Juniors who could come up big in sections

It's always nice when freshmen and sophomores come up big in the post-season, but it's necessary for juniors to deliver if their teams are going to be successful in March. Over the past few days we have offered up some underclassmen who might come up big in the post-season. Today we bring you some unsung juniors on contending teams who should be there when it really counts.   [player_tooltip player_id='215457' first='London' last='Harris'] – guard, Hopkins   As the regular season comes to a close, things are looking better and better for Hopkins. With recent wins over other Class 4A title contenders Wayzata and St. Michael-Albertville, the Royals are riding a 17-game win streak, and are still undefeated in conference play. They will face one final test before the section tournament on Friday, against Minnetonka. Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='215457' first='London' last='Harris'] is going to be a key component for Hopkins in the matchup against the Skippers, as well as in the postseason. Night after night, Harris draws some of the toughest defensive assignments in the state, and never once have we seen her back down from the challenge. The high-caliber, highly disciplined defense we've come to expect from Hopkins is precisely what London displays. She just so happens to be a threat on offense, too. When she's not picking pockets and scoring in transition, London shows a strong midrange shot as well. No doubt, Harris will be a vital piece of the puzzle in the push for another state championship.    [player_tooltip player_id='595568' first='Ella' last='Hardwick'] – guard, Eden Prairie   Coming off a win over Buffalo on Tuesday, Eden Prairie is heading into the postseason with an overall record of 18-8, and a .500 record in the Lake Conference. Leading the way for the Eagles are a whole host of juniors, but the play of [player_tooltip player_id='595568' first='Ella' last='Hardwick'] will be a major key to success for EP. Hardwick is a versatile player who affects the game all over the floor, and her stats reflect that. She is averaging more than 12 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and almost 2 steals per game. On the offensive end, Ella is excellent at scoring on the drive; she has a strong build and is not afraid to get physical on her way to the rim. Hardwick has raised her game a ton in recent months, and took a massive 60-spot jump in the 2025 prospect rankings update last week. The Eagles have outperformed many expectations this season, and if they can get past Minnetonka in their section tournament, they will earn their third trip to state in the last five years.   [player_tooltip player_id='453737' first='Sarah' last='Hyde'] – guard, Wayzata   After sitting out the last couple of contests with a concussion, Wayzata junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='453737' first='Sarah' last='Hyde'] will make her return to the court on Friday, when the Trojans face off against St. Michael-Albertville in their final regular season game. Hyde's return will be of utmost importance for Wayzata, as they look to earn their first state tournament bid since 2010. Along with the play of [player_tooltip player_id='478350' first='Kate' last='Amelotte'], [player_tooltip player_id='212489' first='Sophie' last='Hawkinson'], and [player_tooltip player_id='296517' first='Katie' last='Kelzenberg'], the Trojans will rely on Sarah's aggressive defense and opportunistic scoring. The top 65 prospect is averaging 6.8 points per game this season, as well as several assists. The Trojans went 1-2 during Hyde's absence, losing to Hopkins and a very tight matchup against Eden Prairie. They will need to gather some momentum as they head into the infamous section 6AAAA tournament, where they have faced off against Hopkins in the final for time immemorial.   [player_tooltip player_id='520270' first='Harley' last='Wock'] – guard, Minnetonka   Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='520270' first='Harley' last='Wock'] has spent this season truly making a name for herself. She showed a ton of potential when we saw her in preseason play, but we were unsure of where she would fit into the Skippers lineup. Now it's safe to say that she has cemented herself as a key piece for her team and proven that she is a reliable defender and role player. It is evident when looking at Harley that she is built like a high-level collegiate athlete. Her length, speed, and ability to elevate over defenders are things you just can't teach, and now in her junior season Wock's skill level is catching up to her physical gifts. This jump in Wock's play earned her a 14-spot bump in the 2025 rankings last week, and will be a key component for Minnetonka as they attempt to get back to the state tournament for the first time since 2017. The Skippers will play their last regular season game on Friday night at Hopkins.   [player_tooltip player_id='425385' first='Amina' last='Allen'] – guard, Minnehaha Academy   Minnehaha Academy will play their final games of the regular season this week, going up against Marshall on Thursday and Cretin-Derham Hall on Friday as they look to extend their five-game winning streak. Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='425385' first='Amina' last='Allen'] will likely be a key component in the playoffs for the Redhawks. Allen affects the game all over the floor – she's aggressive on both sides of the ball, is a solid defender, and her court vision is great. Amina can also be counted on to knock down opportunistic threes or deliver an unselfish pass to a teammate with an open look. She is averaging more than 7 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists per game, as well as 2 steals. As a staple of the state tournament over the last decade, the Redhawks are aiming to earn their fourth trip in a row, and first under new head coach Damien Lolar.   [player_tooltip player_id='453771' first='Macee' last='Linow'] – guard, Alexandria   The Cardinals of Alexandria Area High School have had a very strong 2023-24 season. Led by long-time head coach, Wendy Kohler, who coached her 1,000th game earlier the month, the Cardinals are looking to earn their fourth state tournament trip in five seasons. Among many stars in the Alexandria lineup is junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='453771' first='Macee' last='Linow']. The 5'6, top-65 prospect is known for her fast-paced play, high energy, active defense, and ability to make shots from beyond the arc. Macee is averaging double-digit scoring for the Cardinals. Last month she announced her early college commitment to D2 Bemidji State. She is currently one of only nine players in the 2025 class that have already made a college announcement. The Cardinals will play their last game of the regular season on Friday night when they face off against Fergus Falls at home.   PGH scout also Ally McGinnis contributed to these evaluations.

It's always nice when freshmen and sophomores come up big in the post-season, but it's necessary for juniors to deliver if their teams are going to be successful in March. Over the past few days we have offered up some underclassmen who might come up big in the post-season. Today we bring you some unsung juniors on contending teams who should be there when it really counts.