AAU Tryouts: Young forwards we liked in August
In this article:
It’s every high school coach’s dream isn’t it? It’s the first day of basketball tryouts and in walks a fresh face you’ve never seen before and she just happens to be 6 feet tall and built like a power forward.…
Access all of Prep Girls Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingIt’s every high school coach’s dream isn’t it? It’s the first day of basketball tryouts and in walks a fresh face you’ve never seen before and she just happens to be 6 feet tall and built like a power forward. That’s when you say a silent prayer and wait for the moment the drills begin and you can make a quick judgement about whether or not the tall girl with the big frame can actually dribble a basketball and run up and down the floor. The scenario is about to be real for Coach Brandon Antl at Holy Family Catholic when Jocelyn Land Jocelyn Land 6'0" | PF Holy Family | 2024 State MN strolls into the gym.
Of course in today’s basketball world, it doesn’t quite work that way and you can be sure the transfer from South Burlington, Vermont is already well acquainted with her new teammates and coach, but the sentiment remains the same. Land looks like she is going to be an impact player in Minnesota’s Class of 2024. Clearly a scholarship-level talent, Land made her mark with big performances in big games in Vermont. Last spring, she had a monster double-double with 19 points and 15 rebounds to help her Rice Memorial High School team advance to the Division 1 state championship.
I have no idea what the standard of high school basketball is in Vermont – I suspect it isn’t quite up to what we have become used to in Minnesota – but I do know what I have seen in watching Jocelyn at AAU tryouts over the past few weeks: The girl can play! She’s big and strong and very athletic. I would describe her as a little raw at this point, but she has the makings of a Division 1 power forward for sure.
Land has been to a number of tryouts but plans to play on Metro Stars 2024 to be directed by Crown College head coach Leah Szabla, the former Providence Academy and recent University of North Dakota star. “Jocelyn is going to be a difference-maker for our team,” Coach Szabla said. “She is long, athletic and tough as nails. She can score in a variety of ways and is very crafty around the rim.”
Land will no doubt make her presence felt at the other end of the floor, as well. “She is a legit defender, rebounder and scorer,” Szabla said. “She makes everyone around her better. Her future is bright.”
Here are four more young forwards we have been impressed with at tryouts.
Kate Amelotte – 2026 forward, Wayzata
There’s no shortage of quality forwards in the rather deep talent pool at Wayzata. You can now add Kate’s name to the list. Functioning in much the same way as 2023 top-15 Abby Krzewinski Abby Krzewinski 5'11" | PF Wayzata | 2023 State MN , Amelotte is strong and aggressive with a penchant to attack the rim hard at every opportunity. At about 5’10, Kate is physical and strong and exudes a certain sense of toughness. She makes big plays, grabs more than her share of rebounds, and can effectively defend post players much bigger than her. She is active, disruptive and instinctual. Kate needs to work on her ball-handling and shooting from distance but she is a scholarship-level prospect for sure.
Addison Pilarski – 2025 forward, Holdingford
Peruse the available statistics from various grassroots events this summer and you’ll quickly discover one thing: Pilarski can score. Playing for Comets Elite Uter, Addison put up a ton of points in AAU. Watch her Hudl highlights from last winter and you’ll see that the power forward from Holdingford was a shot blocking machine for the Huskers as an 8th grader. She’s got a big body, decent length and a nice sense of timing. In addition to consistent offensive production she can defend and rebound, too. Addison isn’t super quick but she moves well and is fast enough to get the job done.
Kate Hennessy – 2026 forward, Alexandria
Hennessy has a lot of similarities to Land. She’s about 5’10 at this point, with a big frame, plenty of strength for her age, and a hard-wired sense of aggressiveness that you simply can’t teach. Watching Kate this month we got the sense that we were seeing just a smidgeon of what might be possible. She’s big and strong and physical and absolutely owns the paint when she’s in here. Kate is relentless. She is aggressive. She doesn’t mind contact; in fact she seeks it out. Hennessy played for West Central United this year. She has committed to North Tartan’s top 2026 team next season.
Jayci Rath – 2026 forward, Stewartville
Jayci is one of the most exciting young talents we’ve seen this year. She is so, so long! Standing at 5’11 with substantial reach and great athleticism, Rath understands the game and has a well-developed skill set. Playing for Southern Minnesota Fury, Rath displayed a lot of offensive savvy and an array of impressive moves one-on-one. Jayci is very skilled at attacking from about 15 feet in, and her aggressiveness ensures those opportunities are frequently available. The lefty can also shoot the basketball. Watch for Rath to emerge as one of the top players in the 2026 class.
Top photo: Vermont transfer Jocelyn Land Jocelyn Land 6'0" | PF Holy Family | 2024 State MN of Holy Family and Metro Stars 2024.