AAU Newcomer of the Year: Morgan Rysdam

Recruiting quality players for an AAU team is never easy. But when [program_tooltip program_id='756457' first='Opportunity' last='Basketball'] coach Selina Mello saw Hudl film of an athletic guard from Braham named [player_tooltip player_id='1175103' first='Morgan' last='Rysdam'], she figured it was worth reaching out with an invitation to an open gym. That effort couldn't have turned out any better. Barely a month into the AAU season, it was clear: Morgan was the real deal – a scholarship-level talent who not only elevated her own profile but put her team squarely in the spotlight all summer long. As a result, we are pleased to name Morgan as our Prep Girls Hoops Newcomer of the Year.   Mello and club director Jason Bennett were floored the first time they saw the 5'8 Rysdam play live.   “The thing that grabbed our attention the most was her speed,” said Mello. “Speed of cuts across the lane in half-court offense. Speed sprinting back on defense to steal the ball after losing it. I recall after one of those sprints, Jason and I looked at each other with wide eyes – no words. We still haven't come across many (if any) players, even against elite teams, who can match her speed. It's really special. I think it's part natural gift and part extreme determination.”   When we got our first live look at Rysdam, we reacted in the same way.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/08/Morgan-Rysdam_3-crop-1436x943-1755284066.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1304480" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Matt Maly <a href="https://x.com/OppNorthBB" target="_blank">X.com</a></figcaption></figure>   Morgan is a long, explosive, high-IQ guard who scores efficiently, defends with grit, and never takes a possession off. She thrives in transition, spaces the floor smartly, and moves with purpose and balance on both ends. She has a soft touch from deep, a quick release, and the ability to break down defenses or create for teammates. Her energy is infectious. “Her intensity and effort definitely rub off on the players around her,” Mello said. “Even in practice she puts her head down and works. Every drill is done at 100%. Her leadership comes through her relentless effort.”   The Newcomer of the Year award recognizes a player who makes a significant impact in AAU basketball for the first time. Eligibility begins at 14U (8th grade) since that's when we begin scouting players more intentionally. Some players, like Rysdam, enter AAU later or ascend rapidly into high-level competition. Last year's winner, [player_tooltip player_id='904190' first='Malin' last='Youngberg'] of [program_tooltip program_id='713021' first='West' last='Central United'], went on to have a phenomenal 2025 season. [player_tooltip player_id='897050' first='Annabelle' last='Gothmann'] of the [program_tooltip program_id='767539' first='Minnesota' last='Comets'], our 2024 runner-up, also followed up with a breakthrough campaign this year.   We hadn't heard of Rysdam before Coach Mello reached out ahead of the spring season. As it turns out, Morgan had already been lighting it up at the high school level – albeit somewhat outside the winter spotlight. She averaged 18.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, 4.3 steals, and 3.4 assists per game last season at Braham, earning All-State Honorable Mention from the Minnesota high school coaches.   Once the AAU season began, she wasted no time making a name for herself in a much more visible way. Rysdam quickly emerged as one of the most talked-about prospects of the year, soaring up the rankings to #35 in June. By the latter half of the season, teams were game-planning specifically around her.   “We definitely noticed teams putting a lot of focus on defending her,” said Mello. “They put their best defender on her to try and shut down her drives to the basket. But two things they really couldn't stop were her off-ball movement – she still found ways to get open cutting off screens – and her ability to generate steals. You just can't game-plan away her defensive impact.”   RUNNER-UP   [player_tooltip player_id='991284' first='Sydney' last='Towne'] – 2028 Guard, [program_tooltip program_id='1229871' first='Southwest' last='Fury'] (Marshall HS)   One of the fastest-rising prospects in Minnesota's 2028 class, Towne now holds the #41 ranking after a breakout year. The 5'9 guard from Marshall first made waves at the PGH Freshman Showcase with her athleticism, energy, and leadership. Since then, she's only elevated her game. Towne is a relentless competitor who plays hard on every possession, finishes through contact, rebounds with purpose, and consistently produces winning plays. She's vocal, poised, and brings contagious energy whether she's on the court or leading from the bench. Offensively, she's become a reliable scorer at all three levels. Her basketball IQ, coachability, and toughness make her a tone-setter for any team. Much like Rysdam, Towne is also a ton of fun to watch.   HONORABLE MENTIONS   [player_tooltip player_id='1243841' first='Sawyer' last='Backer'] – 2029 guard, [program_tooltip program_id='712722' first='North' last='Tartan'] Nike (Wayzata)   Backer is a 5'10 guard in Minnesota's class of 2029, a prospect whose game is remarkably well-rounded and complete for a player just entering high school. Backer first caught our attention at the AAU State Prelims and continued to build momentum with her smooth shooting stroke, high-level instincts, and defensive presence. Backer is a deep-range shooter with nice mechanics and a knack for turning broken plays into buckets. On defense, she pressures the ball, contests shots, and clogs passing lanes with her length. She rebounds well, sees the floor, and rarely makes mistakes. With physical growth still ahead, Backer's combination of skill, IQ, and upside is exciting.   [player_tooltip player_id='1264768' first='Zuri' last='Hayes'] – 2029 guard, [program_tooltip program_id='713420' first='Minnesota' last='Diamond Elite'] (Richfield)   Hayes is a 5'10 guard with a powerful frame, impressive court presence, and a varsity résumé already building at Richfield High School. She's a strong, physical defender who can guard any position, thanks to her toughness and quick feet. Hayes plays with maturity and a team-first mindset, shaped by a family with a strong basketball background. While not a flashy scorer, she finishes well, makes smart passes, and provides steady leadership. Her basketball IQ and poise elevate everyone around her. Hayes's combination of size, defense, and quiet confidence makes her one of the most promising long-term prospects in the class of 2029.

Recruiting quality players for an AAU team is never easy. But when Opportunity Basketball coach Selina Mello saw Hudl film of an athletic guard from Braham named Morgan Rysdam Morgan Rysdam 5'8" | CG/SG Braham | 2027 State MN , she figured it was worth reaching out with an invitation to an open gym. That effort couldn't have turned out any better. Barely a month into the AAU season, it was clear: Morgan was the real deal – a scholarship-level talent who not only elevated her own profile but put her team squarely in the spotlight all summer long. As a result, we are pleased to name Morgan as our Prep Girls Hoops Newcomer of the Year.