This Season’s Breakout Player from All 50 States
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What’s better than witnessing a player blow-up during the high school season?
Every year, there are a handful of players whose stock sky-rockets throughout the winter, often earning accolades and scholarship offers while leading her team on a playoff run. It’s bound to happen again in the 2023-24 high school season and Prep Girls Hoops will be there to chronicle the journey with weekly content and rankings updates.
Below, our local scouting experts make their prediction for one prospect from each state who will breakout over the next few months, based on a combination of their potential as a prospect and situation. Check it out!
Coming off a serious injury, she is going to take off where she left off. Athletic forward that’s aggressive with the ball in her hands. Nice arsenal of one dribble pull-up moves, big around the paint using different back-to-the-basket or face-up moves. On defense, she is an enforcer, blocking shots, getting loose balls, and owning the boards. She’s a great prospect who will bounce back and have a great year.
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- Contributed by Brandon Tinnon
Alaska
Bertha Olann
Bertha Olann
Olann is a pass-first guard. She has good court-vision and makes players around her better.
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- Contributed by Justin Feinberg
Henry is a top-level two-way player. Her skills have caught up with her athletic ability.
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- Contributed by Cedric Cobb
Ferguson, an Arkansas native, is a developing prospect now playing at IMG Academy. As she continues developing, watch out.
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- Contributed by Semaja Brooks
A player that has some real feel for the game, more than most players I’ve seen across this country this year, is Quinsey Bryan. Bryan is a 5’10” forward with a lot of promise looking forward. She competes at a high level and has a skill-set that is separates her from her peers. Only going into her sophomore season of high school ball, she still has a lot of prove in a massive state like California but she is on the right path. She has every skill and intangible to play at a Power 5 collegiate level, she just needs to stay hungry.
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- Contributed by Jeremy Brooks
Highlights
Averaged 9.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 1.3 steals in 2022-23, she was selected to the Continental League first team. Borcherding is a high-IQ player with physicality, finesse, vision and a nose for the ball on both ends. She boxes out well, is a terrific offensive rebounder, puts together multiple post moves in the paint, and is a sharp perimeter passer to basket cutters.
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- Contributed by Robert Kelly
Highlights
Sollenne will be one of the biggest stock risers this season. She is a skilled guard, who has long range and can also finish in the lane. Also a strong on-ball defender and a high-energy player
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- Contributed by Justin Feinberg
- Local story: Connecticut Breakout Watch List
Delaware
Chastity Wilson
Chastity Wilson
Wilson is an explosive and super-athletic guard that will turn heads this season. She gets buckets from all over the court and will be one of the top scorers in Delaware this season.
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- Contributed by Justin Feinberg
- Local story: Five Delaware Ballers to Watch This Season by Al Schell
Reddicks was one of the best players at the recent Florida PGH Freshman Showcase. Reddicks can do it all on the offensive end and she makes it look easy. She averaged nearly 30 points when in middle school and has shown the ability to score at the high school level as well. Reddicks averaged 14 points per game while playing up in the 17-U division at Run 4 Roses this past summer.
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- Contributed by Hunter Keith
A state champion high jumper and hurdler, Henderson is an elite multi-sport athlete that is starting to turn heads on the hardwood. She is a double-double machine with bouncy legs and soft hands. Her offensive game has begun to expand to the perimeter. The All-State junior will have options to play at the next level in basketball, track and field and volleyball.
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- Contributed by Kyle Sandy
Hawaii
Nihoa Dunn
Nihoa Dunn
Dunn took the state of Hawaii by storm last season as a freshman and she is hoping to stay on the same track this winter. Dunn is a powerhouse in the middle of the floor. Not only is she very good at getting to her spots early in possessions, she has a high motor paired with some size and physicality. There were not many players that could match her in those categories last winter and that should be the same case this season. If Dunn takes care of business early-on and creates calculated contact, she is going to have another year to remember on the hardwood.
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- Contributed by Jeremy Brooks
Idaho
Abby Lusk
Abby Lusk
At 6’1″, Lusk can play guard or forward. She can attack off the dribble and is very aggressive on the glass.
