2028 Rankings – Who Moved Up

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Movement in the rankings is earned through <strong>impact, growth, and consistency</strong>, and this update reflects players who have clearly separated themselves. [player_tooltip player_id='885716' first='Maddison' last='Green'], [player_tooltip player_id='1239490' first='Leah' last='Pierce'], [player_tooltip player_id='1574465' first='Makenzie' last='James'], [player_tooltip player_id='877549' first='Ella' last='Davis'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1165184' first='Kacie' last='Nelson'] each forced their way upward by changing games in different ways — whether through scoring responsibility, defensive disruption, versatility, or competitive edge. This group didn't just benefit from opportunity; they maximized it. Their rise is rooted in habits that show up night after night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["877549"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-694e91ef8bf7b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='877549' first='Ella' last='Davis'] | 5'8” G/F | Good Hope High School (AL)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='877549' first='Ella' last='Davis'] is a <strong>versatile, instinct-driven guard/forward</strong> who plays the game with feel and toughness. She blends perimeter skill with a willingness to mix it up inside, making her a difficult matchup across lineups. Davis scores within the flow, using timing, angles, and confidence rather than forcing action. She has a natural sense for when to cut, when to space, and when to assert herself. Defensively, she competes with physicality and awareness, holding her ground against bigger players and staying connected on the perimeter. Davis brings a <strong>steady, winning presence</strong> that shows up in the details.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1574465"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-694e91ef8c019"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1574465' first='Makenzie' last='James'] | 6'0” SF | Murphy High School (AL)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1574465' first='Makenzie' last='James'] impacts the game with <strong>elite athleticism, length, and instincts</strong>, often tilting possessions without needing the ball in her hands. At <strong>6'0” with long limbs and quick-twitch explosiveness</strong>, she covers ground effortlessly and overwhelms space on both ends. Averaging <strong>11.7 points and 6 rebounds per game on 50% shooting</strong>, she scores efficiently by picking her spots and finishing plays above and around defenders. What truly separates James is her defensive presence — posting <strong>4.2 steals per game (5th in her class)</strong> by reading eyes, jumping lanes, and using her length to erase passing windows. She plays passing lanes like a free safety, turning anticipation into instant offense. James is a <strong>high-ceiling wing</strong> whose athletic tools and defensive impact drive winning.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1165184"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-694e91ef8c09b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1165184' first='Kacie' last='Nelson'] | 5'8” SG | Deshler High School (AL)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1165184' first='Kacie' last='Nelson'] plays with a <strong>scorer's edge</strong>, the kind that shows up possession after possession and wears defenses down. Sitting at <strong>21 points per game (5th in her class)</strong>, she's decisive with the ball — attacking early, embracing contact, and finishing plays instead of dancing around them. Nelson doesn't just score; she <strong>hunts mismatches</strong>, using strength and timing to get to her spots. Her impact extends defensively, where her instincts and anticipation produce <strong>2.8 steals and 2 blocks per game</strong>, often flipping momentum instantly. She rebounds her position and keeps the ball moving when help collapses. Nelson is the type of guard who <strong>sets the tone with aggression</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1239490"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-694e91ef8c119"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1239490' first='Leah' last='Pierce'] | 5'7” Combo Guard | Falkville High School (AL)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1239490' first='Leah' last='Pierce'] is a <strong>confident, volume-scoring combo guard</strong> who thrives in rhythm and doesn't shy away from responsibility. Averaging <strong>23 points and 7 rebounds per game</strong>, she ranks as the <strong>3rd leading scorer in her class</strong>, carrying a heavy offensive load with composure. Pierce has a natural feel for finding space — scoring off the bounce, off movement, and in transition. Defensively, she stays active and disruptive, posting <strong>3.8 steals per game (10th in her class)</strong> by anticipating passing lanes and applying pressure. She rebounds well for her size and plays with competitive edge on both ends. Pierce is at her best when the ball finds her in big moments — <strong>she's comfortable being the answer</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["885716"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-694e91ef8c195"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='885716' first='Maddison' last='Green'] | 5'6” Combo Guard | Calera High School (AL)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='885716' first='Maddison' last='Green'] is a <strong>speed-driven, pressure guard</strong> who bends defenses with quickness and craft. Averaging <strong>15 points per game</strong> and ranking <strong>10th in her class in scoring</strong>, she consistently gets downhill, using change of pace and <strong>elite crafty finishes</strong> to score in traffic. Green thrives in tight spaces, slipping through gaps and finishing before help can load up. Defensively, she's an <strong>active on-ball presence</strong>, applying constant pressure and disrupting rhythm at the point of attack. Her energy sets the tone on both ends, especially in up-tempo games. Green's game is built to <strong>stress defenses possession by possession</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What connects these movers isn't a single stat or role, but <strong>trust</strong> — trust from coaches, trust in big moments, and trust that their production translates. Each player has expanded her footprint on the game, making it harder to ignore their value. As the season continues, upward movement will remain fluid, but these names have planted themselves firmly in the conversation. This isn't noise — it's earned ground.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->