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<p>Some years it's a heated conversation. Other times it's obvious. In the case of this year's Prep Girls Hoops Freshman 50, there was zero drama and no discussion about the top prospect. Given that we have considered [player_tooltip player_id='923286' first='Ashlee' last='Wilson'] to be #2 in Minnesota's Class of 2030 since she was in elementary school, folks will not be surprised to learn that she is now officially #1.</p>
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<p>Beyond the top spot, however, there has been plenty of debate among our extended network of observers. This summer, playing up a year on the EYBL circuit, [player_tooltip player_id='1120672' first='Jaycie' last='Helmer'] raised her game to new heights and college coaches saw it almost immediately. She had a dominant AAU season that now has her getting outreach and offers from college programs at the highest level. She may not be at the top of the list but Jaycie has definitely closed the gap.</p>
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<p>Before we get into the nitty gritty on the Top 10, here's a few facts about the Freshmen 50 that may be of interest.</p>
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<li>Nearly half of the players are from outstate Minnesota. Unthinkable a decade ago, it's a sign of just how far basketball has come beyond the Twin Cities ecosystem. The AAU programs are strong. Many of the high schools are, as well. The amount of individual training and skill development going on has skyrocketed. [program_tooltip program_id='713021' first='West' last='Central United'] won its first AAU state championship courtesy of their 2030 group. The team is well-represented in the Freshman 50 with eight players plus two more from other WCU squads.</li>
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<li>Ten different AAU clubs are represented. [program_tooltip program_id='712722' first='North' last='Tartan'] leads the way with 13 players ahead of West Central's 10. There are seven prospects from MN [program_tooltip program_id='712665' first='Metro' last='Stars'], six from [program_tooltip program_id='712687' first='Minnesota' last='Fury'] and four from [program_tooltip program_id='714566' first='Minnesota' last='Stars']. Other AAU clubs who have at least one player among the 50 are Hoop Habits, [program_tooltip program_id='713214' first='Minnesota' last='Starks'], [program_tooltip program_id='712697' first='MN' last='Crossfire'], [program_tooltip program_id='712699' first='Minnesota' last='Rise'] and [program_tooltip program_id='713420' first='Minnesota' last='Diamond Elite'].</li>
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<li>This is probably the tallest and longest group of prospects we've ever scouted in a single grade. Among the Freshmen 50 there are about 20 players who stand 6 feet or taller. Another dozen or so are 5'10 or 5'11. At the PGH Freshman Showcase in September, it looked like a giraffe enclosure at the zoo! This is also the most skilled group top to bottom that we've seen. While other states are experiencing declining numbers, clearly Minnesota girls basketball is in pretty good shape.</li>
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<p>Enough of the preliminaries. Without further delay, here are the first five members of the Top 10.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700"><strong>#1</strong> – Wilson simply moves differently than everyone else in the class. The 6-foot guard combines effortless athleticism with advanced skill, exceptional court vision and the confidence to take over a game on a whim. Ashlee is a true three-level scorer with the speed and handle to create off the bounce, plus the range to stretch defenses well beyond the arc. Wilson also sees pressure developing early and has become increasingly adept at finding teammates when defenses send multiple players her way. What separates her most is the combination of physical gifts and feel for the game. She can control a possession as a scorer or facilitator and already understands how to dictate pace. With multiple high-major offers already in hand, Wilson has established herself as an elite national prospect who could end up as the top prospect in the country.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700"><strong>#2</strong> – Helmer is a big, powerful floor general with the intelligence and confidence to control a basketball game. At 5'10 with broad shoulders, a strong base and excellent athleticism, she already possesses the physical profile of a college guard. She combines those tools with tremendous feel, understanding pace and timing while consistently making the right read with the basketball. Helmer is an accomplished three-level scorer and outstanding passer who can create for herself without sacrificing her ability to organize an offense. Her competitiveness carries over to the defensive end, where she can be a disruptive on-ball defender. Also an elite, national-level softball player, Helmer has the athletic ability to pursue either sport at the highest level. On the basketball court, she's a clear high-major prospect with significant upside.