2028 Rankings Update: Meet the newcomers, part 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Yesterday, in our first installment of the June update for the Prep Girls Hoops Class of 2028, we highlighted the biggest stock risers from this spring – players who've raised their game, often leading to a major boost in the world of recruitment. Today we're switching things up and examining the newcomers in the junior class. There are 15 additions this time around, representing 10 different AAU clubs from around Minnesota. Five of the newcomers play for Class 4A high schools, while two play in 3A, and Class 2A and 1A are home to four apiece. Here is part one of our June newcomers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#88 [player_tooltip player_id='1311115' first='Eleanor' last='Donner'] – 6'1 forward, Edina</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The pieces have all started clicking for Donner (pictured above) as of late. The 6'1 forward's skill has grown and so has her assertiveness on the offensive end. She's shooting more, attacking the basket more, and upping her production all around. Athletically, Eleanor's size and length will be tremendous assets at the next level, and her game is getting smoother, too. Debuting in the rankings at #88, the trajectory is up from here for the Edina forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#95 [player_tooltip player_id='1830390' first='Claire' last='Irving'] – 5'11 forward, Cromwell-Wright</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While Irving isn't exactly a household name, the 5'11 forward has been making a case for herself with [program_tooltip program_id='779294' first='Northern' last='Lights'] this spring. With the versatility to play both in the post and on the perimeter, her size and length, as well as the ability to play multiple positions, will carry through to the next level. The Cromwell-Wright junior joins the top 100, entering the rankings for the first time at #95.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#104 [player_tooltip player_id='1830406' first='Mia' last='Hurst'] – 5'6 guard, Barnum</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Much like her [program_tooltip program_id='779294' first='Northern' last='Lights'] teammate [player_tooltip player_id='1830390' first='Claire' last='Irving'], Hurst has found her rhythm this spring. The 5'6 guard put up strong numbers for Barnum in her sophomore season, shooting particularly well from the three-point line. Mia's shooting ability has been on full display this spring, along with her willingness to get downhill and draw contact at the rim. Hurst joins the rankings at #104.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":996446,"width":"349px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/09/806-Carlie-Schultz-1.jpg?w=892" alt="" class="wp-image-996446" style="width:349px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='992394' first='Carlie' last='Schultz']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#105 [player_tooltip player_id='992394' first='Carlie' last='Schultz'] – 5'9 wing, Wheaton Area</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After watching her with [program_tooltip program_id='713021' first='West' last='Central United'] this spring, it became obvious that Schultz had earned a spot in the Class of 2028 rankings. She's gritty, highly competitive, a standout defender, and can score the ball from anywhere on the floor. Carlie's physical strength, mental toughness, and constant motor are just what many college coaches are searching for. The Wheaton Area junior finds her place at #105 in the class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#130 [player_tooltip player_id='1274319' first='Reese' last='Rodriguez'] – 5'9 guard/wing, Waseca</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Waseca standout's entrance to the rankings is long overdue. Strong, quick, and remarkably tough, Rodriguez plays the game with a gritty, competitive spirit that is impossible to ignore. The 5'9 guard attacks the rim with purpose, can create space for herself on the perimeter, and has been a standout performer for [program_tooltip program_id='713291' first='Minnesota' last='Nice'] all spring. Reese's poise, motor, and ability to play with pace set her apart. She joins the conversation at #130.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#131 [player_tooltip player_id='992378' first='Aaveah' last='Stender'] – 6'0 post, Hillcrest Lutheran</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After a deep post-season run with Hillcrest Lutheran this winter, Stender looks ready to take her game to the next level. With significantly more confidence at her disposal, the 6-foot forward has learned to hold her own in the paint, regardless of the matchup. Aaveah rebounds with purpose, defends with physicality, works tirelessly each time she steps on the floor. Playing up a year with [program_tooltip program_id='713021' first='West' last='Central United']'s 2027 squad, Stender is poised for a big year ahead. She comes in at #131.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":992766,"width":"722px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/09/Clarissa-Ross-PGH-crop-4795x3149-1726006939.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-992766" style="width:722px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='885227' first='Clarissa' last='Ross']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#132 [player_tooltip player_id='885227' first='Clarissa' last='Ross'] – 5'9 guard, Minnehaha Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Surrounded by a Minnehaha Academy roster that is always loaded with big names, Ross has been dutifully putting in the work for the past several years. The 5'9 guard is a reliable and hardworking defender, who is quick enough to defend the perimeter, but strong enough to switch onto much larger opponents. Clarissa excels at scoring on drives to the rim, where her ability to finish tough shots through contact makes her tough for opponents to handle. She joins the rankings at #132.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#133 [player_tooltip player_id='1313200' first='Kalia' last='De Los Reyes'] – 5'10 forward, Maple Grove</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With a program as deep as Maple Grove, players like De Los Reyes often have to wait for their turn in the spotlight, but this year may be her time to shine. Both lengthy and highly athletic, the 5'10 forward has been steadily improving season over season. Kalia plays with energy, is aggressive on the boards, and is showing more and more upside as of late. A staple member of [program_tooltip program_id='767539' first='Minnesota' last='Comets'] Boone this spring, De Los Reyes slots in at #133.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>ABOUT THE RANKINGS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Prep Girls Hoops prospect rankings are based on an individual player's <strong>potential at the collegiate level</strong>. The rankings are <strong>NOT</strong> based solely on current performance, as there are a multitude of factors that determine how a player's game will translate to the next level. If you'd like to learn more about the Prep Girls Hoops rankings process, please visit the <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/how-we-rank/">How We Rank</a></strong> section under the Rankings tab.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->