Prospects on the rise at the Spring Showdown

Whether it's live or local, there are always plenty of players worth watching on any given weekend. While many of Minnesota's top prospects were scattered across the country for the NCAA Live Period in Texas, Pennsylvania, Arizona and beyond, there was still plenty to see back home. Our goal at the Spring Showdown was simple: find some fresh faces and check in on previously scouted players. In other words, prospects on the rise. We saw plenty of both Friday through Sunday at Kennedy High School in Bloomington.   [player_tooltip player_id='1235498' first='Ella' last='Ling'] – 2027 guard, Opportunity 11 Black   Ling's name has been popping up more and more in Division 3 conversations, and it's easy to see why. Pictured above, the bouncy guard from PACT Charter in Ramsey averaged around 14 points and 4 rebounds this winter, and we're admittedly a little late to the party in recognizing her potential to be successful at the next level. She's an intelligent point guard who can score off the bounce, knock down mid-range shots, and play with pace. Ling sees the floor well, makes smart decisions, and competes defensively. A three-sport athlete, she reached the 1,000-point milestone this season. We were super-impressed watching her live.   [player_tooltip player_id='998169' first='Averie' last='Mieseler'] – 2027 guard, Southern [program_tooltip program_id='712687' first='Minnesota' last='Fury'] 2027   If you're looking for traits that will move a player up the ladder in a hurry, aggressiveness and confidence are near the top of the list. Mieseler showed plenty of both this weekend. The 6-footer from Belle Plaine has always had intriguing tools: length, fluidity, and size that translate well. What stood out here was her willingness to attack. She played a more physical brand, got downhill consistently, and didn't back off. If that mindset sticks, her ceiling rises quickly. There's Division II potential here if this alpha approach takes hold.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/04/Reese-Rodriguez-crop-5309x3486-1776830408.jpeg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1830393" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1274319' first='Reese' last='Rodriguez'] – 2028 guard, [program_tooltip program_id='713291' first='Minnesota' last='Nice']   We hadn't seen Rodriguez live since last summer, but the growth in her game is clear. The 5'9 Waseca guard is strong, composed, and plays the game at her own pace. She doesn't get rushed, creates her own shots, and averaged over 11 points per game at the event. A three-sport athlete, Rodriguez brings toughness and athleticism to both ends of the court. Defensively, she competes with purpose. and passion. Reese should already be ranked, but it's really a case of out-of-sight, out-of-mind on our part. She looks like a college-level prospect, and we'll be adding her in June at the next rankings update.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/04/Wake_Irving-crop-5548x3643-1776830479.jpeg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1830395" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='867616' first='Nora' last='Wake'] & [player_tooltip player_id='1830390' first='Claire' last='Irving'] – [program_tooltip program_id='779294' first='Northern' last='Lights'] 10   Adam Johnson's [program_tooltip program_id='779294' first='Northern' last='Lights'] teams rarely overwhelm with flash, but they consistently impress with effort and execution. Wake and Irvine fit that mold. Nora, a Top 75 prospect in the 2028 class, continues to expand her game. At 5'11, she uses her length well – especially on the boards – and shows good feel as a passer. She can stretch the floor with a smooth stroke and scored 15 in one of the weekend's matchups. Irving, a lesser-known prospect from Cromwell, brings subustantial size and versatility. She moves well, plays both inside and out, and uses her length effectively. We also liked what we saw from Barnum's [player_tooltip player_id='1830406' first='Mia' last='Hurst'], who averaged 13 points per game for the weekend. Wake has drawn more attention so far, but Irving and Hurst are quietly building strong cases of their own.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/04/Quinn-Kangas-crop-5548x3643-1776830538.jpeg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1830397" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='942563' first='Quinn' last='Kangas'] – 2029 guard, [program_tooltip program_id='713214' first='Minnesota' last='Starks']   Kangas is another Northland prospect who continues to trend upward. Now at Cherry after starting her high school career at Duluth Marshall as an 8th grader, she looks stronger and more physically developed since last summer. After a slow start, she took over stretches of the game with her combination of athleticism and toughness. Ranked #63 in the Class of 2029, Kangas runs the floor well, defends with active hands, and turns defense into offense. She can finish at the rim or step out and knock down shots. The tools are there. I just wish we had the opportunity to see them more often in person.   [player_tooltip player_id='1830389' first='Alayna' last='Hardy'] & [player_tooltip player_id='1145711' first='Reagan' last='Essig'] – Southern [program_tooltip program_id='712687' first='Minnesota' last='Fury'] 2027   Mieseler wasn't the only Fury veteran making an impact at the Spring Showdown. Hardy and Essig bring very different styles, but together they form a strong, complementary duo. Hardy, a 6'2 forward from Winona Cotter, has steadily improved her feel and confidence. She led her team in scoring this winter at over 11 points per game and continues to become more polished and effective. Essig, on the other hand, is a compact guard with a bulldog mentality. She attacks relentlessly, isn't afraid of contact, and can score in bunches. She had 19 in a win over [program_tooltip program_id='713021' first='West' last='Central United'] and 14 against [program_tooltip program_id='713023' first='West' last='Central Wildcats']. Defensively, she's just as impactful, creating deflections and turning pressure into transition opportunities. Tough, scrappy, and fearless, Essig always seems to make makes her presence felt.

Whether it's live or local, there are always plenty of players worth watching on any given weekend. While many of Minnesota's top prospects were scattered across the country for the NCAA Live Period in Texas, Pennsylvania, Arizona and beyond, there was still plenty to see back home. Our goal at the Spring Showdown was simple: find some fresh faces and check in on previously scouted players. In other words, prospects on the rise. We saw plenty of both Friday through Sunday at Kennedy High School in Bloomington.