2028 MVDs: Malin Youngberg and Elsa Retzlaff

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nobody can win games alone, so when it came time to decide which players had brought the most to their AAU teams this season we kept coming up with more than one player who deserved the honors. As a result, we made the decision this year to select Most Valuable Duos. As with all of our Prep Girls Hoops awards in 2025, only Minnesota high school players who played AAU on Minnesota-based teams are eligible for selection. Here are the honorees for Most Valuable Duos in the Class of 2028.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>MOST VALUABLE DUO</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904190' first='Malin' last='Youngberg'] &amp; [player_tooltip player_id='565313' first='Elsa' last='Retzlaff'] – [program_tooltip program_id='713021' first='West' last='Central United'] Blue</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It takes some serious talent to bring a smaller, regional AAU club to the forefront of people's minds, but that is exactly what the [program_tooltip program_id='713021' first='West' last='Central United'] duo accomplished this summer. Leading the team to an overall record of 32 wins and just 6 losses, Youngberg and Retzlaff brought their A game every single weekend, proving that they can hang with the best of the best. Malin, a 6'0 guard/wing from Little Falls, made plenty of noise all year long. With athleticism, speed, high IQ, and poise, numerous Division 1 coaches were drawn to come see the spectacle in person. With a versatile skillset, the incoming sophomore put up consistent numbers all season long, including countless clutch plays in close contests throughout the year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Also making a major impact on the floor, as well as a distinct impression in the minds of college coaches, this season was Retzlaff. The 5'9 combo guard plays with an intense passion for the game, laying it all out every time she steps foot on the court. While she has the ability to fill up the stat sheet, particularly with her three-point shot, most of what Elsa does can't be measured. Whether through defensive stops, hustle plays, or her IQ and leadership, the Hillcrest Lutheran guard from Fergus Falls does whatever is required for the success of the team. She picked up her first Division 1 offer in May.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>HONORABLE MENTIONS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='908260' first='Maggie' last='Dyer'] &amp; [player_tooltip player_id='644898' first='Ally' last='Moore']– [program_tooltip program_id='712722' first='North' last='Tartan'] EYBL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The leaders of the [program_tooltip program_id='712722' first='North' last='Tartan']'s 2028 squad, Dyer and Moore made waves in their freshman AAU campaign. Maggie, a 5'10 guard/forward, brings an immense presence to the court, playing with a high degree of physicality. Whether attacking the basket and finishing through contact, snagging boards, or creating stops on the defensive end, the Rochester Mayo star was crucial to her team's success all season long. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the premier point guards in the 2028 class, Moore was a standout performer for the club all spring and summer. Whether through her court vision and unselfish passing, high IQ defensive efforts, or ability to consistently knock down big shots in big moments, Ally found every possible way to create a positive impact for her team. Paired with Dyer, the two made their mark on a memorable season, both on the EYBL circuit and at home. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='911664' first='Brianna' last='Eggers'] &amp; [player_tooltip player_id='897050' first='Annabelle' last='Gothmann'] – [program_tooltip program_id='767539' first='Minnesota' last='Comets'] Elite</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Much like the MVP duo from West Central, Eggers and Gothmann brought countless eyes to the sidelines to watch the Comets, a regional club based out of St. Cloud, this summer. Eggers, a 6'2 forward from Buffalo, made leaps and bounds in her game, growing both her skill set and her confidence. The lengthy post has all the natural instincts for controlling the boards, plus great touch around the rim. Combined with her mobility, athleticism, and desire to be great, Bri is on the fast track to becoming a top-level collegiate prospect. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Feeding Eggers the ball all season long was Gothmann, a 5'10 guard out of Milaca. If we had one word to describe her game, capital D-A-W-G is the first thing that comes to mind. One of the toughest and most physical players in the state, Annabelle combines her physical strength and tenacity with tremendous basketball IQ, quick decision making, and a relentless work ethic. The pair, along with other key contributors like [player_tooltip player_id='881084' first='Macy' last='Castle'] and [player_tooltip player_id='992407' first='Izzy' last='Johnson'], brought their A game time and time again, ending their season as UA Rise champions. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->