Eighth and ninth graders we've been watching

In most cases, the adjustment to varsity basketball takes some time for younger players. At Class 4A schools with an endless pipeline of talent, it can often take until junior or senior year for players to find their footing. For a select few, their impact is immediate. With the first few weeks of the high school season complete, we're beginning to see several young prospects make their mark at the varsity level. Here are some promising 2029 and 2030 prospects who have stood out so far this season.   MUST-SEE 2030s   [player_tooltip player_id='1090086' first='Shea' last='Watkins'] – 2030 Forward/Center, Minnehaha Academy   Watkins, pictured above on the left, has made major strides in her game since this time last year. The Minnehaha Academy 8th grader has gotten taller, stronger, and more confident as well. The 6'0 forward has been a consistent starter for the Redhawks, playing with a new level of poise and maturity. In recent matchups, Shea has excelled in scoring around the rim, grabbing rebounds, and has upped her defensive intensity. She is currently averaging just over 7 points per game, with a season-high 17-point performance in last Friday's matchup against Breckenridge.    [player_tooltip player_id='1095965' first='Kailoni' last='Johnson'] – 2030 Guard, St. Louis Park   The talented guard is a highly skilled ball handler who is both strong and light on her feet. She attacks the basket with tenacity, using crafty handles and her ability to absorb contact to get to the rim. Kailoni is currently leading the Orioles in scoring, averaging 14.3 points per game so far this season. She dropped a season-high 24 point performance this Tuesday in a close matchup against Park Center. Johnson is also excelling on the boards, averaging 6.2 rebounds a game.   [player_tooltip player_id='1325878' first='Eve' last='Schupp'] – 2030 Guard, Westonka   While the season has gotten off to a rocky start for Westonka, Schupp's contributions have not gone unnoticed. The 5'8 guard is a highly skilled, high-octane scorer who has put up some big numbers to start the season. Eve is crafty with the ball, explosive getting to the rim, and can create a shot for herself anywhere on the floor. The White Hawks 8th grader is currently leading the team with 15.5 points a game, and while shooting a whopping 40.6% from three. Schupp also leads her team in rebounds at 9.5 per game, and blocks at 3.5 a game.   [player_tooltip player_id='1120672' first='Jaycie' last='Helmer'] – 2030 Guard, Mounds View   One of the top collegiate prospects in the class, it's no surprise that Helmer has been a standout performer to start the season. The Mounds View point guard is an elite athlete and highly skilled competitor. She defends with energy, can score the ball at every level, and plays with a high degree of basketball IQ. Jaycie is currently leading the Mustangs in multiple statistical categories, averaging a team-high 18 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. The 8th grader dropped a season-high 25 points against New Prague last week, along with 9 boards, 6 assists, and 9 steals.    [player_tooltip player_id='1110548' first='Elin' last='Retzlaff'] – 2030 Guard, Hillcrest Lutheran   One of the brightest young prospects in Class A, Retzlaff has continued exactly where she left off last season. The Hillcrest Lutheran Academy 8th grader is a versatile, two-way player whose game has been on the rise for several years now. Elin, a 5'8 guard, is a three-level scoring threat who plays with physicality on both ends of the floor. She plays with a high level of confidence, poise, and possesses a stellar basketball IQ for her age. A core member of the varsity rotation, Retzlaff is currently averaging 11 points a game for the Comets.   [player_tooltip player_id='1345919' first='Alyse' last='Denne'] – 2030 Guard, Becker   Unknown to our scouts prior to this fall, Denne has made a strong impression to start the high school season. It's not much of a surprise that the pint-sized guard is already earning consistent minutes in Becker's varsity rotation. Though she's undersized, Alyse plays with an outstanding level of grit and toughness. The Bulldogs 8th grader plays with no fear, using her explosive first step and tight handle on the ball to get to the rim. Denne is just as relentless on the defensive end, using her quick hands and ability to read passing lanes to pick up just under 2 steals a game.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/05/LylaBehnke.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1249448" /></figure>   2029s TO WATCH   [player_tooltip player_id='1317635' first='Lyla' last='Behnke'] – 2029 Forward, Spring Lake Park   Pictured above, the Spring Lake Park freshman has been essential in the team's 5-0 start to the season. Behnke, a 6'0 forward, plays the game with energy, physicality, and a relentless work ethic. She has upped her performance from last season in several columns on the stat sheet, and is currently averaging 7.8 points, 2.6 steals, and 1.2 blocks a game. A tireless force on the glass, Lyla uses her size and strength to gain positioning around the rim and corral rebounds. The Panthers freshman is currently ninth in the state in rebounding, averaging just under 12 boards per contest.   [player_tooltip player_id='1090108' first='Addison' last='Harris'] – 2029 Forward/Center, Minnehaha Academy   Harris' game has taken a step up in recent months, particularly in these first few weeks of the high school season. The 6'1 forward is playing with an increased level of confidence and has become much more assertive on both ends of the floor. On the defensive end, Addison plays with physicality, taking full advantage of her strong, muscular frame. We've seen the Minnehaha Academy freshman become more aggressive on the offensive boards in recent matchups, creating extra possessions for her team. Harris also appears to be adding some range to her shot, pulling up from 3 more often lately.    [player_tooltip player_id='1259899' first='Brooke' last='Johnson'] – 2029 Guard, St. Michael-Albertville   The St. Michael-Albertville freshman has had a solid start to the season, playing consistent minutes for the Knights. The 5'11 guard impressed us at the recent Pat Patterson Tournament at Hamline University over Thanksgiving weekend, showing off her well-rounded fundamentals, willingness to be vocal on defense, and versatile skillset. Brooke has a strong frame, light feet, the ability to stretch the floor, and a willingness to crash the boards. In recent matchups, the lefty guard has shown off her ability to shoot from distance, with a particular affinity for the corner three.

In most cases, the adjustment to varsity basketball takes some time for younger players. At Class 4A schools with an endless pipeline of talent, it can often take until junior or senior year for players to find their footing. For a select few, their impact is immediate. With the first few weeks of the high school season complete, we're beginning to see several young prospects make their mark at the varsity level. Here are some promising 2029 and 2030 prospects who have stood out so far this season.