Summer Jam Standouts: Class of 2031

The Class of 2031 was one of the deepest and most talented groups on display at Summer Jam. Loaded with prospects from some of the state's top AAU programs, this class featured an impressive blend of skill, athleticism, and basketball IQ. While each player brings a unique style to the floor, they all showed flashes of the potential that makes this grade so exciting. From dynamic scorers and lockdown defenders to gifted playmakers and versatile forwards, these young standouts made their presence felt throughout the weekend. Here's a closer look at the Class of 2031 players who showcased their diverse skill sets and left a lasting impression at Summer Jam.   Gracie Cole - wing, MN Hoop Troop Red   Hovering around the 5'10" mark, Cole has about as complete a game as you could ask for at this stage of her young career. The Hoop Troop product out of Hill-Murray possesses a polished skill set that allows her to impact the game from both the perimeter and the paint. She plays with tremendous poise, patience, and pace, never looking rushed and refusing to let defenders speed her up. In an early Summer Jam matchup against [program_tooltip program_id='712352' first='Air' last='Minnesota'], Cole was virtually unstoppable. What stood out most, though, wasn't just her scoring – it was how naturally she played within the flow of the game. She consistently made the right read, creating opportunities for teammates with pinpoint outlet passes, timely backdoor feeds, and smart decisions in the pick-and-roll. She never forced the action, but when her squad needed a basket, she had no problem taking over and delivering.   Cole's combination of size, feel for the game, and versatility makes her a matchup problem. She can score at all three levels, facilitate for others, rebound her position, and defend multiple spots on the floor. Her high basketball IQ and unselfish approach elevate everyone around her. Hill-Murray returns a plethora of talent from last season, so earning significant varsity minutes won't come easily. But if Cole continues to develop at this pace, it will be difficult to keep a player with her all-around impact off the floor. She has all the tools to become a major contributor sooner rather than later.   [player_tooltip player_id='1808333' first='Leighton' last='Weatherby'] & [player_tooltip player_id='1808590' first='Nakai' last='Rucker'] - guards, [program_tooltip program_id='712362' first='Legacy' last='Hoops'] Gold 13U   This is one of the fiercest defensive backcourts you'll find at this age. They pick up full court, pressure the ball relentlessly, and make life miserable for opposing guards. Summer Jam was no different, as they consistently set the tone with their energy, toughness, and ability to speed opponents up. Both have elite defensive instincts, paired with lightning-quick hands and active feet that constantly create havoc. Whether it's forcing turnovers, jumping passing lanes, or turning defense into easy offense, they impact the game well beyond the box score.   Weatherby cut her teeth playing JV for Bloomington Jefferson last season and will be looking to carve out varsity minutes this year. Rucker, meanwhile, was an important piece off the varsity bench for Cooper last year, contributing to a Hawks squad loaded with talented underclassmen. These two aren't just defensive specialists, though. They attack the basket with confidence, embrace contact, and have the strength and body control to finish through – and even over – bigger defenders. Both have also improved as perimeter shooters, forcing defenders to respect them beyond the arc and making them much tougher covers. Their offensive growth complements the relentless defensive pressure they already bring every possession. Keep your eyes and ears open. Weatherby and Rucker are poised to make plenty of noise in the years to come. As their games continue to evolve, don't be surprised if this backcourt becomes one of the most disruptive and complete guard tandems in the state.   [player_tooltip player_id='1246119' first='Erlande' last='Lonsdale'] - guard, [program_tooltip program_id='712722' first='North' last='Tartan'] Nike   This [program_tooltip program_id='712722' first='North' last='Tartan'] squad is loaded with talent and features several names you'll be hearing for years to come. While plenty of players have filled up the scoring column, one prospect whose impact extends far beyond the box score is two-way guard [player_tooltip player_id='1246119' first='Erlande' last='Lonsdale']. Already gaining valuable varsity experience as just a 7th grader at St. Louis Park, Lonsdale (pictured above) is developing at an accelerated pace. She plays with poise, confidence, and an impressive understanding of the game, rarely trying to do more than what's in front of her. Her maturity and decision-making stand out, especially for someone so young. Defensively is where she truly makes her mark.   Lonsdale thrives by jumping passing lanes, applying relentless ball pressure, and creating chaos from baseline to baseline. Her quick hands, anticipation, and lateral speed allow her to turn defense into offense in an instant, giving her team energy-changing plays on a regular basis. Offensively, she's at her best attacking downhill, where her quick first step and body control make her difficult to contain. As she continues to develop a consistent perimeter jumper to complement her ability to get to the rim, her offensive game will become even more dangerous. The ceiling is incredibly high for Lonsdale. With her defensive instincts, varsity experience, and steady development, she has all the tools to become one of the more complete guards in her class and a player opponents will have to game plan for in the years ahead.   [player_tooltip player_id='1243759' first='Adriana' last='Barsky'] - guard, [program_tooltip program_id='712687' first='Minnesota' last='Fury'] Blue   Barsky showcased her complete offensive arsenal throughout the Summer Jam tournament, cementing herself as one of the event's most dangerous scorers. The 5'4" Providence Academy guard led her team in scoring for the tournament and reached double figures in three of four games, consistently finding ways to impact the scoreboard. She can score at all three levels, whether it's knocking down catch-and-shoot threes, creating her own shot off the bounce, and showing a soft touch around the rim. Her range, crafty handle, and ability to change pace kept defenders guessing all weekend. Barsky wasn't just a scorer, either.   She displayed a high basketball IQ by making smart reads, delivering timely passes in traffic, and consistently making the right play. She runs the floor exceptionally well in transition, often beating defenders down the court for easy opportunities. One of the more underrated parts of her game is her willingness to do the little things that help teams win. Every time a shot goes up, she's actively seeking out a body to box out – something even seasoned veterans struggle to do consistently. Those winning habits, combined with her offensive versatility and feel for the game, make her an intriguing prospect with a lot to like.

The Class of 2031 was one of the deepest and most talented groups on display at Summer Jam. Loaded with prospects from some of the state's top AAU programs, this class featured an impressive blend of skill, athleticism, and basketball IQ. While each player brings a unique style to the floor, they all showed flashes of the potential that makes this grade so exciting. From dynamic scorers and lockdown defenders to gifted playmakers and versatile forwards, these young standouts made their presence felt throughout the weekend. Here's a closer look at the Class of 2031 players who showcased their diverse skill sets and left a lasting impression at Summer Jam.