2028 Rankings Update: Combo Guards

Tuesday afternoon, we released an updated rankings list for the Class of 2028. The current list consists of a Top 75, along with a watch list of 86 prospects. All in all, it expanded by 11 prospects overall, which we introduced in a couple of articles last Tuesday morning. At this point in time, we turn our attention to the combo guards in the group, highlighted by 5 players near the bottom of this article who have really stepped up their games over the past 3 months.    .    Natalie actually has the type of game that showcases versatility, so it's in her best interest to not be labeled as a point guard or shooting guard. She is good with the ball in her hands, she can initiate the offense, and she can create some off the dribble. But she can also act as a legit scoring threat, get downhill against the defense, or knock down open rhythm jumpers from the perimeter. She is very steady, poised, and rarely makes mistakes...or the same mistake twice. She's also a nice all-around athlete and an effortful defender. I'd expect her to draw a wide array of recruiting interest this next year.     Too often when a player is an outstanding perimeter shooter, they get labeled immediately, and it can be difficult for anyone to see the other parts of their game they also do at a high level. Luci was a very good shooter in middle school, and she has continued that throughout high school and grassroots ball, making tough shots from distance, and with pressure in her face. But over the past 12 to 18 months, she has also shown the ability to get her team(s) into offense, find open teammates in positions to score, and create off the dribble. She also utilizes her tremendous length well at the defensive end.     Carlee has some similarities to a [player_tooltip player_id='999426' first='Natalie' last='Stenger'] (above), in that she also does a lot of things for her team(s) each time out. She has a wiry-strong, athletic frame, she is a solid athlete in most directions, but it's her multilevel scoring and creativity that stand out. She can create for herself and others, she can make shots consistently at all three levels, but it's her efficiency that I think is rare for someone her age. She doesn't force too often, and she is accurate when she does shoot it. She plays with a ton of energy, understands how to change speeds, and she can defend multiple positions.     Claire is someone who has flown somewhat under the radar throughout her career, but these past several months she has shown her capabilities. For the Lady Bulldogs over the Winter, Claire averaged 9.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 2.6 steals per game. She showed the ability to put up points, when necessary, but she was also a willing facilitator, and she uses her strong, athletic frame to get inside and rebound well for a guard. Additionally, she shot 45% from the field and 42% (33-79) from 3-point range. She could be a really nice, multifaceted guard at the next level.     Beware the Golden Bear! Monroe Central could find their way back into the rankings for the first time in several years behind a quintet of 2028s who were their Top 5 scorers this past season. I'm still not sure how they weren't ranked at the end of the year at 21-3 overall. Anyway, "Abe" topped the list in scoring, but she also led them in assists and steals, plus she was second in rebounding. She is the total package at the Class 1A level and a tremendously difficult matchup. She is athletic, versatile, skilled, and she plays with a nice motor. I'd expect her recruiting to pick up soon enough.

Tuesday afternoon, we released an updated rankings list for the Class of 2028. The current list consists of a Top 75, along with a watch list of 86 prospects. All in all, it expanded by 11 prospects overall, which we introduced in a couple of articles last Tuesday morning. At this point in time, we turn our attention to the combo guards in the group, highlighted by 5 players near the bottom of this article who have really stepped up their games over the past 3 months.