2023 rankings update: 26 more freshmen make the grade
Talented young basketball players enter the Prep Girls Hoops ranking process in the spring of their 8th grade year. That’s when we release our Freshmen Watch List for Minnesota, 20 players listed in alphabetical order who have already distinguished themselves…
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Continue ReadingTalented young basketball players enter the Prep Girls Hoops ranking process in the spring of their 8th grade year. That’s when we release our Freshmen Watch List for Minnesota, 20 players listed in alphabetical order who have already distinguished themselves as being worthy of note. In the fall, after a full summer of AAU competition, we rank the top 50 players for the first time as they enter high school. That’s what we did in October when Taylor Woodson and Nunu Agara of Hopkins, and Tessa Johnson of St. Michael-Albertville, topped the first class of 2023 rankings. Now, after a full season of high school basketball, it’s time to grow the list to the top 75 prospects in the freshmen class.
We are actually adding 26 new faces this time around. That’s because forward McKenna Moehrle of Eden Valley-Watkins has decided that basketball is not for her so she drops off the list. We have made a few minor adjustments among those already in the prospect rankings, and there are three newcomers who made their way into the top 50 for the first time.
3 PLAYERS WHO IMPROVED THEIR STANDING
#4 — Uber-talented point guard Kennedy Sanders of Chaska has had a tremendous winter during which she led Chaska to a Metro West conference championship with an overall record of 22-4. In doing so, Sanders has enhanced her reputation as an elite prospect. She moves up one place in the rankings to #4. Sanders plays for Minnesota Fury 2023 UAA.
#23 — Kasson-Mantorville guard Aby Shubert is one of the state’s top shooters, but she has done so much more than fire the rock for the Komets this year. Shubert is a dynamic combo guard, with a whole lot of ‘it’ factor, who puts points on the board on a consistent basis. Aby moves up two places to #23. She plays for Minnesota Stars 2023 Hersch.
#42 — 5’10 guard Allison Milbrandt made her rankings debut last fall at #46 and now moves up four more places. This winter her game has taken off on a strong Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart squad. Milbrandt’s skills have evolved nicely, and her big frame and athletic ability make her a scholarship-level prospect. Milbrandt moves to Minnesota Rise 23 Busse.
MEET THE TOP 5 NEWCOMERS
#41 Emily Christensen – The 5’10 forward from East Ridge is the Raptors second-leading scorer at 11.8 points per game. She’s long and athletic and has tremendous range. Christensen rejoins the AAU fray this summer with Minnesota Stars 2023 Hersch
#43 Grace Knupp — The 5’8 guard from East Ridge knows how to run an offense with skill and precision. She is a terrific facilitator with a great sense of timing. Like Christensen she has played soccer in recent summers. She, too, joins Minnesota Stars 2023 Hersch.
#45 Lilah Bergen – The scrappy 5’8 guard from Columbia Heights has been a good soldier this winter as her team suffered through a 1-23 season. She is the Highlanders’ stats leader at 13.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 2 steals per game. She’ll play up a year for Minnesota Heat 2022 Smetana.
#53 Alexis Karlen – The 5’11 wing from Stillwater has been working her way into a very strong varsity rotation for the Ponies while manning the point on JV. Long-term skill development and a big growth spurt has raised Lexi’s prospects substantially. She’ll play for Metro Stars 2023 Wiese.
#54 Olivia Harazin – The 5’7 guard from Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial is a three-year starter who is one of Minnesota’s most exciting young players. She has excellent handles and tremendous athletic ability. Olivia averaged 11 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.3 steals per game. She’ll return to MN Nice AAU.
5 MORE PLAYERS TO WATCH THIS SPRING
#57 Emily Crandall – The 5’8 guard from Sartell is a scrappy competitor with a big motor and a tremendous work ethic. She’ll play for Minnesota Suns 2023 Bluestar.
#59 Peyton Stevermer – The 5’4 guard from Mankato East is a varsity veteran who plays hard at both ends of the floor and does so with plenty of passion. She’ll suit up with Minnesota Rise 2023 Busse.
#67 Ashley Burchette – The 5’7 guard from Bloomington Kennedy is a talented prospect with great handles and speed to burn. She’ll play for Minnesota Stars 2023 Turner.
#73 Shannon Fornshell — The 5’11 forward from the Wayzata junior varsity has tremendous length and a natural feel for the game. She’ll compete for 43 Hoops.
#75 Juliana Ewald – The 5’5 guard from Pillager has been on fire this winter. We’re looking forward to seeing her face top competition with Minnesota Stars 2023 Knight.
Click here to see the complete 2023 rankings.