High school preview: Emerging talent in Class AAA

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 Opening day predictions for the high school season and Who is ready for a breakout season in Class AAAA? Now it’s time for a look at Class AAA and the emerging talent that could make a real impact between now and March.

Hannah Dierkes Hannah Dierkes 5'7" | SG Becker | 2025 State MN – 2025 guard, Becker

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.

Jordyn Johnson Jordyn Johnson 6'1" | PF DeLaSalle | 2025 State MN – 2025 forward, DeLaSalle

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!

Cassie Wegman Cassie Wegman 5'11" | SF Delano | 2026 State MN – 2026 forward, Delano

Delano today looks an awful lot like the Tigers did one year ago. Anchored by 2024 #27 Norah Danielson Norah Danielson 6'0" | SF Delano | 2024 State MN (Wayne State), 2024 #38 Taylor Tool Taylor Tool 6'1" | PF Delano | 2024 State MN (Northern State) and 2026 #19 Abbie Pietila Abbie Pietila 5'8" | PG Delano | 2026 State MN , 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 Minnesota 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.

Sydney Friedly Sydney Friedly 5'7" | CG Benilde-St. Margaret's | 2027 State MN – 2027 guard, Benilde-St. Margaret’s

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.

Ellie Drange Ellie Drange 5'8" | CG Hill-Murray | 2027 MN – 2027 guard, Hill-Murray

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 Mariko Lang Mariko Lang 5'9" Hill Murray | 2027 MN , and 2027 #1 Mya Wilson Mya Wilson 6'1" | CG Hill-Murray | 2027 State MN . Also among this group is Drange, 5’8 freshman guard who is a natural born athlete. Her improvement while playing for North 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.

PGH scout Ally McGinnis contributed to this report.