Which freshmen will be a big factor in the playoffs?

If we're going to talk about freshmen who could alter the course of the Minnesota State High School League post-season, it's pretty obvious where to begin. But who else other than [player_tooltip player_id='252381' first='Maddyn' last='Greenway'] and [player_tooltip player_id='205310' first='Tori' last='Oehrlein'] could have a big impact on the proceedings? It's a given that the #1 and #2 prospects in the Prep Girls Hoops Class of 2026 are the big dogs. Both just passed 2,000 career points last week. Oehrlein's 17-7 Crosby-Ironton squad could definitely make some noise in Section 7AA. Greenway's 23-2 Providence Academy group are the defending Class AA champions. But what about the rest of the field?   Here are some top-end 9th graders who are in a position to go far in the post-season.   CLASS AAAA   [player_tooltip player_id='478350' first='Kate' last='Amelotte'] – It's not easy to be an impact player on one of the best teams in the state going head-to-head with powerhouse programs in the Lake Conference night after night. But right from the get-go this season, the ultra-versatile Amelotte has played like a veteran. She's a Top 5 scorer who has the size, skill, physical presence and poise to turn a game on its ear. The 20-4 Trojans have a chance to knock off Hopkins if Amelotte and company bring their best when it matters the most.   [player_tooltip player_id='344332' first='Kate' last='Holmquist'] – Maple Grove is an equally tough lineup to crack but Holmquist has found a niche that has made her an invaluable piece for the 21-4 Crimson. With leaders like [player_tooltip player_id='108306' first='Kennedy' last='Klick'], [player_tooltip player_id='205298' first='Jordan' last='Ode'], [player_tooltip player_id='108336' first='Audrey' last='Kormann'] and [player_tooltip player_id='215956' first='Claire' last='Stern'] they are prohibitive favorites in Section 5AAAA. Holmquist doesn't put up a ton of points but she is an elite facilitator and provides depth and energy off the bench. Don't be surprised if the 10th-ranked prospect in the class comes up big in March.   [player_tooltip player_id='252383' first='Lanelle' last='Wright'] – We knew the #3-rated player in the freshman class would play a big role at Minnetonka for first-year Skippers coach Brian Cosgriff. With a season-long injury to starting point guard [player_tooltip player_id='215958' first='Tori' last='McKinney'], however, Wright's role got big and bigger really fast. The crafty point guard with outstanding court vision, a great sense of timing and highly developed skill set is Minnetonka's 2nd-leading scorer at 10 points per game. Chaska and Eden Prairie are tough outs in Section 2AAAA but Wright has the moxie to be a difference-maker for the 15-9 Skippers.   [player_tooltip player_id='478366' first='Riley' last='Ang'] – One more Class AAAA freshmen simply cannot be overlooked. That would be the #27-ranked Ang who has had an outstanding 9th grade year for 18-6 Rosemount. Her growth over the course of the season has been impressive at both ends of the court. An elite outside shooter, Ang has added pieces to her game, propelling her offensive production to 11 ppg. That's 2nd best on the Irish. Rosemount made it to the show last season and could very well prevail again in Section 3AAAA, but 16-8 Eagan may have other ideas.   CLASS AAA   [player_tooltip player_id='339214' first='Jayci' last='Rath'], [player_tooltip player_id='458305' first='Audrey' last='Shindelar'], [player_tooltip player_id='589273' first='Ella' last='Theobald'] – Stewartville might be anchored by wily veterans [player_tooltip player_id='148327' first='Haylie' last='Strum'] and [player_tooltip player_id='186114' first='Keeley' last='Steele'], but they wouldn't be riding a 20-game winning streak if it wasn't for the standout performances of their three 9th graders. The #7-ranked Shindelar is a crafty point guard with elite skill. The #12-ranked Rath is a long, athletic, versatile forward. And the #28-rated Theobald is having a breakout campaign. Section 1AAA could be a dog fight with Austin and Red Wing both playing well, but Stewartville will win it if the freshmen come through.   [player_tooltip player_id='502602' first='Morgan' last='Staloch'] – I think it's accurate to say that Jordan has exceeded expectations this season. With a record of 22-2, they are in the hunt for a Section 2AAA title thanks in no small part to the play of their 6-foot freshman wing/forward. Ranked #8 in the class, she is a top-3 scorer and a strong rebounder who brings it every night. The 18-8 Marshall Tigers are experienced but Top 50 freshman [player_tooltip player_id='589276' first='Taleigha' last='Bigler'] will play a significant role if they do well. Mankato East (18-6), St. Peter (18-6) and New Ulm (17-8), featuring #15 [player_tooltip player_id='339175' first='Brooklyn' last='Lewis'], are all in the mix.   [player_tooltip player_id='478363' first='Maddy' last='Blaylark'] – With a record of 19-6, and a long history of playoff success, the Islanders are favorites in Section 3AAA due in no small part to the play of Blaylark. Ranked #20 in the class, she is the team's 2nd leading scorer behind [player_tooltip player_id='296527' first='Aneisha' last='Scott'] at 12 points per game. Blaylark is also 2nd in assists, 3rd in steals and 4th in rebounding. Maddy's work ethic, energy and leadership ability are unquestioned. If DLS is going to make a run, Blaylark will be key.   [player_tooltip player_id='458302' first='Abbie' last='Pietila'] & [player_tooltip player_id='471360' first='Mya' last='Moore'] – If you're looking for a sleeper team to surprise all involved you might consider either 19-6 Delano or 14-11 Orono of section 6AAA. Their uber-skillful point guards have been stellar. The #6-ranked Moore averages 17.3 ppg for Orono. The #18-rated Pietila scores nearly 9 ppg for Delano. Both are bound for greatness down the road. Benilde-St. Margaret's ([player_tooltip player_id='567387' first='Mira' last='Wismer']) and Holy Angels ([player_tooltip player_id='455051' first='Vivian' last='Carter']) may be section favorites but nothing is carved in stone.   CLASS AA   [player_tooltip player_id='478362' first='Morgan' last='Korf'] & [player_tooltip player_id='502604' first='Kaia' last='Anderson'] – There's a pretty good chance that Korf of Pelican Rapids and Anderson of Perham will be duking it out for supremacy in Section 8AA. The point guard Korf is a Top 20 prospect in the class who has led the Vikings to a record of 19-6. Anderson's three-point aerial assault has been a large factor in the success of the 22-2 Yellowjackets. That's why she is a Top 50 prospect among Minnesota freshmen.   [player_tooltip player_id='362575' first='Callie' last='Oakland'] & [player_tooltip player_id='472446' first='Amaya' last='Penn'] – The St. Croix Lutheran stalwarts have helped the Crusaders to a record of 21-3 against a slate of tough competition. They'll likely be battling 19-6 Minnehaha Academy for the Section 4AA crown, although Minneapolis Roosevelt (22-3) may have something to say about that. Oakland is the #13-rated prospect in the class. She's big and strong and is averaging 13 points and 8 rebounds per game while maturing fast. Penn (ranked #34) is a crafty guard who is 4th in scoring, 2nd in assists and steals, and has an assist-to-turnover ratio of over 2-to-1. That's pretty good for a 9th grader.   [player_tooltip player_id='478373' first='Chloe' last='Carlson'], [player_tooltip player_id='502542' first='Ava' last='Meierotto'] & [player_tooltip player_id='478376' first='Anna' last='Saari'] – Oehrlein might be grabbing the lion's share of the spotlight in Section 7AA but it's hardly a given that the Rangers will make it out of a tough bracket. Carlson's Proctor Rails are 18-8 and she's their second-leading scorer at over 13 ppg. At 14-9, Duluth Marshall could easily play spoiler. Among the Hilltoppers' key pieces are Carlson's AAU teammates, Top 40 prospects Meierotto and Saari.   CLASS A   [player_tooltip player_id='1048130' first='Izabelle' last='Keaveny'] & [player_tooltip player_id='1048125' first='Clara' last='Keaveny'] – The twin sisters from Mayer Lutheran have played an integral role in helping the Crusaders to a record of 20-3, a mark that has put them in a position to contend with 24-1 Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart for the right to represent Section 2A in Minneapolis next month. Clara is the team's 2nd-leading scorer at 12.5 points per game behind only elite senior [player_tooltip player_id='389636' first='Madeline' last='Guetzkow']. Izzy is 4th best at just under 10 ppg along with nearly 5 rebounds. Both sisters have a high basketball IQ. Both can defend. Both can score. If Mayer is going to get to the big dance, the Keavenys will be playing some sweet music.

If we're going to talk about freshmen who could alter the course of the Minnesota State High School League post-season, it's pretty obvious where to begin. But who else other than Maddyn Greenway Maddyn Greenway 5'8" | PG Providence Academy | 2026 State MN and Tori Oehrlein Tori Oehrlein 5'11" | CG Crosby-Ironton | 2026 State MN could have a big impact on the proceedings? It's a given that the #1 and #2 prospects in the Prep Girls Hoops Class of 2026 are the big dogs. Both just passed 2,000 career points last week. Oehrlein's 17-7 Crosby-Ironton squad could definitely make some noise in Section 7AA. Greenway's 23-2 Providence Academy group are the defending Class AA champions. But what about the rest of the field?