High school preview: Emerging talent in Class AAA

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Minnesota high school season is less than a week away now and we're getting serious about looking at what may lie ahead. This week we brought you preview stories on <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2023/11/opening-day-predictions-for-the-high-school-season/">Opening day predictions for the high school season</a></strong> and <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2023/11/who-is-ready-for-a-breakout-season-in-class-aaaa/">Who is ready for a breakout season in Class AAAA?</a></strong> Now it's time for a look at Class AAA and the emerging talent that could make a real impact between now and March.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='520269' first='Hannah' last='Dierkes'] <strong>– 2025 guard, Becker</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After losing five highly skilled seniors at the end of last season, it would be reasonable to think that Becker would need some time to rebuild, but that may not necessarily the case for the Bulldogs. Now looking to grab their 6th straight state tournament appearance, the Bulldogs will rely on a mix of experienced upperclassmen and rising youngsters to get the job done. Among the key veterans is Dierkes, a 2025 guard who worked her way into the conversation in a serious way last season. Pictured above, Dierkes is a decorated sprinter on the track and it shows on the court. She is an extremely fast, high-energy player who likes to push the pace and shoot the three. Hannah is also a strong ball handler and forces many turnovers on the defensive end. While somewhat of a raw talent who we liked last year, we are looking forward to seeing the refinement and skill development that has taken place over the summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='595567' first='Jordyn' last='Johnson'] <strong>– 2025 forward, DeLaSalle</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming back with a strong, veteran group this winter is DeLaSalle, including Johnson. The 6'1 junior post is on the precipice of something big. With an impressive sophomore stat line of 11.3 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 2.4 blocks, and 1.4 steals per game, Johnson is a dominant force in the paint night in and night out. Jordyn is incredibly strong, with a muscular frame, making her an excellent rebounder and shot blocker. It's no contest for smaller post players when going against her. Johnson is also an effective scorer around the rim, even when faced with multiple defenders. Is this the year Jordyn takes it up another notch or two? Look out if that happens!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='589282' first='Cassie' last='Wegman'] <strong>– 2026 forward, Delano</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Delano today looks an awful lot like the Tigers did one year ago. Anchored by 2024 #27 [player_tooltip player_id='215972' first='Norah' last='Danielson'] (Wayne State), 2024 #38 [player_tooltip player_id='178273' first='Taylor' last='Tool'] (Northern State) and 2026 #19 [player_tooltip player_id='458302' first='Abbie' last='Pietila'], the Tigers' core group is just that much better. That includes Wegman, a 5'11 sophomore currently ranked #66 in the Class of 2026. Wegman averaged 5 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal per game as a freshman. Now, after an outstanding summer with [program_tooltip program_id='712687' first='Minnesota' last='Fury'] Premier, Cassie has grown her skill set and is primed for more. Wegman is a consistently hard worker who takes pride in her defense. She's an aggressive defender, and often forces turnover to create transition opportunities for herself and her teammates. Also in Wegman's tool bag is her rebounding ability. Her size and strength allow her to get and maintain position, and grab boards effectively. We look forward to seeing what Cassie has in store for us this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='567389' first='Sydney' last='Friedly'] <strong>– 2027 guard, Benilde-St. Margaret's</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oftentimes on a talented team loaded with depth, it can be difficult for a younger, less-experienced player to get a significant amount of minutes. This has not been the case for Friedly, a Top 30 prospect in the Prep Girls Hoops Class of 2027, who has been a key piece already for Benilde-St. Margaret's. Having averaged 20 solid minutes a game for the Red Knights as an 8th grader, the versatile guard was one of BSM's most consistent players last season. Standing at 5'8, Friedly is effective all over the floor. She's quick, agile, has length, and is an aggressive defender.  Sydney is also a consistent 3-point shooter and a strong facilitator. Perhaps her greatest asset is between the ears. Sydney is an incredibly high IQ player with a natural feel for the game, which allows her to play like an experienced veteran. In addition, Friedly's court vision, ball handling, and overall versatility will make her a tremendous asset for BSM again this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='639702' first='Ellie' last='Drange'] <strong>– 2027 guard, Hill-Murray</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Longtime Hill-Murray coach Erin Herman, one of the most successful girls basketball leaders in state history, has added several strong pieces to the Pioneers roster this year, including 9th grader [player_tooltip player_id='764215' first='Mariko' last='Lang'], and 2027 #1 [player_tooltip player_id='377583' first='Mya' last='Wilson']. Also among this group is Drange, 5'8 freshman guard who is a natural born athlete. Her improvement while playing for [program_tooltip program_id='712722' first='North' last='Tartan'] Elite this summer is impressive. Ellie possesses many intangibles, including an innate ability to rebound the basketball, and a hard-working, coachable attitude. Drange is an unselfish teammate who can score, as well. She can get to the rim, or play in the midrange, where she has a well-developed jump shot that she can land consistently. Drange has a ways to go, but this is going to be a key winter in her development.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>PGH scout Ally McGinnis contributed to this report.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->