Class 4A Preview: Who's ready for a breakthrough?

Not all prospects are created equal. Every player matures at a different pace – physically, mentally, and emotionally. Coordination doesn't arrive on a “due-by” date. Confidence can't be installed by a skilled technician. As a result, you never really know when a player is going to break through. There are signs, though, and we've learned to recognize them.   As the 2025–26 high school season opens, we're turning our attention to Class 4A – the level where it's hardest for young players to find their footing. Rosters are deeper, competition is stronger, and expectations are higher. Here are some big-school prospects we believe are ready to break through this winter.   [player_tooltip player_id='918649' first='Reese' last='Keating'] – 2028 guard, Chanhassen   When college coaches have asked about Chanhassen in recent years, the conversation usually centered on the “big three” – St. Thomas commits [player_tooltip player_id='766676' first='Skyler' last='Mancini'] and [player_tooltip player_id='763004' first='Lyla' last='Hentges'], along with top 15 prospect [player_tooltip player_id='630241' first='Kate' last='Arnold']. Lately, though, there's been growing buzz about Keating (pictured above), an athletic point guard with exceptional vision, crafty handles, precise passing, and reliable shotmaking. A top-40 sophomore, she's ready for more.   [player_tooltip player_id='644897' first='Natalie' last='Heyer'] – 2028 forward, Chask   The Hawks were last season's surprise story in Class 4A, advancing to the state tournament in March. Heyer contributed around 8 points and 8 rebounds per game off the bench, bringing toughness and consistency to the paint. A top-20 prospect, she's a dominant rebounder who scores inside and out. With the graduation of Ella Keenan, the door is wide open for Heyer to lead Chaska's frontcourt. She's ready.   [player_tooltip player_id='939749' first='Nadia' last='Adedokun'] – 2028 forward, Moorhead   Class 4A programs outside the Twin Cities often fly under the radar, and Moorhead is a prime example. Located 200 miles northwest of its rivals from St. Michael-Albertville, few will see Adedokun play this winter – and that's unfortunate. The 6-footer had a terrific AAU season, showing improved skill and confidence across the board. Long, athletic, and instinctive, she's earned her top-40 ranking and looks poised to make a leap.   [player_tooltip player_id='897889' first='Madilynn' last='Bell'] – 2028 forward, Lakeville North   Playing behind [player_tooltip player_id='644878' first='Sahara' last='Wilson'] (the #3-ranked prospect in 2028) and senior Aduke Ojullu (now at D1 Omaha), Bell had limited opportunity as a freshman. That's fine – she spent the year developing, and the results showed this summer. Madilynn emerged as one of Minnesota's most improved players, climbing into the top 35. At 6'3 with length and agility, she's gained the confidence and coordination to excel. Expect her breakout in short order.   [player_tooltip player_id='881084' first='Macy' last='Castle'] – 2028 guard, Brainerd   Like Moorhead, Brainerd doesn't always get its due because of geography. The Warriors won 26 games and captured the Section 8AAAA crown last season, and they're back for more in 2025–26. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='665719' first='Addison' last='Bjorklund'] leads the way, but Castle is crucial to the team's success. Averaging 8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 3.1 steals, she impacts every column on the stat sheet. A top-60 prospect with a relentless motor, Castle's ready to pop.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/09/516-Amari-Johnson.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-993491" /></figure>   WHO ELSE IS READY TO BREAK THROUGH?   [player_tooltip player_id='786314' first='Tate' last='Addler'] – 2028 forward, Minnetonka   Even on a stacked Skippers roster, Addler looks poised to carve out a key role under new coach Dre Jefferson. Ranked #19 in the class, the 6-footer impressed throughout the summer and fall. The more minutes she earns, the more she'll shine.   [player_tooltip player_id='644912' first='Amari' last='Johnson'] – 2028 guard, Hopkins   The defending Class 4A state champs are ready for more, and Johnson (pictured above) should play a big part. We've been high on the top-25 sophomore since we first saw her – a 5'11" guard who's long, athletic, and bouncy. Amari is ready for the limelight.   [player_tooltip player_id='992407' first='Izzy' last='Johnson'] – 2028 guard, Elk River   A sleeping giant. The top-35 sophomore has been quietly preparing for her moment – honing her game, adding strength, and letting maturity do its work. Johnson runs the floor well, defends, shoots, and pushes tempo. It's only a matter of time before it all clicks.   [player_tooltip player_id='939720' first='Hailey' last='Eggers'] – 2029 guard, Waconia   Eggers broke into the rotation as an 8th grader, earning minutes on a veteran squad through sheer determination. The 5'9" guard brings energy, intelligence, and a competitive edge that never fades. With a solid grasp of fundamentals and an improving skillset, she's poised to take a major step.   [player_tooltip player_id='1268792' first='Ruby' last='Zubich'] – 2029 forward, Duluth East   Duluth East has seen plenty of talent pass through its gym, mostly moving on to other teams in the region. If Zubich sticks around she's got a chance to be great. The 6'3" 9th grade post is ranked #45 in the Freshman 50, Zubich is big, mobile, and versatile, comfortable inside or outside. Ruby appears ready for new heights.

Not all prospects are created equal. Every player matures at a different pace – physically, mentally, and emotionally. Coordination doesn't arrive on a “due-by” date. Confidence can't be installed by a skilled technician. As a result, you never really know when a player is going to break through. There are signs, though, and we've learned to recognize them.