Underappreciated prospects we watched in 2025

With the Times Square ball drop now well behind us, we've opted to take a look back at 2025. We saw countless players from around Minnesota, and some from the surrounding states, many whose performances we highlighted over the year. Looking back, there are some players we felt deserved a bit of extra recognition. Whether they stood out to us at a showcase, the AAU season, on their high school squad, or all of the above, there are always a handful of underappreciated players in each class. Here are some that came to mind.    [player_tooltip player_id='667779' first='Grace' last='Prose'] – 2027 Guard, Mahtomedi   We saw Prose make big leaps in her game in 2025, both for her AAU program, [program_tooltip program_id='712665' first='Metro' last='Stars'], and with Mahtomedi. The dynamic, versatile scorer became a consistent performer for the Zephyrs in her sophomore campaign, and has truly stepped up to the plate as the team's top performer this season, averaging just over 20 points per game. The 5'8 guard is a relentless competitor who plays with confidence and toughness on both ends of the floor. Prose is a skilled ball handler and passer who has a keen sense of how to read and manipulate the defense. Her shifty footwork and explosiveness allow her to easily blow by defenders on her way to the basket.    [player_tooltip player_id='919125' first='Breckin' last='Whynott'] – 2027 Wing/Forward, Woodbury   Whynott proved herself as a high-impact utility player in 2025. The 5'11 forward brought her gritty, non-stop motor each time she took to the court, regardless of what team she was playing for. With her versatility on full display, the Woodbury junior excelled at our Top 250 Showcase in September. Through her unwavering effort on the boards, her ability to use her length to block shots and create deflections on the defensive end, and her consistent willingness to get her hands dirty and make hustle plays, Breckin impressed scouts and coaches alike. Add in her athleticism and ability to create offense off broken possessions and Whynott becomes a hidden gem in the 2027 class.   [player_tooltip player_id='815083' first='Amelia' last='Ecker'] – 2028 Forward/Center, East Ridge   As a top 25 prospect in the loaded 2028 class, there is no doubt that Ecker has high-level collegiate potential. (In November she collected Division 1 offers from both St. Thomas and North Dakota.) That became even clearer this past year, with the East Ridge post becoming stronger and more skilled. The Raptors sophomore has excelled at a high-intensity rebounder and paint protector this season, with her offensive skillset expanding as well. The 6'1 forward keeps things simple around the rim, utilizing strong shot selection and a soft touch to be a consistent threat in the paint. Amelia is currently averaging just over 8 points plus 6.9 boards per contest. She is the Raptors second-leading scorer, behind Oklahoma signee [player_tooltip player_id='351665' first='Vienna' last='Murray'].   [player_tooltip player_id='990349' first='Jailynn' last='Sherill'] – 2028 Forward, Hermantown   While we don't often get to see Sherill play during the high school season, the Hermantown sophomore made a lasting impression on our scouts last summer during her time on coach Nia Hollie's [program_tooltip program_id='714566' first='Minnesota' last='Stars'] squad. The 6'0 forward used her strength, athleticism, and strong instincts to make an impact on both ends of the floor. On offense, Jailynn pushes the pace in transition, can get good looks from the perimeter, and uses her physicality to create scoring opportunities in the paint. On the defensive end she brings physicality, toughness, and a high degree of versatility. Hermantown doesn't post individual stats but the big forward has been posting quality numbers all season. Sherill will move this AAU season to [program_tooltip program_id='767539' first='Minnesota' last='Comets'] Boone.   [player_tooltip player_id='1317635' first='Lyla' last='Behnke'] – 2029 Forward, Spring Lake Park   Behnke impressed us plenty when we first discovered her in the AAU season, but her impact for Spring Lake Park so far this winter has been nothing short of outstanding. Only a 9th grader, the 6'0 forward has been crucial to the Panthers' success, particularly as the team's leading rebounder. Lyla's strength, willingness to play physical, and unwavering work ethic allow her to excel on the glass, where she has averaged in double figures all season long. Combined with her calm demeanor, high basketball IQ, reliable defense, and efficiency in the paint, Lyla's game is what many college coaches dream of for their post players. We suspect she'll draw plenty of attention from all the right places in 2026.

With the Times Square ball drop now well behind us, we've opted to take a look back at 2025. We saw countless players from around Minnesota, and some from the surrounding states, many whose performances we highlighted over the year. Looking back, there are some players we felt deserved a bit of extra recognition. Whether they stood out to us at a showcase, the AAU season, on their high school squad, or all of the above, there are always a handful of underappreciated players in each class. Here are some that came to mind.