2029 Rankings Update: Meet the newcomers, part 3

It's been a highly productive winter for members of the Prep Girls Hoops Class of 2029. Whether players took on a big role as the members of our All-Freshmen Team did, or worked their way up the varsity ladder in their particular program, a lot of prospects made good progress since we first published the Freshmen 50 last fall. Now 25 of them have been added to the 2029 rankings for the first time. Grant McGinnis and I are profiling the newcomers in five installments. Here is part 3.    Having been on our radar for a couple of years now, Karlgaard has shown some major improvements in her game. The hard working, scrappy guard served as a glue player for [program_tooltip program_id='713021' first='West' last='Central United']'s top 2029 team last summer, and was a high-octane scorer for Detroit Lakes over the winter. Sophia's game isn't flashy, but she is a consistent outside shooter, highly effective rebounder for her position, and brings an ultra-competitive blue-collar attitude to the floor. The Lakers freshman put up some big numbers this season, including a 27 point performance against Rocori back in December.     The St. Michael-Albertville freshman gradually carved out a role for herself on the varsity roster this season. Thanks to her versatility and willingness to get her hands dirty, Johnson was able to fill in gaps for the Knights. With a 5'11 stature and plenty of strength, Brooke crashed the boards, stretched the floor, and knocked down shots from beyond the arc this winter. She's certainly a player who can make an impact for STMA next year. In the meantime, though, Johnson will suit up for the [program_tooltip program_id='714566' first='Minnesota' last='Stars'] top 2029 squad in the AAU season.     Kangas played a big role for Cherry this season, often racking up big numbers in several categories on the stat sheet. Standing at 5'7, Quinn is a wing with ample length and a strong muscular frame. She's athletic, runs the floor well, and often uses her physicality to her advantage against her Class A competition. The Tigers freshman was a fast break specialist this season, using her quick hands and intensity on defense to pick up steals and score transition buckets. Kangas finishes well at the rim, but can just as easily knock down shots from long distance.     Claiming a starting spot for Faribault for the second season in a row, Berken had a big year in her freshman campaign. The 5'8 guard was the second -eading scorer for the Falcons, averaging just shy of 17 points per game, plus nearly 5 boards, 3 assists, and 4 steals. A dynamic guard with a big motor, Kyleigh does a bit of everything. She's explosive off the bounce, can consistently hit shots from the outside, and plays with a healthy amount of intensity on the defensive end of the floor. She'll play for [program_tooltip program_id='712722' first='North' last='Tartan'] SE this summer.     Quam has been a consistent contributor at the varsity level for a handful of seasons now, and was one of the leading scorers for Kenyon-Wanamingo this winter. Quick, bouncy, and light on her feet, the Knights freshman excels as a perimeter defender. With fast hands and an aggressive attitude, Mali's ability to anticipate passes and force turnover allowed her to pick up nearly 100 steals this season. In addition to her fast break scoring, the 5'7 combo guard picks up a lot of points at the rim, thanks to an explosive first step off the dribble.

It's been a highly productive winter for members of the Prep Girls Hoops Class of 2029. Whether players took on a big role as the members of our All-Freshmen Team did, or worked their way up the varsity ladder in their particular program, a lot of prospects made good progress since we first published the Freshmen 50 last fall. Now 25 of them have been added to the 2029 rankings for the first time. Grant McGinnis and I are profiling the newcomers in five installments. Here is part 3.