Class of 2027 rankings update: Top 10 newcomers

Until recent days it has been a pretty cool spring in these parts. No wonder my golf game is so rusty! Appropriate then that one of the teams that has been impossible to ignore is [program_tooltip program_id='718403' first='Minnesota' last='Freeze'] 2027, a group that has been been anything but cold. Coached by Nate Lindholm, the north metro-based squad has been one of the best teams on the Prep Girls Hoops Circuit this summer at events throughout the Midwest. Their play on the home front has been equally impressive. It should come as no surprise then when we tell you that the PGH Minnesota Class of 2027 rankings features no less than five Freeze athletes among the 20 newcomers. After these latest additions, our prospect ranking of incoming juniors now sits at 135 names.   On Thursday we'll tell you all about the stock risers, including one of the most dramatic jumps we've seen in a long while, as well as another Freeze player who has made a big improvement. Today, we look at the top 10 newcomers in the Class of 2027.   #74 [player_tooltip player_id='999549' first='Anna' last='Smolich'] – forward, Spring Lake Park   At 6'0, Smolich has emerged as a versatile forward with athleticism, length, and confidence. The [program_tooltip program_id='718403' first='Minnesota' last='Freeze'] player led Spring Lake Park in scoring and rebounding and continues to shine for the Freeze. A three-sport athlete, Smolich (banner photo right) runs the floor well, finishes consistently, and shows improved post work. Her motor never stops, and she's still realizing just how good she can be. Anna is one of the most intriguing and fast-rising forwards in Minnesota's 2027 class.   #77 [player_tooltip player_id='944075' first='Maiya' last='Slusarczyk'] – forward, St. Michael-Albertville   Slusarczyk is a strong, active forward who continues to grow her game. She's reached double figures regularly with the [program_tooltip program_id='718403' first='Minnesota' last='Freeze'] and is gaining confidence offensively. Defensively, she uses her size to block shots, tip passes, and rebound with purpose. After limited varsity time at STMA to date, Slusarczyk (banner photo left) is poised for a breakout season and looks ready to make a bigger impact with her improved skills and relentless effort.   #100 [player_tooltip player_id='999548' first='Aniyrah' last='Gorman'] – guard, Two Rivers   Gorman is a fast, fiery 5'5 point guard who plays with confidence and emotion. The [program_tooltip program_id='712700' first='Minnesota' last='Suns'] athlete scored 17 points and had six steals in a particularly impressive game we watched 10 days ago at the Suns Summer Xplosion, showcasing her mid-range game, quickness, and intensity. Gorman is vocal, competitive, and increasingly disciplined with the ball. Her energy is contagious, and her development into a more complete guard makes her a true difference-maker on both ends.   #101 [player_tooltip player_id='889671' first='Nesa' last='Namjoshi'] – guard, Eden Prairie   Namjoshi started her AAU season in fine fashion at the AAU Saturday Shootout in April leading all 2027 scorers and showing off her complete game. That trend has continued. The [program_tooltip program_id='712687' first='Minnesota' last='Fury'] S40 athlete is quick, fearless, and confident, with a smooth jumper and strong defensive instincts. Namjoshi plays hard every possession, attacks the rim, and can create turnovers with her pressure defense. As more varsity minutes open up at Eden Prairie, she's ready for a breakthrough season. Nesa is a rising prospect with a scorer's mindset and defensive edge.   #110 [player_tooltip player_id='764205' first='Kendall' last='Krause'] – guard, Spring Lake Park   Krause is an under-the-radar guard who plays with non-stop energy and toughness. She sets the tone for the [program_tooltip program_id='718403' first='Minnesota' last='Freeze'] with hard-nosed defense and smart, aggressive play. Krause makes good decisions, passes well, and competes with intensity every possession. Her motor, IQ, and effort make her a coach's dream and a key contributor every time she steps on the court. She is a gritty, team-first player who consistently delivers.   #115 [player_tooltip player_id='1204867' first='Addie' last='Duckett'] – forward, Eagan   Duckett is a 6-foot, three-sport athlete with good size and nice upside. The [program_tooltip program_id='774653' first='Minnesota' last='Bobcats'] forward showed great energy and impact throughout the games we watched at the recent Prep Girls Hoops Circuit event in Wisconsin, combining physicality with versatility. With somewhat limited varsity experience to date, she's already flashing what could be a very bright future. Duckett runs the floor well, defends with effort, and makes smart, timely plays. If she chooses to focus more on basketball, Addie's potential is significant.   #118 [player_tooltip player_id='1183731' first='Kylie' last='Storkamp'] – guard, Foley   Storkamp is a smart, athletic point guard who leads with speed and control. She scores consistently, defends relentlessly, and rarely turns the ball over. At Foley, she averaged 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals per game. Her court vision, quick hands, and tireless hustle make her the engine for both her high school and [program_tooltip program_id='756457' first='Opportunity' last='Basketball'] in AAU. Storkamp is a skilled, high-IQ player with strong leadership qualities.   #123 [player_tooltip player_id='764175' first='Amari' last='Price'] – guard, Spring Lake Park   Price is a 5'8 guard with length, athleticism, and nonstop effort. When we've watched, Amari has rebounded, boxed out, defended hard, and played with high energy every possession. Whether chasing down a loose ball or handling it under pressure, the [program_tooltip program_id='713348' first='E1T1' last=''] Queens athlete competes with purpose. Her commitment to fundamentals and willingness to do the dirty work set her apart. With continued growth, she's a well-rounded guard who can do a little bit of everything.   #124 [player_tooltip player_id='1257459' first='Amira' last='Williams'] – forward, Faribault   Williams is a 5'10 forward with strength, a powerful frame, and a scorer's mindset. The [program_tooltip program_id='712699' first='Minnesota' last='Rise'] athlete attacks the rim fearlessly and finishes through contact, especially on her dominant left side. Williams also has an effective spin move and can hit the occasional three. She averaged 17.4 points per game last season for Faribault and continues to be a physical, aggressive presence inside. Amira is a tough, productive forward with a high motor.   #125 [player_tooltip player_id='903757' first='Bryanna' last='Cummings'] – guard, Blaine   Cummings is a steady, reliable point guard from the [program_tooltip program_id='718403' first='Minnesota' last='Freeze'] who makes few mistakes and plays with purpose. She runs the offense with confidence, pressures the ball full court, and makes the right reads. Known for her extremely low turnover rate, Cummings consistently makes winning plays and values possessions. Her maturity and leadership are key assets, and she's quietly been one of the most dependable guards on the Prep Girls Hoops Circuit this year.   THE NEXT 10   Here are the rest of the newcomers to the Class of 2027 prospect rankings:   #126 [player_tooltip player_id='675886' first='Ava' last='Klein'] – forward, Elk River   #127 [player_tooltip player_id='910063' first='Taylor' last='Whitehill'] – guard, Mounds View   #128 [player_tooltip player_id='1241042' first='Shannon' last='Lund'] – guard, Cromwell-Wright   #129 [player_tooltip player_id='1256275' first='Isabelle' last='Van Nett'] – guard, Two Rivers   #130 [player_tooltip player_id='1255487' first='Elise' last='McMillen'] – guard, Minneapolis Southwest   #131 [player_tooltip player_id='998178' first='Greta' last='Swendseid'] – guard, Minnetonka   #132 [player_tooltip player_id='1209033' first='Hannah' last='Jorgensen'] – guard, Lakeville South   #133 [player_tooltip player_id='1254419' first='Evie' last='Backer'] – guard, Wayzata   #134 [player_tooltip player_id='675981' first='Kaidyn' last='Roisum'] – guard, St. Michael-Albertville   #135 [player_tooltip player_id='764204' first='Kahlen' last='Suelflow'] – guard, Sauk Centre   HOW DO THE RANKINGS WORK?   As we usually do when the Prep Girls Hoops rankings are updated for a particular class, we're here to remind you that we rank athletes based on their potential as college players, NOT on their current play in high school. This is a big difference. Some newcomers to the Class of 2027 rankings are standout varsity veterans with a year or two of playing time. Others – mostly those who are part of deep Class 4A programs – may have seen little varsity playing time thus far. We're judging them based on their potential for the next level.   For more details on all of this, please visit the <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/how-we-rank/">How We Rank</a> page.

Until recent days it has been a pretty cool spring in these parts. No wonder my golf game is so rusty! Appropriate then that one of the teams that has been impossible to ignore is Minnesota Freeze 2027, a group that has been been anything but cold. Coached by Nate Lindholm, the north metro-based squad has been one of the best teams on the Prep Girls Hoops Circuit this summer at events throughout the Midwest. Their play on the home front has been equally impressive. It should come as no surprise then when we tell you that the PGH Minnesota Class of 2027 rankings features no less than five Freeze athletes among the 20 newcomers. After these latest additions, our prospect ranking of incoming juniors now sits at 135 names.