2028 Small Forward Update

The featured image is of [player_tooltip player_id='928183' first='Jaycee' last='Archer'] (2028) of Linton-Stockton High School.   Tuesday, we released the Summer update for the Class of 2028 rankings. Circling back around, below is a quick look at the small forwards who were included in either the Top 35 or the 75-player watch list. Below the rankings are a pair of newcomers who were added to the watch list during this quarterly update.    .   NEWCOMERS    Jaycee is a very intriguing, versatile wing, who does a little of everything for her Linton-Stockton team. She has nice strength at her age, some length, and she can play anywhere from the mid-post to the perimeter. She is a willing rebounder and defender, and she often has to defend power forwards in school ball. At the offensive end of the floor, she does have some touch outside, but she's probably better using her physicality in attacking the basket.     Gabbi is a new name to me, but she is a very intriguing forward who can play inside or out. She has good size, an athletic frame, and a lot of length. She's fairly athletic in most directions, and she is active on the glass and defensively. Offensively, she is typically most comfortable in the mid-post right now, where she can knock down the 15-footer or attack the basket. As she continues to develop that skillset, I think she could become a full-time wing.     I got my first look at Kei'Maija in a PGH Indiana event in late May. She is a long, wiry, fluid, and smooth athlete. Additionally, she possesses speed, quickness, and a little bounce as well. She has some touch from the perimeter, she is an effective driver, and she can change directions quickly, with or without the ball. I think she has a lot of upside for the next level, as long as she continues to develop her perimeter skillset and situational awareness.     Ana is another prospect I saw for the first time this Spring. She has a fairly long frame and a fluid athleticism to her. She does a nice job of moving without the basketball, and she is an accurate wing shooter when set and in rhythm. She does have a solid handle, and she can push in transition a little or even initiate the offense from time to time. But she is probably better suited as a wing scorer. She does pursue rebounds, and she's an effortful defender as well.     Maddi saw a little Varsity action as a rookie this past season, and I have a feeling she'll play a much bigger role in her second year. She is a nice athlete, she has a wiry-strong, athletic frame, and she plays with a motor. I wouldn't say she's necessarily exceptional in any area; she is just solid at most things skillfully and always tries to find ways to contribute to the cause. She willingly chases down caroms, dives on the floor, and sits down in a stance and defends.

The featured image is of Jaycee Archer Jaycee Archer 5'7" | SF/CG Linton-Stockton | 2028 IN (2028) of Linton-Stockton High School.