Backcourt Leaders: Class of ’28

The regular season is where confidence is built, but true leadership reveals itself when the stakes begin to rise—and the Class of '28 guards have shown they're ready for that moment. These sophomores have taken command of their teams' backcourts, controlling tempo, making smart decisions, and delivering steady production night after night. They've balanced scoring with playmaking, applied pressure on the defensive end, and embraced the responsibility that comes with running the floor. With a full season of growth behind them, these young floor leaders aren't just guiding their teams—they're positioning them for strong postseason runs. The future is bright, but their impact is already being felt right now.    Addison, a sophomore point guard for Rockford, has been a key catalyst in her team's outstanding 19–1 season and has them soaring into the postseason with confidence. A long, athletic guard, she attacks the rim with purpose and finishes through traffic, putting constant pressure on opposing defenses. Her defensive presence matches her offensive impact, using her length and quickness to disrupt ball handlers and create turnovers. Addison's tight ball-handling and sharp passing skills allow her to control the tempo and elevate her teammates, while her ability to knock down shots from the perimeter makes her a complete scoring threat. With her all-around game and leadership, Rockford is heading into the postseason flying high.     Madison, a point guard for Utica Eisenhower, has been a driving force behind her team's impressive 17–2 record this season. When a player consistently showcases polished skills against top-tier competition, success tends to follow—and that's exactly what she's done. She's a reliable threat from beyond the arc, shooting efficiently, and handles the ball with confidence and control. Her ability to read the floor stands out, delivering sharp, on-time passes to teammates while also finishing at the rim with poise and body control. Madison's all-around command of the game has been a major reason for Utica Eisenhower's success.     Emersen, a sophomore guard for Warren Regina, has played a major role in her team's strong 15–5 campaign, impacting the game in just about every category. A true all-around contributor, she consistently fills the box score with her production on both ends of the floor. She's capable of heating up quickly from long range, stretching defenses with her perimeter shooting. With confident ball control and the ability to break down defenders, Emersen also creates quality looks for her teammates with smart, timely passes. Defensively, she takes pride in shutting down her matchup, bringing intensity and discipline, and she rebounds exceptionally well for a guard. Her versatility and steady presence have been key to Warren Regina's success this season.     Layla, a sophomore point guard for Dexter, has been a steady presence in leading her team to an 11–7 record this season. She plays the game with strong awareness and feel, consistently making smart reads and keeping her team organized. An unselfish playmaker, Layla delivers crisp, well-timed passes and creates scoring opportunities for those around her. She's also a reliable scoring option herself, capable of knocking down shots from the perimeter when called upon. On the defensive end, she competes with intensity and focus, taking pride in shutting down opposing guards. With her ability to impact multiple areas of the game, Layla is a player who can contribute across the board on any given night.     Ava, a sophomore guard for Big Rapids, has been a key contributor to her team's strong 15–4 season. She's a consistent perimeter threat, capable of burying shots from beyond the arc and forcing defenses to extend, which creates driving lanes and open looks for her teammates. Her shooting gravity alone changes the way opponents have to guard Big Rapids. As a coach's kid, Ava brings a mature approach to the game, understanding spacing, timing, and decision-making at a high level. She competes the right way, plays with strong awareness, and consistently makes winning plays that don't always show up in the box score.

The regular season is where confidence is built, but true leadership reveals itself when the stakes begin to rise—and the Class of '28 guards have shown they're ready for that moment. These sophomores have taken command of their teams' backcourts, controlling tempo, making smart decisions, and delivering steady production night after night. They've balanced scoring with playmaking, applied pressure on the defensive end, and embraced the responsibility that comes with running the floor. With a full season of growth behind them, these young floor leaders aren't just guiding their teams—they're positioning them for strong postseason runs. The future is bright, but their impact is already being felt right now.