Shining Seniors at the Stars Summer Kickoff, part 2

Today we continue our coverage of the Summer Kickoff Classic, hosted by the [program_tooltip program_id='714566' first='Minnesota' last='Stars'] over the weekend. Yesterday Prep Girls Hoops intern Paxyn Rendahl and I covered six seniors-to-be who have yet to announce their college commitments, but are sure to find a home at the next level. Here is part two of our unsigned seniors who stood out at the event.    The [program_tooltip program_id='718403' first='Minnesota' last='Freeze'] 2027 roster is loaded with college players, plain and simple. Among those bound to find a home at the next level is Krause, pictured above. The 5'7 combo guard may not be the flashiest player on the floor, but she is a true workhorse. Over the weekend Kendall impressed our scouts with her fast-paced, scrappy style on the defensive end. She made hustle plays, disrupted ball handlers on the perimeter, and was not afraid to take a hard foul when it was needed, allowing her to break the other team's momentum and give her team a moment to reset. That's a highly underrated skill that takes a significant understanding of the game to pull off, if you ask me. Undoubtedly, Krause was one of the most impactful players we watched this weekend.     A serious stock riser in the class of 2027, Smolich shined at the Stars Summer Kickoff Classic. By using quick cuts and sharp flashes through the lane, the [program_tooltip program_id='718403' first='Minnesota' last='Freeze'] forward consistently makes room for her own shot around the rim. On the other end of the floor, Anna reads the game well, closing gaps to take opportunities away from her opponents and push the ball up the floor for fast-break plays. The Spring Lake Park senior's speed and energy on the defensive end sets the tone, allowing her teammates to follow suit. Smolich's spirited defensive style of play brings a spark to the floor with her quick first step and willingness to go after the ball. According to her AAU coach, Anna finished the weekend with 66 points across four games.     Another standout from the Freeze, Smelser's identity of athleticism and high basketball IQ was on display all weekend. Using her stellar court vision, the 5'8 guard reads the court with ease, looking for advantageous passes that end with a bucket for her team. In addition to reading her opponents, Anna also anticipates what her teammates will do next, allowing her to find open shots in the half court. She continuously stays active when her team has the ball, utilizing her strength to get down low and crash the boards. By focusing on the details, the Robbinsdale Armstrong senior creates opportunities for easy, open looks and quick actions on offense. Last week, just before the Summer Kickoff, Smelser picked up offers from NAIA schools Doane and Mayville State.     After carving out a key role at Elk River in the high school season, Klein has been a glue player for the [program_tooltip program_id='718403' first='Minnesota' last='Freeze'] 2027 squad this spring. The 5'10 wing has a strong build with ample length, allowing her to slide to the forward position when needed. On the defensive end, Ava is vocal in help-side, calling out screens for her teammates out on the perimeter. She also keeps her head on a swivel, protects the rim well, and boxes out hard, fighting for rebounds around the rim. On one possession in Sunday's matchup against the [program_tooltip program_id='714566' first='Minnesota' last='Stars'], Klein used her active hands to get a deflection, hustled for the loose ball, and found her teammate streaking up the floor, getting an assist on the fast break layup.     As one of the premier collegiate prospects in Southern Minnesota, it's no surprise to see Coleman excelling in her final AAU season. The Owatonna senior now stands at 6 feet tall with the strength and mobility required to compete at the next level. At the Summer Kickoff Classic, Jersey did all the little things for [program_tooltip program_id='714566' first='Minnesota' last='Stars'] 3SSB. She showed great footwork in the paint, pulling off smooth pull-up jumpers and crafty spin moves on the drive. In addition to the offensive spark she provided on Sunday, Coleman handled the ball with ease out on the perimeter, fought for rebounds on both ends of the floor, and played with a high degree of poise in a tight matchup against [program_tooltip program_id='712665' first='Metro' last='Stars'] 3SSB.     With a bouncy, quick, and spirited approach to the game, Duininck is a fierce competitor who is ready to do battle at all times. She works at a fast pace when handling the point guard position, consistently giving her team a burst of energy through sharp passes and quick ball movement, allowing several actions to be exacted and leading to effective scoring outcomes. A long and highly athletic combo guard, Sienna always keeps her head and eyes up, surveying the floor both with and without the ball in her hands. Her ability to change speeds and explode from a standstill leaves defenders unaware of her next move, allowing her to find openings to get to the rim. With tremendous athletic ability and a high basketball IQ, Duininck is a scholarship-level prospect who has picked up multiple offers this spring.    PGH intern Paxyn Rendahl contributed to these evaluations.

Today we continue our coverage of the Summer Kickoff Classic, hosted by the Minnesota Stars over the weekend. Yesterday Prep Girls Hoops intern Paxyn Rendahl and I covered six seniors-to-be who have yet to announce their college commitments, but are sure to find a home at the next level. Here is part two of our unsigned seniors who stood out at the event.