Mill City Invitational: Intriguing prospects we watched

After navigating the monstrous Summer Jam tournament last weekend – a 441-team behemoth that's nearly impossible to cover effectively – we found ourselves with a much more manageable schedule the past few days at the Mill City Invitational. With about 70 teams in the U13 to U17 age groups, and approximately 20 hours of viewing, Ally McGinnis and I saw a buffet's worth of teams we had not watched before along with some we had not seen in a month or two. Here, in our first of three installments, are the first seven names to know.   [player_tooltip player_id='1264768' first='Zuri' last='Hayes'] – 2029 guard, [program_tooltip program_id='713420' first='Minnesota' last='Diamond Elite']   At 5'10 with a good-sized frame and wide shoulders, Hayes (banner photo above) already looks the part of a college-ready player. A varsity contributor at Richfield, she averaged 4 rebounds per game and showed she can defend every position on the court. Hayes is a strong, physical presence with a high basketball IQ and mature court demeanor – not surprising given that three brothers and both parents played college basketball. Though not flashy, she gets the job done with consistency and composure, showing solid fundamentals and a strong team-first mindset. She's an unselfish player who sometimes passes up scoring chances, but that humility is paired with excellent leadership and communication. Her poise, size, and all-around game continue to grow on us.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/06/Elaine-Schwarz-crop-3916x2571-1751305573.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1264782" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1264767' first='Elaine' last='Schwarz'] – 2029 forward, [program_tooltip program_id='774605' first='Southern' last='MN Fury']   In our first look at Schwarz, the 5'11 Blooming Prairie product made an immediate impression. A long, lean, and athletic four-sport standout, Schwarz moves well and is already a strong contributor to coach John Worke's Awesome Blossoms. (Yes, that is BP's actual nickname!)  She had 45 points in four games at Mill City . This past high school season she pulled down a record-setting 318 rebounds – an astounding 12.3 per game. That rebounding prowess is especially notable given Blooming Prairie's legacy of elite rebounders like D1 alum Taylor Hagen, who played at Northern Iowa. Elaine plays with poise, strength, and versatility. She's the kind of prospect that makes us glad we included this 2029 group on our Saturday schedule.   [player_tooltip player_id='907398' first='Tayja' last='Chatman'] – 2029 guard, [program_tooltip program_id='715704' first='Team' last='FSA']   Chatman's growth since last year is easy to see – both physically and as a player. The 5'9 lefty guard, who's set to play for Totino-Grace, has a pure stroke and isn't shy about launching from long range. She scored 64 points in four games at Mill City, including 24 in a tight win over the Fury's best 2030 group. Tayja is smart with the ball, surveying the floor with a calm confidence, and moves fluidly in and out of possession. Her ability to bob and weave through defenders and find her shot is a major asset. With her strength, awareness, and scoring instincts, Chatman is tracking as a top-50 prospect in her class.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/06/Laila-Romsdahl-crop-3901x2562-1751305844.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1264788" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='991162' first='Laila' last='Romsdahl'] – 2028 guard, [program_tooltip program_id='712699' first='Minnesota' last='Rise'] Schultz   Romsdahl is a versatile 5'8 guard from St. James who continues to impress with her energy, instincts, and natural scoring touch. She had 42 points over four games at Mill City, building on a strong sophomore season where she averaged 7.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists. She has nice length and moves well, with the ability to get downhill and finish. Her high-arching shot and quick release make her a consistent threat from the outside. In fact, Rise coach Ryan Schultz would love to see her shoot more. Laila plays with good pace and makes the right reads – knowing when to move the ball and when to attack. She is a quality defender with a high IQ. Laila is strong candidate for a spot in the PGH 2028 rankings this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1211276' first='Autumn' last='Hayes'] – 2027 guard, Opportunity 10 North   Hayes may have averaged under four points per game for Osseo last winter, but the 5'8 guard has clearly leveled up and is ready to take a big leap forward under new Orioles coach Nate Lindhom. Autumn's confidence has grown steadily, and she's now one of the leading scorers on a scrappy, underdog Opportunity 10 North team. Hayes had 36 points across four games at Mill City and showed great timing as a shot blocker despite her size. Her ability to knock down threes consistently – a especially from the corners – combined with a calm demeanor and secure ball-handling, makes her a steady backcourt presence. Her smart, confident play and accurate mid-range game make her one to watch.   LATE BLOOMERS TO PUT ON YOUR RADAR   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/06/Savanna-Puent-crop-3527x2316-1751305920.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1264793" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1264759' first='Savanna' last='Puent'] – 2026 forward, [program_tooltip program_id='713420' first='Minnesota' last='Diamond Elite']   At 5'10 with long arms and a sturdy frame, Puent brings real disruption on defense and toughness around the rim. A Forest Lake product playing for the Diamond Elite Buerman 2026 squad, Puent fights hard for rebounds and can create her own shot when needed. She averaged nearly 7 points per game in high school for the Rangers and is developing into a consistent finisher who can absorb contact. She's not the fastest player on the court, but she moves efficiently and uses her length well to contest shots and grab boards. A smart, physical player with upside at the Division III level.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/06/Macy-Voth-crop-3563x2340-1751305989.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1264795" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1264762' first='Macy' last='Voth'] – 2026 guard, [program_tooltip program_id='774605' first='Southern' last='MN Fury'] Yellow   After an ACL injury slowed her progress last year, the Goodhue guard looks like she's back to form. Voth averaged 11 points per game at Mill City and showed flashes of her old self – fearless drives, hot streaks from three, and a non-stop motor. Though not the tallest player, Voth can get into the lane and finish creatively. Macy's comeback story is a testament to her work ethic, and she's now doing the little things – boxing out, defending smartly, and avoiding mistakes – with consistency. She'll be in the rotation for Goodhue next season and certainly has a future in JUCO or D3 ball if she wants it.

After navigating the monstrous Summer Jam tournament last weekend – a 441-team behemoth that's nearly impossible to cover effectively – we found ourselves with a much more manageable schedule the past few days at the Mill City Invitational. With about 70 teams in the U13 to U17 age groups, and approximately 20 hours of viewing, Ally McGinnis and I saw a buffet's worth of teams we had not watched before along with some we had not seen in a month or two. Here, in our first of three installments, are the first seven names to know.