Delaware’s Next Generation: 7 Hungry Young Prospects

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Delaware girls basketball continues to develop an exciting group of young talent, with several underclassmen already establishing themselves as important contributors at the varsity level. While experienced upperclassman have traditionally commanded much of the attention across the state, the Classes of 2028 and 2029 are beginning to create their own opportunities. Several have already earned All-State recognition, competed in meaningful postseason games, and taken on significant responsibilities within their programs. As the 2026-27 season approaches, these seven Delaware prospects are worth keeping an eye on as they continue developing their games and expanding their roles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1830642"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aebe206a6e7a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Anderson enters her sophomore year with one of the most impressive early resumes among Delaware's young prospects. After scoring 306 points during the 2025-26 season, she earned First-Team All State recognition as a freshman, establishing herself among the state's most productive players. Her ability to contribute offensively against experienced varsity competition speaks to her confidence and readiness for a single role. Anderson brings a physical presence to the guard position and has demonstrated the ability to threaten defenses from beyond the perimeter. Her development as a decision-maker throughout her freshman campaign was another encouraging sign, particularly as she gained experience navigating competitive matchups. She also gained valuable national-level exposure by participating in the 2025 USA Basketball Women's U16 National Team trials. That experience, combined with her early varsity success, provides a strong foundation for continued development. As she prepares for her second high school season, Anderson has an opportunity to build her scoring production while continuing to grow as a facilitator and overall floor leader. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1992710"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aebe206a6ef5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Miller made an immediate impression during her freshman season, earning Third-Team All-State recognition after scoring 308 points for Howard. Her quickness and ability to operate with control have helped distinguish her as an emerging backcourt prospect. She brings speed to the point guard position without consistently sacrificing composure, an important quality for a young player handling varsity responsibilities. Miller's ability to influence the game on both ends of the floor makes her an intriguing prospect to follow. Her offensive production demonstrates that she is capable of contributing as a scorer while contributing to develop the responsibilities associated with running a team. Defensively, her quickness gives her tools to pressure opposing ball handlers and remain active in perimeter matchups. Competing in meaningful postseason games as a freshman also provided valuable experience against established Delaware programs. Entering her sophomore season, Miller will be a player to watch as she works to expand her playmaking responsibilities and build on an impressive varsity debut. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1992716"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aebe206a6f42"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Savage put together a productive sophomore campaign for Smyrna, recording 260 points 224 rebounds while earning Third-Team All-State honors. Her ability to contribute in multiple statistical categories makes her one of the more interesting young prospects in Delaware's class of 2028. Savage has shown offensive confidence and the ability to contribute both off the catch and when creating opportunities off of the dribble. Her scoring production gives Smyrna another offensive option, while her rebounding numbers demonstrate that her contributions extend well beyond the perimeter play. She has also shown an understanding of how to operate within the team's offensive structure rather than relying exclusively on individual scoring opportunities. That combination os production and versatility provides a strong foundation as she continues developing. Playing an important role for a Smyrna program that reached the DIAA semifinals gave Savage valuable experience i competitive situations. As she enters her junior season, her continued development as a scorer, rebounder, and all-around contributor will be worth monitoring. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1611466"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aebe206a6f9b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Royal established herself as another important young contributor for Smyrna during the 2025-26 season, scoring308 points and earning All-State honorable mention recognition. She brings athleticism and energy to the backcourt, particularly when operating in transition and applying pressure to opposing guards. Her ability to push the pace creates opportunities for Smyrna to generate offense before defenses become fully organized. Royal has shown a willingness to attack offensively while contributing to the team's overall tempo and intensity. On the defensive end, her activity and ability challenge ball handlers give her another avenue to influence games. Her scoring production also reflects the responsibility she handled as a sophomore competing against experienced varsity opponents. With Smyrna reaching the state semifinals, Royal gained valuable postseason experience that should help prepare her for an expanded role. Continued improvement in offensive consistency and decision-making could make her an even more complete backcourt contributor during her junior season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1992993"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aecf51d87a02"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Merrell enters her junior season after earning Third-Team All-State recognition as a sophomore for one of Delaware's established girls basketball programs. Her role on a Stanford team that advanced to the 2026 DIAA championship game provided opportunities to compete against high-level state competition. Playing within a talented lineup requires young players to understand their responsibilities and find ways to contribute alongside experienced teammates. Merrell's All-State recognition reflects the impact she made during that environment. As a wing, she occupies the position that can influence several areas of the game, from offensive spacing to perimeter matchups and transition opportunities. Her experience competing in meaningful postseason games should provide a valuable foundation for continued growth. With another offseason to develop and a new varsity campaign approaching, Merrell has an opportunity to take on additional responsibilities within Sanford's rotation. Her progression will be particularly interesting to follow as the program looks to build on its recent postseason success. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1993002"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aecf51d87a23"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cottrell is an intriguing young interior prospect who contributed to Howard's front court during her freshman campaign. She appeared in 22 games during the 2025-26 season, gaining valuable varsity experience while competing against older and more established players. Her early-season production included an average of 5.2 rebounds per game, demonstrating her ability to contribute to the glass. Cottrell has shown an understanding of positioning, particularly when establishing space inside and pursuing defensive rebounds. Her willingness to compete around the basket provides Howard with an additional presence in the paint. She also contributes through her activity on the offensive glass, where securing extra possessions can create valuable opportunities for her teammates. As she continues developing, improving her offensive versatility and expanding her contributions beyond rebounding will be important areas to monitor. Entering her sophomore season, Cottrell has an opportunity to build on her varsity experience and become an increasingly reliable contributor to Howard's frontcourt. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1993003"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aecf51d87a42"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Smoker represents an under-the-radar prospect worth following as she continues developing at Greenwood Mennonite. During the 2025-26 season, she appeared in 17 games and collected 99 rebounds, averaging approximately 5.8 per game. Her production on the glass highlights an important aspect of her game and demonstrates her ability to contribute consistently as a young varsity player. Smoker has shown a willingness to compete for rebounds on both ends of the floor, using effort and positioning to create opportunities for her team. Her activity around the basket allows her to influence possessions even when she is not a primary offensive option. She has also demonstrated an understanding of the importance of boxing out and pursuing loose balls, skills that can translate into continued development at the varsity level. As she gains experience, expanding her offensive skill set and becoming more involved as a scoring option could increase her overall impact. With her sophomore season approaching, Smoker has an opportunity to establish herself as a more complete front court contributor and continue building on a productive freshman campaign. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The future of Delaware girls basketball is beginning to take shape through an exciting collection of young prospects who have already demonstrated their ability to compete at the varsity level. While players such as Amoree Anderson, Kennedi Miller, Divya Savage, Gabrielle Royal, and Aslyn Merrell have earned recognition through impressive performances and postseason accomplishments. Emerging contributors like Autumn Cottrell and Elaina Smoker are also building valuable foundations early in their careers. Each player brings a different skill set and developmental trajectory, highlighting the depth of talent across the classes of 2028 and 2029. These seven prospects have already provided reasons for optimism, and their next steps could help shape the landscape of Delaware girls basketball for years to come. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->