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- Contributed by Justin Feinberg
One half of Peoria’s 1-2 punch is off to college, leaving Guyton to take sole control of the ship. The future Hawkeye has been known as an elite scorer for a majority of her career, however this final season she will be able to show her ability to be an elite combo guard as well. Her aggression, handles, and confidence that her team will instill in her will be key to the leap she takes.
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- Contributed by Byron Xerxes Livsey
- Local stories: Juniors and Sophomores With A Big Season Ahead, Senior Steals, and Senior Steals, Part 2
“K.K.” saw a lot of opportunity as a backup point guard on an outstanding Hamilton Southeastern team as a rookie. This season, it should be her turn to run the show. She is extremely smooth, long, fluid, quick, and fast. She has a unique awareness of everyone around her, plus she can make shots, and she is a high-level on-ball defender.
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- Contributed by Brandon Bradley
Bourrage recently moved into the #9 spot on ESPNW’s Top 50 ranked players list for the 2025 class throughout the country after her AAU campaign this past spring and summer season. Bourrage is a Swiss-Army Knife type player that can do anything asked of her on the floor. She moves effortlessly with the ball, she rebounds at a high rate, and she creates a lot of turnovers on the defensive side of the floor because of her mixture of quick feet and active hands. Almost every Division I program in the country is after Bourrage at this point. Where will she end up? I’m not sure but she is definitely prepped for a break-out season this winter.
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- Contributed by Jeremy Brooks
You can’t teach size and Mbugua is legitimately 6’4″ and may not be done growing. She is still relatively new to basketball but has already averaged a double-double as a sophomore. With her elite size and improving skill set, she could be a top 100 player in America down the line.
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- Contributed by Steve Quattrocchi
- Local stories: 2024s, 2025s, 2026s
A playmaker in every sense of the word. The type of competitor that everyone loves to have on their team but hates to play against. Not only displays an aggressive demeanor but she pairs that with some skill. As a point guard, she plays with understanding — understanding of tempo, her teammates abilities, and what she is best at. This is a player to watch this season. Mouton is prepped for a big senior winter.
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- Contributed by Jeremy Brooks
Oliver is a high energy playmaking point guard. A three level-scorer with good size for the position.
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- Contributed by Justin Feinberg
- Local story: Maine Breakout Watchlist
Highlights
Already known as one of the top three defenders in the area, she has refined her offensive arsenal and is playing with a ton of confidence. If her perimeter shot keeps improving, her stock will rise considerably.
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- Contributed by Al Schell
Dynamic guard who can shoot it and pass. A strong pesky defender as well. A high energy player to go along with a high-IQ.
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- Contributed by Justin Feinberg
Holman has great athleticism and speed. She is a hustle player that is always chasing down long rebounds and, if there is a loose ball, she will be the one coming up with it. She finishes strong around the rim and has a nice outside shot.
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- Contributed by Danyle Bowers
The sophomore established herself as an elite talent last winter while playing one of the toughest schedules in Minnesota against strong Division I prospects every night. This summer with North Tartan she took on the best in AAU and showed why she is currently gathering big-time offers. The versatile performer has size, speed, skill and smarts to go along with a huge motor and awesome intangibles. The possibilities are endless for this outstanding rebounder who fights to the end every time out.
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- Contributed by Grant McGinnis
- Local story: Who is ready for a breakout season in Class AAAA?
Mississippi
Zaniya Johnson
Zaniya Johnson
Johnson is an interior presence that dominates both ends of the floor. She scores around the rim with efficiency and has incredibly soft hands. Defensively, she is a rim-protector who discourages dribble penetration. Her size and ability make her an emerging and sought-after prospect.
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- Contributed by Terry Drake
Kennedy is a 6’1″ 2025 forward who has excellent athleticism and a emerging skill set. She is an excellent rebounder who runs the court and blocks shots. She can also handle the ball and make perimeter jumpers. She has already received multiple Division I and Division II scholarship offers.
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- Contributed by Earl Austin
Montana
Emily McElmurry
Emily McElmurry
For as good as she was in her junior year (10.8 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 1.8 SPG, 1.7 APG), I feel a breakout emerging in her last hurrah at Sentinel. She had a stock-soaring summer to remember, putting up big numbers with Pfahler Hoops Black on the AAU circuit and earning “Outstanding Defensive” honors at the Montana State Elite Camp in June. She earned offers from Carroll College, Montana State & Central Washington as the summer months rolled on. With this momentum behind her, senior scary hours may be upon us!
