Early predictions: Potential breakout performers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the AAU season and the way-too-soon AAU tryouts in our rearview mirror, we are itching for the high school season to get underway. It's way too early to make predictions or play Nostradamus, but we've decided to highlight some players from each class that's poised to have breakout seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Marta Forsline</strong> <strong>- 2026 forward, Mesabi East</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's never easy playing in the shadow of your sibling, but when you are 6'0" (and growing), have quick feet and move like a gazelle, you quickly make a name for yourself. That is the case here with Marta. With her sister <strong>Kora Forsline</strong> having graduated in the spring, Mesabi East will be looking forward to the younger sister stepping up and taking her ever-growing game to another level. She's got above average handles for someone playing primarily in the post and has a nice jump shot to boot. Playing for Starks Elite, you know she's getting excellent training and will be a force to reckon with this upcoming high school season. <br><br>[player_tooltip player_id='425385' first='Amina' last='Allen']<strong>- 2025 guard, Minnehaha Academy </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On a talented squad of Redhawks that includes the reigning 2025 AAU player of the year [player_tooltip player_id='252379' first='Addison' last='Mack'], [player_tooltip player_id='178266' first='Angel' last='Hill'], [player_tooltip player_id='377584' first='Ava' last='Cupito'] and newcomer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='478390' first='Sinae' last='Hill']</strong>, one could wonder how I could pick Allen as a potential breakout player. With all the attention the aforementioned players will garner, Allen shoots the ball well enough to benefit from the double teams those players will get and she does all the little things the team needs to be successful. She has worked hard on her ball handling so you should see her putting the ball on the deck to become more than a one-dimensional player. Defensively she has a body to bang with post players and with improved foot speed she should be more than an average perimeter defender. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='208184' first='Zahara' last='Bishop']<strong>- 2025 guard, Benilde-St. Margaret's</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bishop has the length and skill set to be a game changer. With the nationally recognized and new Michigan signee [player_tooltip player_id='177728' first='Olivia' last='Olson'] and highly recruited incoming sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='296523' first='Kendall' last='McGee'] drawing most of the attention, Zahara is in line to step out of the shadow and into the light. Bishop's biggest attribute to date has been her outside shooting, but she has the ability to get to the rim for the hoop and the harm. Word on the street is that she has been putting in the work since the end of the AAU season and has a chip on her shoulder. I fully expect Bishop to answer the call and bring that motor game in and game out making her a force to be reckoned with this upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='302295' first='Helen' last='Ben']<strong>- 2024 guard, Park Center</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the sudden departure of D1 prospect [player_tooltip player_id='302254' first='Vanessa' last='Saidu'], Helen is poised to carry the proverbial weight of the world on her shoulders for the Park Center Pirates. The Pirates will be old and young at the same time returning four juniors who played significant minutes last season, and an incoming class of 7th graders that are talented, but may not be quite ready for the rigors of what a full varsity season entails. Needless to say, the Pirates will go as Ben goes. She's long, shifty and gets to the basket with ease. With an improved jump shot and another year of experience under her belt, Ben will fun to watch and should be able to keep the Pirates in games with sheer determination. She'll need her buddies [player_tooltip player_id='461368' first='Nyomi' last='Crushshon'], [player_tooltip player_id='339211' first='Atlantis' last='Brown'] and <strong>Tiana Loyd</strong> to join the show, but Ben will be the main attraction.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='339192' first='Leilani' last='Abraham']<strong>- 2025 guard, St. Anthony Village</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Abraham is currently ranked 88th in the class of 2025 but all signs point to her making a big jump after this high school season. She attends St. Anthony Village High School and along with [player_tooltip player_id='337629' first='Stella' last='Timmins'], will be the focal point of their program after graduating a few seniors. Abraham is a superb ball handler and gets her shot off with the best of them. She scores at all three levels and now believes she can play with anyone in her class. Beyond the high school season, her mettle will be tested now that she has landed with the Josh Hercsh-led 2025 Minnesota Stars for the upcoming AAU season. She's not a household name as of yet, but with how hard she works, that'll soon change. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->