2026 rankings update: Welcome to the newcomers

Sometimes the way a player competes is a perfect match for their team nickname – think Warriors, Lions or Bulldogs, for example. That's particularly true for [player_tooltip player_id='1055095' first='Drew' last='Pederson'] of Anoka because she plays pretty much like a Tornado. The high-energy guard/forward blows into the gym at 200 miles per hour, plows through every single thing standing in her way, and leaves a trail of destruction from start to finish. And we mean all of that in the best possible way! Drew got herself noticed at the Fall Exclusive in October and has carried that through the high school season in fine fashion. That's why she has earned the distinction as the highest-ranking newcomer in this week's Prep Girls Hoops Class of 2026 rankings update. Here's a look at Pederson and some of the other newcomers to the 2026 prospect rankings.   #78 [player_tooltip player_id='1055095' first='Drew' last='Pederson'] – guard, Anoka   Drew, who is listed on some rosters as 'Andrew', is 5'8 but she plays much bigger. That's because the energy she brings to the floor puts defenders on their heels and forces them to do things they aren't comfortable doing. If there's a loose ball, she's there. If there's a pileup on the floor, she's there. If there's a scoring opportunity, she's there. If there's a ball handler to be harassed, Drew is on it. Simply put, Pederson is relentless, a quality every single college basketball coach is hunting for. Drew contributes to the Tornados' success in a variety of ways, but a 32-point outburst against Spring Lake Park shows what she is capable of offensively. Simply put, Pederson has the innate ability and wiring to play ball at a high level. When the refinement comes, she's likely to move up the rankings in short order.   6 PLAYERS ON THE RISE   #99 [player_tooltip player_id='1094442' first='Lilah' last='Rice'] – forward, Orono   The big power forward has been integral to Orono's substantial success this season which has resulted in a record of 22-3 heading into the most important part of the schedule. Rice is part of an omnipresent two-pronged attack in the paint for the Spartans along with 42nd-rated prospect [player_tooltip player_id='717668' first='Evelyn' last='Miller'], who is one of the most significant stock risers in this rankings update. The 6'2 Rice brings length and size and strength. She earns a coveted spot in the top 100 with plenty of room for growth.   #166 [player_tooltip player_id='1139146' first='Alyvia' last='Engler'] – guard, Plainview-Elgin-Millville   The 5'5 junior is a super-quick combo guard who knows how to employ a rapid first step and speed in the open court to create scoring opportunities for herself and others. She is a fearless competitor who never stops attacking the basket. Engler scores a ton inside, a lot at the free throw line and plenty from distance, as well. All of that has resulted in Alyvia reaching the 1,000-career points milestone this winter. Engler is PEM coach Scott Engler's daughter and she possesses the high basketball IQ most coach's kids have.   #167 [player_tooltip player_id='1101805' first='Tatem' last='Votava'] – forward, East Grand Forks   The Green Wave of East Grand Forks may not be on everyone's radar in Minnesota girls basketball but Inspired Athletics AAU out of Fargo certainly is. That's how Tatem first came to our attention. She has more than backed up her AAU performances with an outstanding high school career to date. The 5'11 forward, who averages a near double-double, is a versatile performer who can guard all five positions and impact the game at both ends of the court. She is an excellent leader, the type of experienced veteran who brings a calm presence on the floor that positively influences everyone around her. She's also a 1,000-point scorer.   #170 [player_tooltip player_id='1150682' first='Aubrey' last='Krienke'] – guard, Monticello   With a perfect mark of 25-0, Monticello has been tearing it up in Class 3A all winter and has to be considered a contender to win it all. Most of the limelight on the team goes to elite point guard [player_tooltip player_id='515676' first='Samantha' last='Voll'] and the Ruda twins, but Aubrey's role is crucial to the Magic's success. The 5'3 guard is a dynamic competitor with speed, quickness and the ability to drop bombs from distance at a moment's notice. We love her infectious energy, her poise under pressure, her ability to turn defense into offense in the blink of an eye, and her willingness to contribute in any way she can to the team's success.   #171 [player_tooltip player_id='1145714' first='Katie' last='Olson'] & #172 [player_tooltip player_id='1145715' first='Neveah' last='Weimert'] – guards, Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton   This pair of 5'6 guards are terrific all-around competitors who do a little bit of everything for the Bulldogs. They form a potent one-two scoring combination of over 30 points per game. They know how to employ their speed, quickness and athleticism to create offensive opportunities. Neveah, in particular, is an outstanding 3-point shooter. Both have nice court vision and the ability to distribute effectively. On the other side of the ball, they use their quickness to force turnovers and gain additional possessions for their squad. Both are deserving of their new status as Prep Girls Hoops ranked prospects.   THE REST OF THE 2026 NEWCOMERS   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>#154 [player_tooltip player_id='1164957' first='Sage' last='Gilbert'] – 5'7 guard, Cretin-Derham Hall</li>   <li>#165 [player_tooltip player_id='1194474' first='Reese' last='Drake'] – 5'8 guard, Marshall</li>   <li>#168 [player_tooltip player_id='1174708' first='Quinn' last='VanMaldeghem'] – 5'10 guard, NRHEG</li>   <li>#169 [player_tooltip player_id='1174706' first='Camryn' last='VanMaldeghem'] – 5'10 guard, NRHEG</li>   <li>#173 [player_tooltip player_id='876960' first='Ashley' last='Harrison'] – 5'7 guard, Farmington</li>   <li>#174 [player_tooltip player_id='1194442' first='Audrey' last='Brown'] – 5'7 guard, Waconia</li>   <li>#175 [player_tooltip player_id='1194449' first='Haidyn' last='Sammons'] – 5'7 guard, Windom</li> </ul>   REMINDER   Just a quick reminder that the Prep Girls Hoops prospect rankings are based on their potential as a college player, not their current performance in high school. For details on how the rankings process works, please visit the <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/how-we-rank/">How We Rank</a> page.

Sometimes the way a player competes is a perfect match for their team nickname – think Warriors, Lions or Bulldogs, for example. That's particularly true for Drew Pederson Drew Pederson 5'8" | SG/PG Anoka | 2026 State MN of Anoka because she plays pretty much like a Tornado. The high-energy guard/forward blows into the gym at 200 miles per hour, plows through every single thing standing in her way, and leaves a trail of destruction from start to finish. And we mean all of that in the best possible way! Drew got herself noticed at the Fall Exclusive in October and has carried that through the high school season in fine fashion. That's why she has earned the distinction as the highest-ranking newcomer in this week's Prep Girls Hoops Class of 2026 rankings update. Here's a look at Pederson and some of the other newcomers to the 2026 prospect rankings.