97529' first='Gracie' last='Setzer'] is a highly-respected catcher for both Bunker Hill High School and the Team NC - Pritchard travel team. Known for her fierce intensity on the field, she demonstrates her passion for the game. She earned All-Conference, All-District, and All-State recognition in her first season at Bunker Hill. Setzer primarily plays behind the plate, showcasing her strong arm and leadership abilities. However, she can also play second base if needed, as she did during her freshman season. She excels at controlling the game from behind the plate and preventing runners from stealing bases. She also stands out for her powerful batting and ability to take extra bases. Setzer excels as a student off the field, maintaining a GPA of 4.35 through her dedication to her studies. She ranks first in her class of 220 students, demonstrating her commitment to academic excellence. [player_tooltip player_id='97529' first='Gracie' last='Setzer'] is an exceptional student-athlete who actively participates in the Beta Club. Her strong leadership skills, focus, and athleticism will help her achieve her goal of playing college softball.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Serena Thurman is a dedicated student-athlete whose passion for the game and leadership skills are evident on and off the field. Thurman attends Bunker Hill High School and maintains a 3.7 GPA. She quickly became a freshman varsity starter, earned All-Conference, All-District, and All-State honors, and was voted Defensive Player of the Year. Thurman is a versatile player who has found success at all nine positions on the field. She confidently approaches each at-bat, demonstrating her ability to hit for power and score numerous runs. Her infectious energy and enthusiasm resonate both during games and in her interactions outside of athletics. Thurman embodies what it means to be a great teammate, consistently finding ways to support her fellow players. Outside of softball, she is actively involved in the Special Olympics and serves as her school's mascot. Serena Thurman's numerous accolades and reputation as a dedicated student-athlete will benefit her in the next steps of her journey.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">NC Challengers </h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Jazelle Young is a third baseman from Gray's Creek High School and a proud NC Challengers - 16U Elite Sullivan team member. She excels academically, with a 3.75 GPA, and on the softball field. Young is known for her versatility, excelling at any position, particularly at third base, where her quick reflexes and movements shine. Her defensive skills are comparable to those seen at the college level, marked by her impressive footwork and smooth fielding. Young demonstrates significant power at the plate, as she is capable of hitting deep balls while also employing small-ball techniques with strategic bunts and slaps. Her speed and strength further enhance her dynamic play, making her a recognizable presence on the field. <span style="font-size: revert;font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--system-fonts)">Young is a highly-coachable player who always looks for ways to improve and elevate her game. Jazelle Young is a hard worker who values the relationships she builds on and off the field, making her a future valued member of a collegiate program.</span></p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Xaviera Sullivan is a highly-skilled multi-sport athlete attending Gray's Creek High School, where she maintains a 3.7 GPA and consistently earns recognition on the A/B honor roll. She excels at all positions, including as a pitcher, combining athleticism with a strong game understanding. Her talent for showcasing her abilities at various positions makes her stand out to spectators. Sullivan is a powerful switch hitter known for her situational hitting. She is a true leader on and off the field, serving as a positive role model for her teammates. She approaches every game with focus and determination, and is ready to do whatever it takes to help her team win. Her work ethic, dedication to being an elite student-athlete, and natural leadership qualities will continue to make her a standout player who collegiate coaches should watch.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='101002' first='Jordynn' last='Carter'] is an athletic outfielder and third baseman from Jack Britt High School. She is a dedicated student, maintaining a 3.5 GPA, and is recognized for her perfect attendance, highlighting her determination to excel academically. On the athletic front, Carter received the Most Improved Player award for the 2024 high school season. Known for her commitment and drive to improve, she constantly seeks ways to elevate her game. Her speed makes her a formidable player in the outfield, enabling her to track fly balls and make impressive plays. She works the counts at the plate and aggressively attacks any pitch in the strike zone. She also consistently finds ways to reach base, which allows her to showcase her speed and exceptional baserunning skills. [player_tooltip player_id='101002' first='Jordynn' last='Carter']'s commitment to personal growth and the success of her teammates makes her a vital member of any team she plays for and a true leader on the field. Her leadership skills, determination, and focus on being a solid student-athlete will ensure that she continues to stand out.</p>

North Carolina is home to a deep talent pool of elite softball players across its high school and travel ball teams, especially in its 2027 class. This group of young athletes showcases a remarkable combination of athleticism, skill, and potential, as they are ready to significantly impact the state's softball scene.