2028 rankings: 8 more forwards added to the mix

Last week we added names to the original 50 prospects in the Prep Girls Hoops Class of 2028 rankings for the first time. As a result, the total number of ranked freshmen is now 75 with 17 guards and eight forwards having been inserted into the equation. Here is a look at the new forwards.    Lilah is one of the more intriguing prospects in the class. Take one look at the 5'10 forward and it's obvious that she is an athlete, one with all of the natural physical assets needed to be successful in whatever sport she chooses. If Laughlin ultimately selects basketball for her focus, and puts in the time and effort to grow her overall skillset, she has the potential to be special. Laughlin is already strong and physically superior to most everyone else in the class. We hear she's headed to Providence Academy next fall which is going to do wonders for her game.     We've been painting Brooke as a Swiss Army Knife. We just haven't come up with anything better to describe one of the more versatile prospects in the class. One thing that separates Estochen from the pack is her willingness and desire to defend. Most players can learn how to do that, but few are passionate about it. Estochen has good size and strength, can be effective inside or out, and has the skills to score when that is the appropriate action to take. We think Brooke's assets will translate well at the next level.     On paper, Ava is a bit undersized to play in the post. On the court, it hardly makes a difference because Smith plays bigger, competes harder and accomplishes more during her time in the fray than the vast majority of players ever do. Ava had a great summer with [program_tooltip program_id='714566' first='Minnesota' last='Stars'] OU and nearly made the Freshman 50 in the fall. This winter she made 22 appearances for Hopkins and managed to impact the game at both ends of the floor when she had opportunities. Ava loves to attack and she knows how to score.     Playing behind two of the best posts in the state in [player_tooltip player_id='644878' first='Sahara' last='Wilson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='396430' first='Aduke' last='Ojullu'], it isn't easy for Madilynn to get minutes. When she did get into the action this winter, however, Bell made a very strong impression. Over time her consistency improved, her demeanor calmed, and her ability to operate at high tempo got better. Madilynn has a strong skillset, is a quality shooter with plenty of range, and she can score the basketball inside, as well. Bell is also an aggressive rebounder who isn't afraid to deal with physicality.     Ellie has great family genetics when it comes to basketball and that is a terrific place to start. Her mom Angie is 6'4 and a former South Dakota State Jackrabbit. Ellie is 6'1 and just figuring it all out, but she has shown flashes of strong potential and earned good varsity minutes this winter at Shakopee where she averaged 5 points per game. Quast is a true post player who uses her length to defend effectively, has a good mid-range game and can finish around the rim. Ellie has a ways to go but she's definitely heading in the right direction.     Ranked freshmen are all over the place when it comes to their level of basketball sophistication and skill. Certainly there are some highly polished gems at the top of the list. As you get deeper into the pool, however, you'll find kids like Reese who have earned their ranking based on raw ability. Majerus is an athlete pure and simple. She is an industrious player who competes with fire. With strength, length and the ability to leap, Reese has the raw materials on which to forge a college-game if that's her goal.     Maren has endeared herself to our evaluators over multiple viewings this winter. Every time I watch I am more intrigued by what Powell has to offer. Maren has been a key piece for Rosemount all year, demonstrating maturity beyond her years and a willingness to take on tough assignments against strong opponents. She has good frame size, nice length, solid footwork in the post, and is a natural rebounder. Although she didn't score much this year, Maren is a versatile contributor with range.     Kenley is the final new forward we've added to the Class of 2028 rankings. She's a little off the radar at Andover where 6'1 junior [player_tooltip player_id='1005207' first='Myla' last='Evers'] and 6'3 freshman [player_tooltip player_id='644896' first='Logan' last='Miller'] currently occupy most of the varsity post minutes. In due course, however, we think Kenley has a chance to be good. She has plenty of size and plays with energy. Evers isn't afraid to do battle in the paint and she has a certain calmness about her. She has good hands and is a good passer. It's really early but never too early to pay attention to a 6'3 freshman.

Last week we added names to the original 50 prospects in the Prep Girls Hoops Class of 2028 rankings for the first time. As a result, the total number of ranked freshmen is now 75 with 17 guards and eight forwards having been inserted into the equation. Here is a look at the new forwards.