Breakdown Fall League: Hopkins Takeaways

The Breakdown Fall League is always interesting, but Sunday's action at Hopkins High School was more anticipated than usual. That's because it marked the long-awaited return of [player_tooltip player_id='296523' first='Kendall' last='McGee']. The elite 2025 prospect has been out for a year and a half after major knee surgery. McGee made a successful return to the court on Sunday and we were there to see it for ourselves.   The return of [player_tooltip player_id='296523' first='Kendall' last='McGee']   I can't imagine the amount of angst one would have coming back from a major injury like Kendall had after missing almost 20 months of action. It happened way back in March of 2023, just 7 minutes into Benilde-St. Margaret's semifinal game in the high school state tournament. The road back has been long, and It has been hard. There've been more than a few setbacks along the way, and no one would blame Kendall if she decided to hang it up and move on with her life, as she's also a gifted student who will excel at anything she puts her mind to. But if you know Kendall, then you know walking away was never an option.   The work she has done behind the scenes to get back has been nothing short of amazing. Prior to the start of Sunday's Fall League game against Eden Prairie, I asked Kendall how she felt, and she replied, “Nervous”. That's understandable. As tough as McGee is, she's still a teenager navigating uncharted territory. The basketball landscape has changed significantly since Kendall has been out and she's eager to get back into the thick of things.   There's a few ways one could approach stepping back onto the court after being out for so long, and Kendall decided the proper way would be to ease into things, let the game come to her and I couldn't agree more. She's playing the long game and understands these Breakdown Fall League games are a way for her to get her wind back, knock off the rust, and most importantly, navigate the mental gymnastics that will undoubtedly be her biggest hurdle in a successful comeback.    Once the game began, Kendall looked at home as she navigated the Red Knights attack looking to get everyone involved and simply just enjoying being back on the court with her teammates. As things progressed, there were definitely flashes of the old Kendall on display. A couple of signature no-look passes and demonstrative blocks reminded us all of what we've been missing. This was just the tip of the iceberg and Kendall is on a mission to remind us of why she's a top 3 ranked prospect in the Prep Girls Hoops Class of 2025. Welcome back Kendall!   Now let's get into some of the other action we caught at Hopkins on Sunday.   Hopkins and Lakeville North   When these two powerhouses lock horns, whether it's during the preseason or regular season, the atmosphere is electric. The Royals appeared to have all their key pieces while the Panthers where down a few players, but that didn't stop both squads from getting after it. From the outset, the Royals jumped on Lakeville and were quickly up double digits led by seniors [player_tooltip player_id='296531' first='Tatum' last='Woodson'] (Belmont commit), [player_tooltip player_id='453753' first='Lauren' last='Hillesheim'] (North Dakota commit) and [player_tooltip player_id='215457' first='London' last='Harris']. There was plenty to unpack for the Royals from [player_tooltip player_id='558627' first='Erma' last='Walker'] stepping out the paint and knocking down threes to transfers [player_tooltip player_id='659118' first='Alivia' last='Bell'] and [player_tooltip player_id='659130' first='Jaliyah' last='Diggs'] flying around making plays and causing havoc.   On the Lakeville side, super freshman [player_tooltip player_id='644878' first='Sahara' last='Wilson'] looked very comfortable in her matchup with Walker, using her size and skill to navigate the paint. Along with Wilson, [player_tooltip player_id='296530' first='Gracie' last='Winge'] and [player_tooltip player_id='396430' first='Aduke' last='Ojullu'] showed why the Panthers will be favorites to challenge for a spot at the top of the mountain in March. Unofficially, the Royals got the better of the Panthers, but we know when the big lights come on, this matchup will probably come down to the wire.   Benilde-St. Margaret's and Eden Prairie   The two-time defending Class 3A State Champion Red Knights are starting a new chapter with the ultra-talented Olivia Olson now residing in Ann Arbor, Michigan. BSM was missing a few players of their own in [player_tooltip player_id='498661' first='Pressley' last='Watkins'] and [player_tooltip player_id='396439' first='Josie' last='Nnaji'], but still had plenty of firepower on hand in Seton Hall commit, [player_tooltip player_id='208184' first='Zahara' last='Bishop'], currently rated 16th in the 2025 class, [player_tooltip player_id='339131' first='Kate' last='Kapsner'], Mirabelle Wismer, and the much-anticipated return of [player_tooltip player_id='296523' first='Kendall' last='McGee'].   