Class 3A preview: Players we should all be watching

When the 2024-25 girls high school basketball season opens in Minnesota on Thursday, there will be a couple of terrific Class 3A matchups on the docket right out of the gate, featuring some of the star attractions in the state's second-largest class. In Mankato, South Dakota commit [player_tooltip player_id='280354' first='Tucker' last='Downs'] and the West Scarlets host North Dakota signee [player_tooltip player_id='252380' first='Kendra' last='Harvey'] and the Byron Bears. In New Ulm, MSU-Mankato commit [player_tooltip player_id='339175' first='Brooklyn' last='Lewis'] and her Eagles host 4A power Wayzata. Star-studded Stewartville, led by South Dakota State commit [player_tooltip player_id='458305' first='Audrey' last='Shindelar'], will also be in action against Mankato East. Yes, there is plenty of outstanding talent to see in 3A on opening night and beyond. Here are 10 players we should all be watching.

STAR ATTRACTIONS

[player_tooltip player_id='346165' first='Hadley' last='Thul'] – If you've watched South Dakota State at any time in recent memory, then you know what kind of skill and ability it takes to crack the Jackrabbits' lineup. If you've seen Hadley do her thing for Alexandria over the past few seasons, then you know the SDSU signee will fit right in. The top 10 senior is one of the favorites for Miss Basketball. Her Cardinals are one of the favorites to win the Class 3A title. Those are all good reasons to watch.

[player_tooltip player_id='296527' first='Aneisha' last='Scott'] – The DeLaSalle senior, ranked #13 among Minnesota 2025s, is one of the state's most dynamic guards. She's super quick, super skilled and super entertaining to see. Aneisha (pictured above) has blossomed into a star over the course of her career, garnering a scholarship to the University of Richmond. She, too, has to be considered a Miss Basketball contender. Aneisha's Islanders, under new coach Ana Garcia, are also one of the favorites of 3A.

JUNIORS TO WATCH

[player_tooltip player_id='471360' first='Mya' last='Moore'] – Smooooooooth. That's how we like to describe the Orono point guard, the 6th-rated prospect in the Prep Girls Hoops Class of 2026. Mya has a ton of length, an abundance of ball skills, and the ability to shoot it with the very best. Not surprisingly, she has earned a high-level college opportunity at Creighton University in Omaha. Watch her in action this winter and it will be quite clear why that is.

[player_tooltip player_id='458305' first='Audrey' last='Shindelar'] – Like her future SDSU teammate Thul, Shindelar is long, fluid and athletic. She can run like the wind, getting up and down the floor on the fly, either in a straight line or by cleverly weaving her way through a phalanx of defenders. Since making her Stewartville debut in middle school, the 6-footer has evolved into a top 10 prospect who can change the course of the game at both ends of the court.

[player_tooltip player_id='280354' first='Tucker' last='Downs'] – The pent-up demand to watch the Mankato West guard is palpable. That's because Tucker missed the entire summer due to injury. She's back now, feeling good, looking great. Among the interested observers this week will be the coaching staff from the University of South Dakota to whom Tucker said ‘yes' last month. Blessed with tremendous natural athleticism, Downs now has a plethora of tools at her disposal.

SUPER SOPHOMORES

[player_tooltip player_id='377583' first='Mya' last='Wilson'] & [player_tooltip player_id='498661' first='Pressley' last='Watkins'] – Class 3A is blessed with both the 1st- and 2nd-rated sophomores in the state of Minnesota. We've been watching both of them since they were in the 6th grade and it never, ever gets old. Wilson plays for up-and-coming Hill-Murray. Watkins hails from the defending Class 3A champions from Benilde-St. Margaret's. There's not a whole lot separating the two. Both are over 6 feet. Both are highly athletic. Both have a great feel for the game. Neither has any glaring weaknesses. You can see for yourself this Saturday at the Breakdown Girls Tip Off Classic at Southwest Christian High School in Chaska.

NEWISH NAMES TO KNOW

[player_tooltip player_id='772240' first='Sarah' last='Poepard'] – Coming off an outstanding summer, the 6-foot guard has earned the #6 rating among 2028 prospects in Minnesota. Last year at White Bear Lake, she was a consistent contributor despite nagging injury issues. This fall at Mahtomedi, Sarah has been on fire, and her prospects for an outstanding freshman year are very good indeed. She has become much more aggressive in recent months. More confident, too. And the intensified investment she's making in game development is already paying dividends. You'll have to wait a week to watch Poepard play as her Zephyrs start their season next Tuesday when Mahtomedi hosts Robbinsdale Cooper.

[player_tooltip player_id='630285' first='Adele' last='Changamire'] & [player_tooltip player_id='884449' first='Andie' last='Changamire'] – Last week we told you all about Adele and Andie in our Breakdown Fall League recap (Click here to read it) as the Becker sisters made it obvious they are going to be a one-two combo to be reckoned with in Class 3A. Adele, a 2028 top 10 selection, is already a varsity veteran who earned our PGH Newcomer of the Year award last season. Andie got her feet wet on varsity as a 7th grader but trust us when we tell you that the now-8th grader is about to blow up. Becker opens its season Saturday morning at the Tip Off against Hill-Murray. You'd do well to be courtside for that one.

THE COMEBACK KID

[player_tooltip player_id='296523' first='Kendall' last='McGee'] – When last we saw Kendall in an official high school game it was on the big stage at Williams Arena as her Benilde-St. Margaret's squad was in pursuit of a Class 3A championship. That was in 2023 – 20 grueling months ago. McGee's life over that period of time has consisted of endless physical therapy to recover from extensive knee surgery. We're happy to report that Kendall has been back on the court this fall and all indications are that she's preparing to pull off a comeback to remember. McGee, who recently signed with Creighton, is a top-3 prospect in the Class of 2025. If she can come anywhere near her previous form, Kendall will be a sight to see.