Best of the best at the Who's Next Combine

With 50 strong competitors in the gym – most very skilled and highly motivated – it's not easy to get yourself noticed at a showcase. There's no better way to stand out, however, than through sheer effort, that unwavering commitment to dive for every loose ball, defend with passion and intensity, and take charge on offense with an aggressive, no-holds-barred approach. That's exactly what 2030 guard [player_tooltip player_id='1826766' first='Emma' last='Casey'] did at Tuesday's Sanford Who's Next Combine at the Pentagon.   The incoming freshman was here, there and everywhere during 5-on-5 competition, forcing the hand of bigger, more experienced opponents. Pictured above, Casey attacked on offense at every opportunity, and played with that elusive “angry dawg” mentality coaches love. We've been impressed over the past few weeks with Casey's potential, but Tuesday's performance was a high-water mark.   There are so many things you can't control at a showcase: Who you're playing with. Who you're playing against. Whether or not your shots fall. How much playing time you receive with the top players. All that you can control is your attitude and effort. On a scale of 1 to 10, Emma's effort in 5-on-5 play on Tuesday was an 11.   Just 5'6, Casey plays much bigger that that. She is uber-athletic, with really quick feet, exceptional lateral movement, and a fast first step. Her skill set is advanced, with excellent ball-handling, quality shooting, effective playmaking and a defensive energy that is infectious. The young guard has recently moved from Rapid City to Sioux Falls where she will enroll at Roosevelt High School this fall. Casey had some good varsity experience as an 8th grader at Rapid City Central. If she continues to play like she has in recent weeks, it will be tough to keep her off the floor at Roosevelt.   Here are 10 more standouts we liked at the Who's Next Combine.   [player_tooltip player_id='894046' first='Emory' last='Lems'] – 2027 forward, Sioux Falls Christian   Lems continues to impress with her length, versatility, and feel for the game. The 6-foot forward runs the floor exceptionally well, finishes effectively in transition, and uses her size to create ample opportunities around the basket. She competes with intensity, passes well, and communicates constantly. One of South Dakota's top senior prospects, Emery brings value on both ends of the floor.   [player_tooltip player_id='929574' first='Hayden' last='Weber'] – 2028 guard, Sioux Falls O'Gorman   Weber killed it Tuesday in the testing session with her length and athletic ability and then backed it up with another strong on-court performance. Hayden posted the day's best vertical and highest touch, traits that affect games. She anticipates well defensively, creates steals, and turns them into offense. Hayden also shoots it confidently from deep, handles the ball well, and competes with an edge that's fun to watch.   [player_tooltip player_id='935886' first='Ellie' last='Meyer'] – 2028 guard, Sioux Falls O'Gorman   Meyer looked every bit the elite prospect she has become. The 6-foot guard posted outstanding testing numbers, including one of the day's best jumps and reaches, then translated those tools onto the floor. She handled the ball confidently, attacked the basket aggressively, rebounded, blocked shots, and finished smoothly around the rim. Tuesday was another reminder of just how high Ellie's ceiling is.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/06/Lainey-Goertz-cropped.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1874135" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1651131' first='Lainey' last='Goertz'] – 2028 guard, Woonsocket   Goertz seemed to be everywhere during 5-on-5 play at the Pentagon. The Ambush guard piled up steals, forced turnovers, and kept creating extra possessions with her relentless energy. Her long arms swallowed up loose balls, while her speed and change of pace helped her get downhill in a hurry. Lainey handles the ball well, finishes with either hand, and can score from the perimeter or the midrange. This is an intriguing young prospect on an upward trajectory.   [player_tooltip player_id='1819724' first='Jada' last='Baloun'] – 2028 guard, Highmore-Harrold   This was our first look at Baloun, who plays a refreshingly simple, efficient game. Early on she scored a fundamentally sound basket off two feet, and that meat-and-potatoes approach carried throughout the day. The 5-foot-10 wing runs well, attacks with long strides, and elevates nicely on her jumper. Her length is a defensive asset, and her confidence was strong. As a career 1,000-point scorer, Baloun is obviously productive.   [player_tooltip player_id='1819318' first='Henlee' last='Loof'] – 2028 guard, Sioux Falls Roosevelt   Every time I watch Loof, I come away a little more impressed. The Roosevelt guard continues to perform at a high level, combining confidence, athleticism, and a polished offensive game. She shoots it well from the perimeter, handles the ball well, and consistently makes winning plays. Henlee is an excellent athlete but it is her maturity and efficiency that capture my attention, two traits that translate really well in college.   [player_tooltip player_id='929563' first='Kacey' last='Jaton'] – 2028 guard, West Central   After an excellent weekend at the Dakota Challenge, Jaton followed up with a strong showing at the University of South Dakota elite camp and again on Tuesday at the combine. Watching her on four consecutive days only reinforced my strong impression of her capabilities. Jaton is polished. She scores from all three levels, creates opportunities consistently, and plays with college-like maturity. Kacey is the real deal.   [player_tooltip player_id='1874138' first='Presley' last='Trevillyan'] – 2030 guard, Hot Springs   When I see a player step onto the court wearing a big knee brace, I'm always impressed that they've put in the work to persevere and return to action. I also wonder how it will impact their play. In Presley's case there was no obvious impact because she looked really good on the big court at the Pentagon. The incoming freshman competed with energy from start to finish, battling hard on every possession, fighting for loose balls, and going toe-to-toe with some of the biggest names there. Her skillset is good and she can really shoot it.   [player_tooltip player_id='1874136' first='Jayd' last='Dettler'] – 2031 guard, Sioux Falls Jefferson   Despite being one of the youngest and smallest players at the combine, Dettler looked completely comfortable in a challenging environment. The crafty guard, who plays on the Sanford 13U Black squad, used quick feet, superior athleticism, and a high level of confidence to compete against bigger, stronger, older players all day. Jayd attacked the basket fearlessly, handled the ball well, and never looked overwhelmed. Her maturity and poise under pressure really stood out.   [player_tooltip player_id='1858301' first='Keegan' last='Carlow'] – 2031 guard, Maȟpíya Lúta   It's remarkable to think that Carlow just finished 7th grade. We've watched her numerous times over the past few weeks, including at Monday's South Dakota elite camp and Tuesday's combine, and I have just one thing to say: I love this kid! I mean how can you not be impressed by a 6-foot guard with exceptional length, athleticism and skill who has a natural feel for the game – and she plays with joy. There's a long journey ahead, of course, but the sky is the limit for Keegan.

With 50 strong competitors in the gym – most very skilled and highly motivated – it's not easy to get yourself noticed at a showcase. There's no better way to stand out, however, than through sheer effort, that unwavering commitment to dive for every loose ball, defend with passion and intensity, and take charge on offense with an aggressive, no-holds-barred approach. That's exactly what 2030 guard Emma Casey Emma Casey 5'4" | CG Rapid City Central | 2030 SD did at Tuesday's Sanford Who's Next Combine at the Pentagon.