Veteran squads like BSM won't put too much stake in these games and understand it's an opportunity for them to start to work out the kinks and gear up for the vaunted, dare I say, three-peat. There's plenty of talent here including [player_tooltip player_id='567389' first='Sydney' last='Friedly'] who is as timely a shooter as there is right now. Another fresh face for the Red Knights is freshman [player_tooltip player_id='786398' first='Zaida' last='Jenkins']. She was like a shot in the arm for the team in red. Jenkins played lockdown defense, made good decisions with the ball in her hands and flat out competed. It's too early to tell if she'll get an opportunity in that very deep and talented rotation, but Jenkins will definitely be ready when and if her number is called.   The Eagles were without D1 commit [player_tooltip player_id='595568' first='Ella' last='Hardwick'] (LaSalle University), but didn't miss a beat as they were looking like they were in midseason form, especially on the defensive end, led by a very veteran group of seniors in South Dakota State commit [player_tooltip player_id='262910' first='Tori' last='Schlagel'], [player_tooltip player_id='252480' first='Rae' last='Ehrman'] (Montana) and [player_tooltip player_id='396426' first='Vanessa' last='Jordan']. That group did what they're known for, but it was [player_tooltip player_id='339147' first='Camryn' last='Dennin'] who was as aggressive as I've ever seen her. She was attacking the basket and seemed to be all over the court. Fellow senior Abby Valiton provides veteran leadership, tough-nosed defense and is lights out from beyond the arc if you leave her open. That has to be a welcome sight for the coaching staff as they look to get over the hump and make a run for the state tournament since their last appearance back in 2020.   Chaska and East Ridge   The Hawks are now going into their second season post-Kennedy Sanders, and Chaska is still looking for someone to fill that very big void left behind. [player_tooltip player_id='346160' first='Ella' last='Keenan'] and [player_tooltip player_id='515651' first='Addi' last='Schneider'] are talented in their own right, but will need some assistance from fellow seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1005202' first='Macy' last='Anderson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='634910' first='Hanah' last='Thul'] if they plan to compete in the Metro West conference with Benilde-St. Margaret's, and the improved Channhasen and Orono squads. On Sunday the Hawks where their usual patient selves, stressing ball movement and moving without the ball. It's also volleyball season, so the Hawks were missing a few of their key pieces.   On the East Ridge side of things, the Raptors lost a ton of talent from last year's team with the departure of -Bella Sanneh, Kendall Barnes and leading scorer Sydney Klauer. All that means is top 10 junior [player_tooltip player_id='351665' first='Vienna' last='Murray'] will have all the opportunity to display why she was just promoted to 4th in the 2026 class. The 6'1 wing was getting it done from inside and out during the two games on Sunday and looked as confident as ever. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='550016' first='Jada' last='Otoo'] and [player_tooltip player_id='854910' first='Emmanuella' last='Sennowo'] are ready to step out of the shadows and into the bright lights, and if Sunday was any indication, they are more than up for the challenge. Also showing off her all-around game was returning contributor [player_tooltip player_id='502535' first='Taylor' last='Klauer'], who is as heady a defender as theere is right now. She has quick hands and plays physical without fouling.   A few more observations   D1 commit [player_tooltip player_id='339221' first='Kelsey' last='Miller'] (High Point), known for her 6'5 frame, showed off her range, stepping out to take and make mid-range jumpers on a consistent basis for the Channhasen Storm.   [player_tooltip player_id='992420' first='Madeleine' last='Hamiel'], the Cretin-Derham Hall transfer from Winnipeg, was all gas no breaks running and gunning with the JV squad. The 2029 talent is primed and ready.   Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='1209360' first='Ava' last='Smith'] for Hopkins is another up-and-coming talent to keep your eyes on. She split her time between the JV and Varsity squads and made a huge impact on both ends of the court.

The Breakdown Fall League is always interesting, but Sunday's action at Hopkins High School was more anticipated than usual. That's because it marked the long-awaited return of Kendall McGee Kendall McGee 5'10" | CG Benilde-St. Margaret's School | 2025 State MN . The elite 2025 prospect has been out for a year and a half after major knee surgery. McGee made a successful return to the court on Sunday and we were there to see it for ourselves.