Recruiting Update: Who are the best available D2 guards?

Earlier this week, we highlighted nearly 30 players from around Minnesota who have recently announced their college commitments. Of the names mentioned, the vast majority are opting to go the Division 2 route. And reasonably so. With the many changes to the NCAA recruiting landscape in recent years, factors such as the transfer portal and recent five-year eligibility ruling mean there are fewer and fewer D1 spots available to players coming out of high school. That means that these days, D2 recruiting is booming.   With so many prospects making their college decisions in recent weeks, the question that many coaches will be asking now is “Who else is still available?”. Today, in our latest recruiting update, we'll be taking a look at exactly that. Over the next few days we'll be breaking down some of the top ranked scholarship-level prospects from across the state, all of whom are upperclassmen who have yet to sign the dotted line. Up first are the guards.    Admittedly, Gothmann is a player who sits right on the line between D1 and D2. Nevertheless, the 5'10 guard has one of the highest revving motors of any player we've seen in recent years. Annabelle is incredibly tough, plays physical, is highly impactful at both ends of the floor, and simply never gives up on a play. After another stellar season with the [program_tooltip program_id='767539' first='Minnesota' last='Comets'], the Milaca junior is set to take the reins for the Wolves this winter.     After leading Menahga to a 28-1 record in her sophomore season, Christiansen (pictured above) kept the ball rolling with [program_tooltip program_id='713021' first='West' last='Central United'] this summer. A key component on the 2028 Blue squad, Dreah is smooth with the ball in her hands, can score easily off the catch or on the attack, and is a disciplined, high-IQ defender. The 5'10 guard picked up a number of offers this summer, including but not limited to Jamestown, Southwest Minnesota State, and Dakota State.     Another player on the D1/D2 bubble, Soash was second in scoring at Champlin Park last winter, averaging 15.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 5.0 assists a game for the Rebels. The 5'7 point guard was a standout performer for [program_tooltip program_id='712665' first='Metro' last='Stars'] this summer, bringing her characteristic court vision, stellar playmaking ability, and consistent downhill scoring to the 2028 3SSB squad. Also a high-level contributor on the defensive end, Brooke currently holds offers from D1 Lipscomb and D2 Alaska Anchorage.     In her junior season at Mountain Iron-Buhl, Neyens averaged a team high 16.9 points per game, plus 3.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 2.5 steals, helping lead the team to a 30-2 overall record and another deep state tournament run. Already having set a precedent, we're expecting big things from the bouncy, aggressive guard this season. Following a strong summer with the [program_tooltip program_id='714566' first='Minnesota' last='Stars'], coaches are going to want to see one the 5'7 guard, who is one of the most underrated seniors in the state.     Already Mahtomedi's leading scorer in her junior season, Prose averaged 21 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.0 steals per game last winter. The 5'8 guard is an energetic force on the defensive end, a skilled, versatile scorer on offense, and brings an ultra-competitive attitude each time she steps on the court. A top 35 ranked prospect in the senior class, Grace had a strong summer with the [program_tooltip program_id='712665' first='Metro' last='Stars'] in her final AAU season.     Last winter we saw Coleman step up in a big way for Minnehaha Academy after a season ending injury to senior guard Sinae Hill forced her to take on a much larger role for the Redhawks. Needless to say, the 5'8 defensive dynamo took the challenge in stride. Gigi averaged 13.2 points per contest, finding the bulk of her scoring on drives to the rim. This summer with the [program_tooltip program_id='714566' first='Minnesota' last='Stars'], Coleman was a standout performer on both ends of the floor week after week.     Typically Lang isn't the first player most people think of when talking about Hill-Murray, but the 5'10 combo guard was a steady presence for the Pioneers all last winter. With the ability to score from anywhere on the floor, tremendous versatility on the defensive end, and a blue collar work ethic, Mari is likely to be just as vital in her senior season. Averaging just under 5 points, 3 boards, and 2 steals per game last winter, Lang is the type of plug-and-play glue player coaches will want to watch.     Following a standout summer with [program_tooltip program_id='714566' first='Minnesota' last='Stars'] 2027 Lodermeier, Walker is set to make a big impact at Proctor this winter. A skilled playmaker, knockdown three-point shooter, and aggressive defender, 5'9 guard will be an integral part of the Rails backcourt in her senior season. A top 45 ranked prospect in the class of 2027, Peyton picked up an offer from Division 2 St. Thomas Aquinas late last summer.     One of Minnesota's biggest stock risers in the past 12 months, Smelser averaged 16.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game for Robbinsdale Armstrong last winter. The 5'8 guard was just as effective this spring, leading the way for the [program_tooltip program_id='718403' first='Minnesota' last='Freeze'] 2027 squad. A high level playmaker, physical defender, and perennial member of the PGH Hard Hat All-Star Team, Anna currently holds offers from MSU Moorhead, Bemidji, Doane, Mount Marty, and Mayville State.     Anttila made a big jump this past winter after taking on a significant role for Prior Lake in her junior season. An efficient three-point shooter with a quick-trigger release, the [program_tooltip program_id='712722' first='North' last='Tartan'] EYCL guard picked up an offer from Division 2 Bemidji State in July. Known to be an energetic spark on both ends of the court, Fiona is set to make a big impact for the Lakers in her senior campaign.

Earlier this week, we highlighted nearly 30 players from around Minnesota who have recently announced their college commitments. Of the names mentioned, the vast majority are opting to go the Division 2 route. And reasonably so. With the many changes to the NCAA recruiting landscape in recent years, factors such as the transfer portal and recent five-year eligibility ruling mean there are fewer and fewer D1 spots available to players coming out of high school. That means that these days, D2 recruiting is booming.