5 underclassmen we'll be watching closely in 2026

Now that we've reached the midway point of the 2025-26 Minnesota high school basketball season, we've been reviewing our notes from the past few months and trying to project which players deserve more scrutiny in the months ahead. As potential morphs into productivity, and extensive training turns into tangible results, we think these five kids are players to watch closely in 2026.    Ranked #34 in the freshman class, LaValley is quickly moving from intriguing to undeniable. The 5'10 guard is long, versatile, and shifty, with a motor that never seems to wane. She plays fast but in control, slithering past defenders and finishing in a variety of creative ways. Her ability to change pace and direction is really good. Defensively, she uses her wingspan and anticipation to blow up passing lanes and disrupt flow. LaValley has a great feel for the game and plays with real confidence. There's still plenty of development to come, of course, but Ady has already begun nudging her way into conversations we're having with Division 1 college coaches. This is a fun two-way guard who brings edge, skill, and effort every time out.     Ranked #44 in the Freshmen 50, Reiman is one of those players you appreciate more with every single viewing. The 6-footer has the frame, length, and athleticism to thrive at the next level. Her role at Willmar continues to expand, and she's quietly become one of the Cardinals most valuable players. Reiman moves like a guard, sees the floor well, and has grown more assertive as a shooter, using a quick, confident release. On defense, she covers ground easily and makes rebounding look far less difficult than it actually is. Aliya isn't flashy, but she's strong in nearly every phase of the game which will serve her well when she eventually gets to college. A smart, unselfish competitor with tools to impact both ends, this is a player who could prove to be a major sleeper in this class.     At 6'1, Quast brings ideal size and instincts for a forward prospect. Currently ranked #61 in the Class of 2028, she's going to assert herself as a centerpiece in Shakopee's rebuilding process for coach Alex Davis. Quast rebounds well, finishes around the rim, and is becoming more fluid with the ball – showing flashes of face-up ability and improved mobility. Her mid-range jumper has become a reliable weapon, and her timing defensively is excellent. She plays with poise and doesn't force things, letting the game come to her. What excites us most is the long-term upside, especially considering her lineage – mom Angie is 6'4 with an impressive basketball resume. Ellie has the size, IQ, and work ethic to develop into a scholarship-level forward herself.     On a veteran, undefeated Rosemount team, it would be easy for a young player to get lost. Not Dilger. This dynamic guard has made the most of her opportunities and continues to do good work. The 5'6 sophomore plays with incredible confidence and never backs down. She has a beautiful shooting stroke, terrific handles, and an instinctive feel for the game. Dilger is an instant spark – hitting big threes, flying into passing lanes, and turning momentum with her fearless play. She's calm under pressure and doesn't hesitate to attack against players of all sizes and experience levels. With her swagger and quickness, she's a constant threat. We're hopeful that Dilger will grow another inch or two. For sure she'll get stronger. Those two aspects are only going to raise her potential for the collegiate game.     Unlike Dilger, Bachman is the type of player you may not notice at first. By game's end, however, the 5'8 guard has usually checked all of the boxes. Brooke is rock-solid in every phase of the game. A strong, athletic defender, she excels at creating steals and frustrating scorers with her timing, quickness and physicality. Offensively, she makes the right pass, takes smart shots, and plays her role. This past summer Bachmann was often overshadowed on the loaded Fury 2029 UAA squad – it's a veritable Who's Who in the grade – but is quietly emerging as a player who can change games. Her basketball IQ, strength, and consistency give her strong upside. Players like Brooke often get overlooked early but eventually emerge as seriously good college players. One of the best examples wore the Chaska jersey herself and Anna Lenzen of the University of Mary has turned out to be terrific.

Now that we've reached the midway point of the 2025-26 Minnesota high school basketball season, we've been reviewing our notes from the past few months and trying to project which players deserve more scrutiny in the months ahead. As potential morphs into productivity, and extensive training turns into tangible results, we think these five kids are players to watch closely in 2026.