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- Contributed by Edwin “EJ” Arocho
Fierro is one of the smallest varsity players throughout Nebraska. But saying she is electric to watch would truly be an understatement. A point guard who can score at all three levels off of either the catch or the dribble, orchestrates her team’s offense each possession, usually making something positive happen.
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- Contributed by Jeremy Brooks
Nevada
Savannah Stocker
Savannah Stocker
A player that really controls the lane and paint area, out of the 2024 class, that is prepared for a memorable senior season is Savannah Stokes of Lowry High School. Stokes is a 5’11”, small forward, that is very good near the rim and is relentless is her pursuit of the basketball. There isn’t a contest that I have seen where Stokes isn’t diving on the floor or into the crowd at some point, showing just how dedicated she is. Stokes has good coordination, touch, knowledge of the game, and athleticism. She is going to continue to get better as the season progresses forward but going into this winter, she is going to make a lasting impact.
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- Contributed by Jeremy Brooks
Samantha Sullivan
Samantha Sullivan
Sullivan has a lot of potential. She is a versatile player that can score in bunches. She can play inside-and-out on both sides of the floor.
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- Contributed by Justin Feinberg
- Local story: New Hampshire Breakout Watch List
Gandy was solid on both sides of the ball her first year playing high school ball in America last season. The Irish-native and National Team member plays with remarkable physicality and imposes her will early on. I felt as though she took her game to the next level this summer with her Jersey Gemz 16U EYBL squad. Coach Geno Auriemma and the staff at UCONN seemed to think so also, as they offered in early July, leading to a commitment.
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- Contributed by Edwin “EJ” Arocho
A lightning quick point guard who happens to be, pound-for-pound, one of the toughest players in the State of New Mexico. Anaya, who has a reputation of being a menace defensively, has the opportunity this season to excel on the offensive end largely in part due to what could be, an expanded role.
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- Contributed by Matthew Martinez
Scott is dominant in the paint on both ends of the floor. Can stretch the floor on the perimeter with her shooting — has fluid mechanics and a quick release. Elite rim-protector and rebounder that can run the floor in transition. In the post, she has great footwork and finishing touch around rim.
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- Contributed by Joshua Ebrahim
- Local story: Preseason Preview: Diamonds in the Rough and Part II
Shehan can shoot lights out. Lightening quick release on the ball and her constant movement gives defenders problems. Her size at the position allows is a mismatch nightmare as she can get inside and shot right over the top of opponents. Operates very well off the pick and roll and can defend.
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- Contributed by J.E. Dawson
Highlights
Haile is prepped for a big winter at Horace High School after coming off of a successful AAU spring/summer season with her North Tartan AAU team. Haile stands at 6’2″ and is a dominant force near the basket. In most contests, she is one of the taller players on the floor and she lets that be known with her play-style. If the opposing team drives to the hoop, Haile is there to step up and create a stop for her teammates. All in all, she is a well-rounded player that is going to put up big numbers this 2023-2024 season. It’ll be interesting as to where she ends up for her collegiate career but wherever it is, she is going to produce.
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- Contributed by Jeremy Brooks
Highlights
Last year as a freshman, Difranco was a huge key for her high school team when they made their trip to the Final Four and continued to improve as a point guard. She understands her role while increasing her scoring and output across the board. She controls the ball and handles the offense well, distributes and makes good choices. Improved her shooting a ton from the perimeter.
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- Contributed by Jim Dabbelt
Sheaffer was a standout at a small school and easily made the transition to big-time grassroots basketball with Oklahoma Swift (now Team Trae Young). She once again transitions this school season to private school ball where she will play the likes of Crossover Prep multiple times. Whether it’s more people finally taking notice of what’s always been there or her skills being refined by fire, Sheaffer will come out of this season with the prospect recognition she deserves. She is a tremendous guard who can shoot the lights out and does everything a guard should do at a very high level.
