Names to know: Freshmen we liked in Week 4

The first few weeks of the high school basketball season are always intriguing as we try to determine which prospects are making progress and how that improvement is making a difference for their teams. It's a particularly interesting equation for freshmen, whether they have already established themselves as varsity regulars or are attempting to break into the rotation.   Last week Ally McGinnis wrote about <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2025/12/eighth-and-ninth-graders-weve-been-watching/">8th and 9th graders we've been watching</a>, including 2029s [player_tooltip player_id='1317635' first='Lyla' last='Behnke'] of Spring Lake Park, [player_tooltip player_id='1090108' first='Addison' last='Harris'] of Minnehaha Academy and [player_tooltip player_id='1259899' first='Brooke' last='Johnson'] of St. Michael-Albertville. Today we've got evaluations on five more 2029s we liked during Week 4.   [player_tooltip player_id='1002988' first='Chloe' last='Reedy'] – 2029 guard, Royalton   Reedy has taken a significant leap early this season and is more than backing up her Top-30 ranking in the 2029 class. The 5'7 varsity veteran is averaging 25 points per game through her first five contests, opening the year with back-to-back career-high 28-point performances and recording her first career double-double along the way. Lightning-quick with the ball, Reedy plays with confidence, poise, and a high-level basketball IQ. She's a true scorer who can efficiently knock down shots from deep, beat defenders off the bounce, or push the pace in transition. Reedy also excels as a passer and playmaker, consistently creating opportunities for teammates. Her commitment to continuous improvement shows up at both ends of the floor on a daily basis.   [player_tooltip player_id='1246846' first='Nivaya' last='Koles'] – 2029 guard, Lakeville North   Koles has emerged as one of the most impactful under-the-radar contributors in the 2029 class, playing a much larger role for Lakeville North than anticipated. Ranked 36th among Minnesota freshmen, her trajectory is clearly trending upward. Now standing around 5'7 with added length, Koles is electric in the open court, boasting an exceptional first step and relentless motor. She scored 13 first-half points off the bench against Lakeville South and is averaging six points per game so far. Defensively, she's a nightmare for opposing guards, applying constant pressure with quick feet, fast hands, and nonstop energy. On offense, Koles is confident handling the ball, makes sharp reads, and has proven to be a knockdown shooter from long range.   [player_tooltip player_id='1275287' first='Anneliese' last='Corey'] – 2029 guard, Zumbrota-Mazeppa   Corey is a dynamic, quick guard who consistently stresses defenses with her pace, burst, and ability to play longer than her listed 5'6 frame. Her explosive first step allows Anneliese to defeat initial defenders, while her balance and body control help her slide off contact and maintain momentum. Corey is effective finishing in transition, attacking gaps, and creating scoring chances one-on-one with craft and confidence. Defensively, she uses her nice lateral mobility, reach, and anticipation to contain quick guards and generate deflections. A standout multi-sport athlete who has also drawn attention from our Prep Dig volleyball evaluators, Corey's speed, competitiveness, and two-way impact stood out in Z-M's narrow win over Lake City when we watched last week. Her upside continues to grow.   [player_tooltip player_id='916513' first='Kaylie' last='Nelson'] – 2029 guard, Edina   Nelson has settled into a consistent and increasingly important role for Edina, averaging just over seven points per game and ranking among the Hornets' top scorers. Now a regular in the starting lineup, Kaylie has handled the responsibility with maturity and confidence, highlighted by a season-high 14-point performance against Providence Academy. A skilled scorer, Nelson blends quickness on drives with elite touch from beyond the arc. Her shooting mechanics are sound, with a quick, compact release that makes her a legitimate perimeter threat. An excellent ball handler, she can shift speed and direction with ease, creating separation against quality defenders. The younger sister of Colorado College starter Isa Nelson, Kaylie projects as a scholarship-level prospect as she continues to grow and fill out physically.   [player_tooltip player_id='1379757' first='Claire' last='Fredrickson'] – 2029 guard, Waconia   Fredrickson is earning minutes as the backup point guard to [player_tooltip player_id='773415' first='Emma' last='Hanson'] (Wisconsin-Stout) on a veteran Waconia roster that has opened the season with an impressive 8-1 record. The 5'4 guard is physically strong with a compact build and she plays with a relentless, high-tempo approach. Claire gets downhill quickly, placing constant pressure on defenses in both transition and half-court settings, and is a dangerous left-handed shooter from beyond the arc. She also has excellent court vision that helps her make good decisions for a young player. Defensively, she brings energy and toughness, making it difficult for opposing offenses to get untracked. A multi-sport athlete with a strong competitive edge, Fredrickson's pace, versatility, and motor should make her an outstanding prospect for the Wildcats.

The first few weeks of the high school basketball season are always intriguing as we try to determine which prospects are making progress and how that improvement is making a difference for their teams. It's a particularly interesting equation for freshmen, whether they have already established themselves as varsity regulars or are attempting to break into the rotation.