2029 Rankings Update: Meet the newcomers, part 1

“Have you seen the girl from Lewiston-Altura? She's going to be pretty good.” That was a question several people asked me over the course of the 2025-26 high school basketball season. The answer? “As a matter of fact I have.” Her name is [player_tooltip player_id='1233100' first='Rinlee' last='Bergan']. She almost made it into the Prep Girls Hoops Freshmen 50 last fall, but not enough educated observers on our rankings team had watched her play last summer. So we waited. Now, as we update the Class of 2029 rankings for the first time, Bergan is in the fold as our highest-rated newcomer.   Joining the fray at #40, Rinlee is one of 25 newcomers who've entered the rankings. That raises our total number of ranked Minnesota freshmen to 75. Judged on the basis of a player's potential to succeed in college basketball, the PGH rankings are designed to identify who has what it takes to compete after high school and at what level. To learn more about our process, visit the <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/how-we-rank/">How We Rank</a> tab.   Here's the first of five installments by Ally McGinnis and I profiling the 25 newcomers.    Bergan practically exploded into the basketball consciousness this winter in Southeastern Minnesota as regional media took notice of what we saw for the first time last summer – a precocious talent with a world of potential who was delivering in the here and now. Rinlee put up over 20 points per game as she sparked Lewiston-Altura to 19 wins. She has tremendous natural athleticism, a ton of bounce, and a terrific feel for the game despite not having much high-level experience. She handles the ball well and seems to know where to be on all sides of the court. Rinlee is a star on the rise.     Every January, Breakdown's Southern Minnesota Hoops Fest seems to uncover a new prospect or two. The 2026 edition did not disappoint as we saw Wolff live for the first time. We were more than impressed by the 6-footer whose length, mobility, and steadiness under pressure all caught our attention. While veterans [player_tooltip player_id='1145714' first='Katie' last='Olson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1145715' first='Nevaeh' last='Weimert'] were the undisputed leaders of the squad, Ashlynn's extensive contributions were vital as the Bulldogs recorded 21 wins this winter. She averaged a dozen points and about 9 rebounds per game while being a defensive force. This is a scholarship-level prospect all day long.     Birk quickly emerged as a steady, high-impact presence for Eagan, leading the team in scoring at a dozen points per game. The long, wiry guard plays with fluidity and control, using a quick first step to get to the rim and a textbook shooting stroke to stretch defenses from the perimeter. What stands out most is her composure – Birk has a calming influence when the game speeds up. She understands spacing, makes smart decisions, and consistently finds ways to contribute. Defensively, her length and lateral quickness allow her to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots, while her activity on the offensive glass creates extra opportunities.     Nelson has developed into a highly efficient and reliable offensive piece for Edina, leading the team in scoring while shooting over 40% from three and 90% from the free throw line. A quick, shifty guard with the ability to change speed on command, she creates space with ease and can get downhill to finish at the rim. Nelson's jump shot is consistent and repeatable, and she has the confidence to make big shots. Beyond scoring, she brings strong ball-handling, playmaking, and leadership to the floor. With a high IQ and a natural feel for the game, Nelson consistently creates opportunities for both herself and her teammates.     While many of the newcomers to the Prep Girls Hoops Class of 2029 rankings did their work under the bright lights of high-level varsity competition, Klaphake was grinding away on the Crimson JV preparing for an opportunity that is certain to come. Be patient because this high-energy, high-impact guard is going to be very, very good. She leaves her mark on many different aspects of the game employing quick feet, excellent deception, and high skill on offense. She shoots it well and finishes at the rim with either hand. Defensively she is a bulldog who delivers consistent intensity and a fearless approach to stymie opposing ball handlers. College coaches love all-around contributors like Ella.

“Have you seen the girl from Lewiston-Altura? She's going to be pretty good.” That was a question several people asked me over the course of the 2025-26 high school basketball season. The answer? “As a matter of fact I have.” Her name is Rinlee Bergan Rinlee Bergan 5'11" | CG/SF Lewiston-Altura | 2029 State MN . She almost made it into the Prep Girls Hoops Freshmen 50 last fall, but not enough educated observers on our rankings team had watched her play last summer. So we waited. Now, as we update the Class of 2029 rankings for the first time, Bergan is in the fold as our highest-rated newcomer.