2028 Rankings Update: Watch List Prospects

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first official 2028 Class Rankings have finally hit the internet after months of evaluation by our scouts. After much deliberate discussion, we have determined that these are the 50 prospects who have earned the opportunity to be included in our first rankings release for this class, with many prospects on our Watch List who we are eager to evaluate further for future rankings updates! These are a few of the forwards included on our Watch List that will be exciting players to follow as they hit the high school hardwood for the first time this winter. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='902931' first='Gracie' last='Johnson']-5-8-SF-Newberry-[program_tooltip program_id='928192' first='Zero' last='Star Basketball']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gracie is an incoming freshman with versatility in the paint on both ends of the court. At the Zero Star Showcase practice this summer in Michigamme she stood out with her burst off the dribble, strong finishes off two feet, and footwork in the paint. Gracie competed against 2027s during the travel season. She shoots the ball with balance outside, handles the ball well, defends aggressively, and will be a prospect I look forward to following at Newberry. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='903142' first='Paige' last='O'Donnell']-5-10-PF-Negaunee-[program_tooltip program_id='928192' first='Zero' last='Star Basketball']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Paige is a forward who competed up a grade with Zero Star and showed her great potential at the Zero Star Showcase practice this summer in Michigamme. Paige moves well in transition, and has solid footwork around the basket. She seals extremely well to earn the inside advantage for entry passes and communicates with teammates on the court. Paige works hard for rebounds and will be a forward at Negaunee I look forward to seeing at the high school level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='982008' first='Jaliyah' last='Smith']-5-5-PG-Voyageur Academy-Pink Panthers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jaliyah is a guard who I really enjoyed watching compete for the Pink Panthers at the Cagers Invitational tournament. She has shifty ball-handling moves to separate from defenders and knocked down multiple 3s on the day. Jaliyah beat defenders off the dribble and finished effectively with her left at the rim. She is a guard I am eager to see more of at the high school level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='981984' first='Reese' last='Tucker']-5-8-SF-Hartland-[program_tooltip program_id='984383' first='Inspire' last='U']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Reese had an impressive day at [program_tooltip program_id='715695' first='Michigan' last='Vice'] practice this summer. She performed at a high level against 2026 and 2025 players at practice. Reese battles for rebounds and makes a great impact with her defensive presence on the court. She is going to be a Hartland Eagle worth watching for the next few years. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">At the Buzzer</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Evan Bell</strong>&nbsp;is currently a scout for Prep Girls Hoops and Director of&nbsp;<a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='923712' first='Prepare' last='2 Win Basketball']</strong></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;. Our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.prepnetwork.com/frequently-asked-questions/">mission</a>&nbsp;at PGH is to cover as many athletes with D2, D3, NAIA, and JUCO potential in the state as possible. If you know a prospect off our radar, please DM Evan through Twitter @CoachEvanBell or email him at coachevanbell@gmail.com</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->