Breakout Watch: AAU Edition, part 2

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Every summer, there's a group of players that use the AAU circuit to take a step forward, and this is another one to keep an eye on. It's where confidence starts to grow, skills get tighter, and players begin to separate themselves heading into the high school season. For some, it's about showing they can compete at a higher level. For others, it's about backing up what they've already put on film. This group fits right in that space. They've shown flashes, and now it's about putting it together over the course of the summer. With strong performances, they can build real momentum and carry that into the winter. Don't be surprised when these names start coming up more once the high school season gets going.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='881084' first='Macy' last='Castle'] <strong>- 2028 guard, [program_tooltip program_id='767539' first='Minnesota' last='Comets']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Castle is a name to keep tracking heading into the AAU season after putting together a strong sophomore campaign. The 5'7 point guard is steady when the pressure ramps up, showing she can run a team and still go get a bucket when needed. She has a quick first step and sees the floor well, which allows her to break pressure almost by herself. That's a skill that translates right away at the next level. What stands out is her shot-making ability – she's comfortable in big moments and doesn't shy away late in games. With another summer coming up with the Comets, expect her confidence and production to keep trending up. Her stock is moving in the right direction. <strong><a href="https://x.com/bO_One15/status/2010470004739989948?s=20">Watch her video</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='639702' first='Ellie' last='Drange'] - <strong>2027 guard, [program_tooltip program_id='712362' first='Legacy' last='Hoops']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is a big stretch coming up for Drange as she heads into her senior year, and the timing couldn't be better. Offers are starting to come in, and she's in a position to build on that momentum right now. The 5'9 combo guard is carrying over confidence from her state tournament run and looks ready to take another step this spring with [program_tooltip program_id='712362' first='Legacy' last='Hoops'] <strong>Elite</strong>. Her ability to stretch the floor makes her a tough matchup, especially when she's playing with the kind of confidence she has right now. She's scoring it clean and making good decisions with the ball in her hands. College coaches are starting to take notice, and if she puts together the kind of summer she's capable of, expect that list of offers to keep growing. <strong><a href="https://x.com/elliedrange/status/2037906915259187617?s=20">Watch her video</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='916513' first='Kaylie' last='Nelson'] -<strong> 2029 guard, [program_tooltip program_id='712697' first='MN' last='Crossfire'] 2029 E32</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There was a time when freshmen playing varsity was rare, but that's starting to change, and Nelson is part of that next wave. She earned steady varsity minutes and made the most of her opportunities. The 2029 guard showed she can score in different ways – off the bounce, on the move, and as a spot-up shooter. She also proved to be reliable at the free throw line, shooting over 90% during her freshman season. That kind of consistency stands out. Heading into the AAU season with Crossfire 2029 E32, this will be a good chance for her to keep developing and gain more exposure. As her role continues to grow, so will her impact. <strong><a href="https://x.com/KaylieNels11/status/2030682488809402653?s=20">Watch her video</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='992407' first='Izzy' last='Johnson'] <strong>- 2028 forward, [program_tooltip program_id='767539' first='Minnesota' last='Comets']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson is another name in the 2028 class that continues to trend in the right direction. She earned all-conference honorable mention this winter and showed flashes of what she can become. Now the focus shifts to building on that experience heading into the AAU season. She has a soft touch from the outside, but what makes her tough is her willingness to put it on the deck, get downhill, and play through contact. On the defensive end, her length stands out. She's active in passing lanes, alters shots, and competes on every possession. Playing with the Comets again this summer should give her plenty of opportunities to keep developing. Don't be surprised if both her game and her confidence take another step forward. <strong><a href="https://x.com/MNCometsGirls/status/2037701873956716801?s=20">Watch her video</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='764204' first='Kahlen' last='Suelflow'] <strong>- 2027 guard, [program_tooltip program_id='756457' first='Opportunity' last='Basketball']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What Suelflow may lack in size, she makes up for with toughness and compete level. She played a key role in helping the Mainstreeters make a run to the state tournament, and while it didn't finish the way they hoped, that kind of experience matters. Just getting there says a lot about the group and her impact within it. She'll carry that into the summer with Opportunity North, where her skillset fits well. She can knock down shots from the outside and is capable of putting it on the floor to create for herself and others. She plays with confidence and doesn't back down. Expect her to keep building off that postseason run and continue to grow her game. <strong><a href="https://x.com/KahlenSuelflow/status/2035882711324242320?s=20">Watch her video</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->