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- Contributed by Jason Green
Highlights
Jordyn Smith
Jordyn Smith
Smith comes into her junior season following a year in which her Tigard Tigers finished in the middle of the pack in their league and they were eliminated in a close game in the first round of the state tournament. Individually, Smith was the youngest player to make the First Team in the Three Rivers League and has already proven herself to be one of the best power forwards in the state. Her footwork in the post is elite as is her ability to keep the ball high rather than dribble while finishing at the rim or finding a quick outlet on the other end. She easily gets double-doubles nearly every game. With the Tigers returning a solid core of juniors and seniors this season, Smith is poised to have a breakout season and turn heads across the state.
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- Contributed by Noelle Mannen
Pennsylvania
Kylie Fruehstorfer
Kylie Fruehstorfer
Fruehstorfer is an exciting playmaker to watch for Union. She is a lethal 3-point shooter with phenomenal ball-handling control. Able to switch hands with ease and finishes with both around the rim; she has excellent poise and vision to make assists when defenders overcommit. She is also an elite playmaker who will make headlines this season.
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- Contributed by Evan Bell
Donovan is a guard with good size for the position. She can shoot the ball well, and score off the dribble. She also has a high basketball IQ, cuts, and sets screens well.
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- Contributed by Justin Feinberg
Bradley really does a nice job of keeping the ball on string at times. She really sees the floor well and seems to be 1-2 steps ahead of her teammates at times. She will touch the paint and get the ball into the gaps at will with her play.
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- Contributed by Bret Swanson
Thury is the total package on the floor. She can shoot, hit the jump shot, score off the dribble, and finish in the paint. She is a high-energy athlete who absolutely gets after it in all three areas, offense, defense, and rebounding. She spent all summer under the tutelage of legendary coach Lynn Frederick and continues to improve her game. With a larger role at her high school, she is going to garner a lot of attention in the highest class (AA) of South Dakota girls basketball.
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- Contributed by Tucker Tornberg
Lauren Hassell
Lauren Hassell
She dominates her league, but will rise to the challenge of competing against new teams, new kids on the travel circuit, and participate at USA Basketball trials. She’s blessed with size and length, but can do it all. From handling the ball, scoring on all three levels, blocking shots and getting steals. Hassell is the most overall solid prospect that does multiple things on each end of the floor. You can’t put her in a box and call her something because she does everything plus so much more.
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- Contributed by Brandon Tinnon
Kassim will be a key to how far CE King goes. They already have the Alexander twins but her making it a Big Three has her squad as one of the frontrunners to advance in Region 3 -6A.
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- Contributed by Simmie Colson
Her work ethic and motor is something that is undeniable. Stephens can make tough buckets look easy and she can score from all over the floor. She is in attack mode at all times and a hand down might just equal an easy bucket for her.
Wilkins has the “it” factor. She creates at all levels, makes those around her better, and understands what it takes to win. When the big moment arrives in clutch time, she’s ready to close.
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- Contributed by Cody Quattrocci
Highlights
Elite size and length already has a college frame. Great shot-blocker who does a good job operating with her back to the basket. Just scratching the surface on the offensive end and is a good free throw shooter.
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- Contributed by Rasheen Johnson
Highlights
An elite shooter that displays good touch whenever she is letting it go from deep. Dress moves well on and off of the ball, while always being versatile enough to do what the coach is asking of her. Someone that possesses a good mixture of length and skill but also the unselfishness to make the extra pass to an open teammate.
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- Contributed by Jeremy Brooks
Highlights
Adkins put together a stellar sophomore season. She helped the Wayne Pioneers as they advanced to the state tournament and followed it up with an even better summer. The biggest thing about her game is she looks comfortable nearly anywhere on the floor, scoring from all angles and plans of attack.
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- Contributed by Joseph Albright
Sheplee turned a corner in July and became a more assertive offensive presence. She’s 6’3″ with a guard’s handle, shoots it a high level, jumps out of the gym, and will put people around the state on notice in the next 12 months.
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- Contributed by Brady Peterson
Wyoming
Jaylin Mills
Jaylin Mills
Already chipping in 12.4 points per game and adding 5.7 rebounds and nearly three steals per contest as just a freshman, look for a big year out of Mills at Sundance! As she gains more experience and continues to better her game she will be a player to keep your eye on in Wyoming.
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- Contributed by Justin Feinberg