High School Preview: Emerging talent in Class A

Monday marked the first day of high school basketball practice in Minnesota and the regular season is just 10 days away. Play opens Friday, Nov. 21 with a pair of Class A matchups at Mayer Lutheran High School as part of the annual Breakdown Tip Off Classic. As the campaign begins, we thought you might like to know which players are emerging in Class A.   The most accomplished small-school players in the state are well-known by now, led by North Dakota State commit [player_tooltip player_id='498658' first='Morgan' last='Mathiowetz'] of Sleepy Eye St. Mary's, a top 10 junior. The highest-rated senior is #14 [player_tooltip player_id='515673' first='Brielle' last='Janssen'] of MACCRAY (Minnesota State-Mankato). The best sophomore prospect is 12th-ranked [player_tooltip player_id='653853' first='Peyton' last='Hoffman'] of Climax-Fisher along with #18 [player_tooltip player_id='565313' first='Elsa' last='Retzlaff'] of Hillcrest Lutheran Academy. The highest-ranked freshmen in Class A are #13 [player_tooltip player_id='1265103' first='Farrah' last='Thomas'] of Mountain Iron-Buhl and #22 [player_tooltip player_id='1264767' first='Elaine' last='Schwarz'] of Blooming Prairie.   Who else should you be watching? Here are five more Class A participants who are ready to break out.    Makepeace averaged an impressive 15.8 points per game and earned All-Conference honors last season as a freshman, establishing herself as one of Minnesota's elite shooters. The 5'5 guard made a remarkable 96 three-point baskets and shows NBA range with effortless form. A shifty combo guard, she uses a tight handle, quick first step, and change-of-pace dribble to create space. The daughter of skills trainer and coach Daniel Makepeace, her polish and confidence are evident. Veda's floater, craftiness in traffic, and ability to score off the bounce make her a constant threat. Few players her age combine skill, IQ, and shooting ability quite like Makepeace.     A 6'2 transfer from Wahpeton (North Dakota), Fobb immediately stands out with her size, strength, and inside-out versatility. She's a physical, aggressive post who can score through contact, block shots, and rebound with purpose. Just as comfortable facing the basket off the bounce as she is posting up, Fobb has expanded her range to the three-point line, making her tough to defend. Holding Division 2 offers, she's highly coachable, hardworking, and team-oriented. Her energy, communication, and defensive instincts set the tone for her teammates. Fobb, who will be added to the 2027 prospect rankings at the next update in February, will be an impact player in Minnesota.     Ranked #38 in Minnesota's Class of 2029, Nesvig has been on our radar since her 7th-grade debut at the Breakdown Tip Off Classic two years ago. The Hancock guard brings relentless energy, disruptive defense, and a never-quit motor to every game. A confident, varsity-tested competitor, she pressures ball-handlers, generates turnovers, and scores in multiple ways. Coaches rave about her leadership abilities and consistent effort level. She gets to the line often through sheer fearlessness and plays with emotion and purpose. Once she polishes her right hand a little more, Nesvig's well-rounded game and unmatched drive will propel her to a new standard.     Bergan, a 5'11 long, lean, and highly athletic guard, is one of the most intriguing 2029 prospects in Minnesota. Discovered this summer, she showed rapid growth during her first AAU season, displaying bounce, timing, and tremendous natural feel for the game. Rinlee handles the ball well, elevates to finish in traffic, and shows instincts beyond her experience level. Still raw but improving quickly, Bergan can score inside or out and defend multiple positions. With continued development of her shooting and strength, Rinlee has the tools and athletic upside to become a high-level two-way player in the years ahead.     Just a 7th grader last season, Retzlaff averaged 13.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 2.8 steals per game for Hillcrest Academy in Fergus Falls – an impressive stat line for any age but particularly for a first-year varsity competitor. The 5'8 guard is strong, confident, and plays with maturity well beyond her years. A capable three-point shooter and physical finisher, she attacks off the dribble, absorbs contact, and can defend both guards and posts. Retzlaff's anticipation on defense creates turnovers that fuel her transition game. Also a volleyball and track athlete, Elin is already one of the top 10 prospects in West Central Minnesota and looks destined for big things.

Monday marked the first day of high school basketball practice in Minnesota and the regular season is just 10 days away. Play opens Friday, Nov. 21 with a pair of Class A matchups at Mayer Lutheran High School as part of the annual Breakdown Tip Off Classic. As the campaign begins, we thought you might like to know which players are emerging in Class A.