Battle on the Hardwood: Upperclassmen who upped their game

With two major AAU events on the schedule on the final weekend in May, there were decisions to be made on how best to provide coverage. Prep Girls Hoops scout Ally McGinnis and our intern Paxyn Rendahl elected to take on the [program_tooltip program_id='714566' first='Minnesota' last='Stars'] Summer Kickoff in Bloomington, which featured more high-profile prospects. I went to the [program_tooltip program_id='712697' first='MN' last='Crossfire'] Battle on the Hardwood in Rosemount and Lakeville in search of more under-the-radar players who have the potential to play in college. I hoped we'd see some incoming seniors and juniors who have raised their game. Here are five prospects who did just that over the weekend.    We've been waiting patiently for everything to come together for Lauinger. On Sunday at Lakeville South the waiting ended. A standout defender for years, Natalie's offensive game has made dramatic strides in recent months, growth that is transforming her into a classic late bloomer. She runs like a track athlete, moves effortlessly laterally, and fires crisp passes that arrive exactly where they need to be. The daughter of Bethel University assistant coach Scott Lauinger, Natalie plays with the poise, discipline, and decision-making you'd expect from someone who grew up around the game. The Centennial guard isn't flashy and rarely forces the action, but she sees the game unfolding a step ahead of most players on the floor. Her eyes are constantly scanning, processing, and searching for the next advantage. Look for a big year from the senior-to-be. She's ready.     As if it wasn't confusing enough watching Crossfire Bluestar against Crossfire E32, I had to glance at the Bluestar roster more than once to be certain if I was watching Lauinger or McCormick. The two might pass for sisters, both in appearance and in the way they play the game. The two guards are both intelligent, unselfish, and relentlessly competitive. McCormick might be a touch more aggressive offensively. She gets into the paint, creates opportunities, and always seems willing to make the extra pass if it leads to a better shot. My favorite moment came when she absorbed a hard charge from big [player_tooltip player_id='999564' first='Taylah' last='Jahnke'], hit the floor with a bang, then looked up with a big smile on her face as teammates rushed over to help her get up. That tells you plenty about her mindset. Ellie plays fast without appearing rushed, defends with purpose, and impacts the game in subtle ways.     Some players score points. Others quietly make life miserable for whoever is trying to bring the ball up the floor. Some do both. That would be Fehr. The Morris Area guard plays defense with the determination of someone trying to settle a personal score. She anticipates exceptionally well, closes space quickly, and constantly seems to arrive at the basketball a split second before everyone else. Those 79 steals she recorded during the high school season were no accident. Offensively, Chloe keeps things simple and effective. She pushes tempo, distributes willingly, and attacks openings when they appear. There's a businesslike quality to her game that I appreciate. No wasted movement, no unnecessary drama – just possession after possession of take-no-prisoners basketball.     Schultz might be one of the better-kept secrets in Minnesota's Class of 2028. Watching her this weekend, I found myself wondering why we haven't written more about her. The Wheaton-Herman-Norcross standout tied for second in scoring in the top 11th-grade division at the Battle on the Hardwood while knocking down eight three-pointers for the weekend. She looks every bit the athlete, with broad shoulders, a strong base, and the ability to move effectively regardless of the circumstances. What stood out most, though, was her persistence. Schultz chases loose balls, recovers immediately from errors, and keeps showing up in the middle of important plays. Scoring grabs people's attention, of course, but it's the competitiveness that sticks with you. This is a player capable of helping college programs win games.     Jahnke is one of those players who leaves a dent in every game she plays. Everything Taylah does carries a certain force behind it. The Watertown-Mayer standout is technically a forward, though she often plays more like a powerful guard who enjoys challenging defenders physically. She attacks gaps, welcomes contact, and never seems to back away from a confrontation near the basket. Her 18-point performance in the championship game was a perfect example. When the competition got tougher, she seemed to get more comfortable. What makes Taylah intriguing long-term is that there's still obvious room for growth. If her shooting continues to develop (especially from distance) her combination of strength, toughness, and playmaking ability will become even more difficult for opponents to handle. She may be a scholarship player before it's all said and done.

With two major AAU events on the schedule on the final weekend in May, there were decisions to be made on how best to provide coverage. Prep Girls Hoops scout Ally McGinnis and our intern Paxyn Rendahl elected to take on the Minnesota Stars Summer Kickoff in Bloomington, which featured more high-profile prospects. I went to the MN Crossfire Battle on the Hardwood in Rosemount and Lakeville in search of more under-the-radar players who have the potential to play in college. I hoped we'd see some incoming seniors and juniors who have raised their game. Here are five prospects who did just that over the weekend.