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700"><strong>#3</strong> – Davis has the length, mobility and athleticism to project as an impact frontcourt player at the Division 1 level. The 6'1 forward runs the floor extremely well, can play above the rim and uses her length to affect the game on both ends. Offensively, she has soft hands, a good touch and the ability to seal defenders and finish through contact, while her activity on the offensive glass creates additional scoring opportunities. Defensively, Davis can protect the rim, alter shots and extend away from the basket when necessary. She also brings considerable energy, pursuing loose balls and rebounds rather than waiting for the game to come to her. Already proven against high-level varsity competition at Hopkins, Davis possesses an intriguing combination of physical tools, developing skill and versatility that gives her considerable long-term upside.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700"><strong>#4</strong> – Few prospects in the class have increased their ceiling this year as dramatically as Brown, whose combination of size, athleticism and versatility makes her an ideal fit for the modern college game. At 6-foot-1, she can handle the ball, shoot from the perimeter, attack off the bounce and finish in multiple ways around the rim. She's equally versatile defensively with the length, mobility and instincts to defend virtually any position. Scarlett is also an outstanding rebounder and willing facilitator who impacts possessions without needing to dominate the basketball. Perhaps most impressive is the calmness she plays with. Scarlett rarely gets rattled and consistently makes sound decisions in pressure situations. Brown's development has been rapid, and an early offer from South Dakota State only reinforced what her play had already demonstrated: she's a strong Division I prospect with substantial room to grow.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700"><strong>#5</strong> – Truty is an elite shooter who combines precision, basketball intelligence and uncommon poise for a young point guard. The 5'9 [program_tooltip program_id='712722' first='North' last='Tartan'] guard gets her shot off remarkably quickly, receiving the basketball and transitioning into her release in one fluid motion. It's pretty! But labeling Truty simply as a shooter dramatically understates her game. She sees the floor extremely well, delivers passes with accuracy and knows how to run an offense while remaining capable of taking over as a scorer. Amelia also competes with purpose defensively and consistently makes hustle plays. Perhaps her most impressive quality is her confidence. She is comfortable being in charge, embraces important possessions and plays with real maturity. Her combination of shooting, decision-making, competitiveness and leadership gives Truty a game exceptionally well suited to the college level.</p>
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Some years it's a heated conversation. Other times it's obvious. In the case of this year's Prep Girls Hoops Freshman 50, there was zero drama and no discussion about the top prospect. Given that we have considered Ashlee WilsonAshleeWilson
6'0" | CG
Hill-Murray School | 2030 StateMN
to be #2 in Minnesota's Class of 2030 since she was in elementary school, folks will not be surprised to learn that she is now officially #1.
Beyond the top spot, however, there has been plenty of debate among our extended network of observers. This summer, playing up a year on the EYBL circuit, Jaycie HelmerJaycieHelmer
5'10" | PG/SG
Mounds View | 2030 StateMN
raised her game to new heights and college coaches saw it almost immediately. She had a dominant AAU season that now has her getting outreach and offers from college programs at the highest level. She may not be at the top of the list but Jaycie has definitely closed the gap.
Before we get into the nitty gritty on the Top 10, here's a few facts about the Freshmen 50 that may be of interest.
Nearly half of the players are from outstate Minnesota. Unthinkable a decade ago, it's a sign of just how far basketball has come beyond the Twin Cities ecosystem. The AAU programs are strong. Many of the high schools are, as well. The amount of individual training and skill development going on has skyrocketed. West Central United
won its first AAU state championship courtesy of their 2030 group. The team is well-represented in the Freshman 50 with eight players plus two more from other WCU squads.
