2027 Rankings update: Meet the new guards, part 1

Last week we published the winter update of the Prep Girls Hoops Class of 2027 rankings. Two players were removed from the list – one left the state, the other retired from basketball – and 17 newcomers were added. That brings our total number of ranked juniors in Minnesota to 165. <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2026/02/2027-rankings-update-new-forwards-are-a-big-deal/">Click here</a> to read about the top new forwards. Read on to learn about the guards.    Hovland consistently makes her presence felt. The athletic guard is a consistent double-digit scorer and has her share of productive games. She does a little bit of everything for the Vikings – attacks the rim, rebounds with intent, defends with energy and knocks down perimeter shots. When we watched her against Albany she buried six threes, showcasing a smooth, repeatable release. This consistent backcourt scorer gets downhill with good quickness and has shown the ability to hit big shots under pressure.     Helgenset is a dynamic scorer. Averaging 21 points per game – including a 48-point explosion last season – she plays with confidence and range that extends well beyond the arc. Her shot is high and quick, and she's fearless when the moment demands one more bucket. Kaida shoulders a heavy offensive load and embraces it. She's also a disruptive defender, collecting 92 steals with sharp anticipation and quick hands. Creative off the bounce and dangerous from deep, Helgenset is a constant offensive threat.     Andreson is quick in every direction and rarely seems to tire. A state-qualifying hurdler, she brings that same speed and stamina to the court. Joszette is a pesky on-ball defender often tasked with guarding the opponent's top perimeter threat. Offensively she gets downhill with her first step, moves the ball well and makes sound decisions. Leave her open and she'll knock down the three. A junior captain who gives maximum effort every possession, Andreson is a respected leader and captain.     Jackson is a versatile combo guard who turned heads at the PGH Expo and carried that momentum into a breakout season. She doubled her scoring output to over 9 points per game while helping Roseville reach 20 wins. Molly finishes smoothly with either hand, shoots the three with confidence and rebounds well at her position. She anticipates passing lanes and creates extra possessions. Her floor-spacing ability adds balance to the offense, and she plays with poise and growing confidence.     Phillippe is a skilled guard who plays with equal parts passion and composure. A terrific ball handler, she creates space with fakes, hesitations and crafty footwork before rising into a confident step-back jumper. Quick and explosive, Lauren can get by defenders or stretch the floor from deep. She defends with intensity and rarely makes mistakes. Under new coach Dre Jefferson she earned meaningful minutes by playing smart, efficient basketball. Phillippe is steady, confident and poised.     Anderson brings hustle and heart every night. A relentless worker, she combines a silky shooting stroke with disciplined mechanics, holding her follow-through with textbook precision. Lydia accelerates well, has some bounce, and competes hard. Defensively she anticipates passing lanes and forces turnovers at a high rate. Coaches love players who simply keep going and she fits that mold. Lydia's effort, shot-making ability and defensive motor make her a valuable piece.     Christiansen has carved out a valuable role for Lakeville North. Appearing in 20 games and averaging 4.2 points, she can be an impact player without scoring a bucket. She may be the Panthers' best on-ball defender, often assigned to the opponent's top guard. Lily handles the ball with confidence, rarely turns it over and plays with a relentless motor. Her contributions aren't flashy, but they're essential. Christiansen understands her role and executes it with discipline.

Last week we published the winter update of the Prep Girls Hoops Class of 2027 rankings. Two players were removed from the list – one left the state, the other retired from basketball – and 17 newcomers were added. That brings our total number of ranked juniors in Minnesota to 165. Click here to read about the top new forwards. Read on to learn about the guards.