Sophomores in the spotlight at the Meltdown

One last chance. That's what the [program_tooltip program_id='712722' first='North' last='Tartan'] Meltdown offered this past weekend – a final opportunity to evaluate Minnesota players at a local AAU tournament for 2025. We saw our share of veterans we wanted to check up on. We discovered some new faces, as well. Here are a few prospects from the Class of 2028 who were in the spotlight.   [player_tooltip player_id='897889' first='Madilynn' last='Bell'] – 2028 Forward, Lakeville North   The [program_tooltip program_id='774653' first='Minnesota' last='Bobcats'] forward (pictured above) was hard not to notice on Sunday at the Meltdown. Bell's size and length are impossible to ignore. Standing at 6'3 with light feet and remarkable quickness, Madilynn fits the prototypical mold of today's collegiate post player. On Sunday, Madilynn gave a dominant performance in all aspects. On defense she used her length effectively, blocking several shots. In transition she delivered well timed passes to a cutting teammate or took the ball to the hole herself. In the half court she was a considerable threat in the low post, where she scored most of her points. The Lakeville North sophomore led all scorers in the 41-40 win, contributing 15 points. With the build of a scholarship-level player and a continually growing skillset, Bell is an up-and-coming prospect in Minnesota's 2028 class.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/09/515-Parker-Vossen-crop-6464x4245-1728338798.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1045167" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='896571' first='Parker' last='Vossen'] – 2028 Guard/Forward, Lakeville North   Much like her [program_tooltip program_id='774653' first='Minnesota' last='Bobcats'] teammate, Vossen's length, 5'11 stature, and athleticism jump out immediately, particularly among many of the other guards on the floor. What stood out even more on Sunday was her aggression. On the defensive end Parker (pictured above) was relentless, using her length and quick lateral movement to make things difficult for her opponents. She forced turnovers, picked off bad passes, and blocked shots all game, leading to numerous opportunities to score in transition. When in transition, Vossen spaced the floor well, was an unselfish passer, and blew past defenders with a full head of steam. Now entering her sophomore season, Parker is a player who could definitely make an impact for Lakeville North this winter.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/07/Reese-Rodriguez.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1274321" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1274319' first='Reese' last='Rodriguez'] – 2028 guard, Waseca   We were not familiar with Rodriguez prior to the Meltdown but the [program_tooltip program_id='713291' first='Minnesota' last='Nice'] guard made a solid impression in two viewings over the weekend. She poured in 60 points across five games at the tournament – second-most in the division – showcasing her ability to produce consistently which her double-digit scoring average throughout the AAU season will confirm. The 5'8 guard has a strong frame and plays with confidence. She shoots it well, with clean mechanics and range, and she's not afraid to initiate contact or battle on the glass. Reese isn't the smoothest athlete on the floor, but her instincts, toughness, and motor make her hard to stop. She always seems to be in the right place at the right time, and her gritty presence gives her team a reliable spark.   [player_tooltip player_id='897059' first='Amelia' last='Ritchie'] – 2028 Guard, Blaine    This AAU season has given us numerous opportunities to see the 2028 [program_tooltip program_id='718403' first='Minnesota' last='Freeze'] squad in action, and if there's one player we've noticed, it's Ritchie. While unassuming in her athleticism and style of play, the Blaine sophomore consistently has her fingerprints all over the game. Whether forcing turnovers on defense, securing key rebounds, or hustling after loose balls, Amelia finds every possible avenue for creating a positive impact for her team. The fact that she can score the ball at every level is an added bonus. Over the course of the summer the Freeze guard has shown remarkable consistency from three, a knack for scoring in transition, and an explosive burst of speed that allows her to get to the rim in a half-court offense. Coaches looking for an all-around type of player need look at Ritchie.    Cayden Alstrup – 2028 Guard, Blaine   Another highlight of this year's 2028 [program_tooltip program_id='718403' first='Minnesota' last='Freeze'] roster has been Alstrup, a sophomore guard out of Blaine. The first word we would use to describe her game? Quick. Quick hands, quick feet, quick decision making; they're all there. The next hallmark of Alstrup's game is her motor. Regardless of what side of the ball she's on, or whether her team is up or down, Cayden is going to give her full effort to each possession. At the Meltdown, the Bengals guard also wowed us with her ability to handle the ball and her flashy one hand passes, which she can easily execute with either hand. Alstrup spent much of Sunday morning finding seams in the defense to thread the needle to her teammates, thus contributing to the Freeze's dominant performance.    [player_tooltip player_id='1037503' first='Cecilia' last='Jaunich'] – 2028 Guard, Delano   A key component to the roster all season long, the [program_tooltip program_id='712722' first='North' last='Tartan'] 15U Elite guard stood out at the Meltdown. With tremendous reach and a bounce in her step, Jaunich has plenty of natural athleticism. She's quick, has long and fluid strides, and moves well laterally. On offense CeCe is a proficient three-point shooter, with a release quick enough to beat most defenders' closeouts. The 5'9 guard uses her length to get downhill, score in transition, and corral offensive rebounds. As a freshman, CeCe was a rotation player for Delano, appearing in 16 of the team's 27 games. With the growth we've seen in her game this summer, we wouldn't be surprised to see Jaunich play a bigger role for the Tigers in the 2025-26 season.

One last chance. That's what the North Tartan Meltdown offered this past weekend – a final opportunity to evaluate Minnesota players at a local AAU tournament for 2025. We saw our share of veterans we wanted to check up on. We discovered some new faces, as well. Here are a few prospects from the Class of 2028 who were in the spotlight.