This is probably the tallest and longest group of prospects we've ever scouted in a single grade. Among the Freshmen 50 there are about 20 players who stand 6 feet or taller. Another dozen or so are 5'10 or 5'11. At the PGH Freshman Showcase in September, it looked like a giraffe enclosure at the zoo! This is also the most skilled group top to bottom that we've seen. While other states are experiencing declining numbers, clearly Minnesota girls basketball is in pretty good shape.
Enough of the preliminaries. Without further delay, here are the first five members of the Top 10.
#1 – Wilson simply moves differently than everyone else in the class. The 6-foot guard combines effortless athleticism with advanced skill, exceptional court vision and the confidence to take over a game on a whim. Ashlee is a true three-level scorer with the speed and handle to create off the bounce, plus the range to stretch defenses well beyond the arc. Wilson also sees pressure developing early and has become increasingly adept at finding teammates when defenses send multiple players her way. What separates her most is the combination of physical gifts and feel for the game. She can control a possession as a scorer or facilitator and already understands how to dictate pace. With multiple high-major offers already in hand, Wilson has established herself as an elite national prospect who could end up as the top prospect in the country.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
#2 – Helmer is a big, powerful floor general with the intelligence and confidence to control a basketball game. At 5'10 with broad shoulders, a strong base and excellent athleticism, she already possesses the physical profile of a college guard. She combines those tools with tremendous feel, understanding pace and timing while consistently making the right read with the basketball. Helmer is an accomplished three-level scorer and outstanding passer who can create for herself without sacrificing her ability to organize an offense. Her competitiveness carries over to the defensive end, where she can be a disruptive on-ball defender. Also an elite, national-level softball player, Helmer has the athletic ability to pursue either sport at the highest level. On the basketball court, she's a clear high-major prospect with significant upside.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
#3 – Davis has the length, mobility and athleticism to project as an impact frontcourt player at the Division 1 level. The 6'1 forward runs the floor extremely well, can play above the rim and uses her length to affect…
#4 – Few prospects in the class have increased their ceiling this year as dramatically as Brown, whose combination of size, athleticism and versatility makes her an ideal fit for the modern college game. At 6-foot-1, she can handle the ball, shoot from the perimeter, attack off the bounce and finish in multiple ways around the rim. She's equally versatile defensively with the length, mobility and instincts to defend virtually any position. Scarlett is also an outstanding rebounder and willing facilitator who impacts possessions without needing to dominate the basketball. Perhaps most impressive is the calmness she plays with. Scarlett rarely gets rattled and consistently makes sound decisions in pressure situations. Brown's development has been rapid, and an early offer from South Dakota State only reinforced what her play had already demonstrated: she's a strong Division I prospect with substantial room to grow.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
#5 – Truty is an elite shooter who combines precision, basketball intelligence and uncommon poise for a young point guard. The 5'9 North Tartan
guard gets her shot off remarkably quickly, receiving the basketball and transitioning into her release in one fluid motion. It's pretty! But labeling Truty simply as a shooter dramatically understates her game. She sees the floor extremely well, delivers passes with accuracy and knows how to run an offense while remaining capable of taking over as a scorer. Amelia also competes with purpose defensively and consistently makes hustle plays. Perhaps her most impressive quality is her confidence. She is comfortable being in charge, embraces important possessions and plays with real maturity. Her combination of shooting, decision-making, competitiveness and leadership gives Truty a game exceptionally well suited to the college level.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
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Ashlee
Wilson
6'0" | CG
Hill-Murray School | 2030
State
MN
to be #2 in Minnesota's Class of 2030 since she was in elementary school, folks will not be surprised to learn that she is now officially #1.
Jaycie
Helmer
5'10" | PG/SG
Mounds View | 2030
State
MN
raised her game to new heights and college coaches saw it almost immediately. She had a dominant AAU season that now has her getting outreach and offers from college programs at the highest level. She may not be at the top of the list but Jaycie has definitely closed the gap.
