2025 rankings update: Meet the newcomers, part 1

Every time we update a particular class in the Prep Girls Hoops rankings, we try to add at least 10 deserving prospects who have earned their way into the equation since the last time the list was updated. Most have made subtle improvements that pushed them into the conversation. A few have demonstrated sharp improvement in a short period of time. And then there are the off-the-radar players who announce their arrival in a big way. Among our dozen newcomers in this summer update, nobody did that more than [player_tooltip player_id='918767' first='Anna' last='Westby'] of Rock Ridge High School on the Iron Range. She leads the way as we introduce you to the new additions to the PGH Class of 2025 rankings. Here are the first six newcomers with six more to follow in part 2.   #72 [player_tooltip player_id='918767' first='Anna' last='Westby'] – forward, Rock Ridge   The decision to combine two Iron Range schools last year – Virginia and Eveleth – paid great dividends for girls basketball at Rock Ridge as the Wolverines put together an outstanding season that saw them make it all the way to the Class 3A State Tournament in Minneapolis. Once on the big stage, Westby grabbed hold of the spotlight and never let it go. College coaches were scrambling to learn more about the 5'11 power forward that week, and so were we. It turned out that she was the breakout performer of the event.   Anna has a big frame and a strong build with the kind of court presence that causes the other team to look over during warmups and ask, ‘Who is that girl?' On opening day at State, Westby answered that question rather emphatically. She turned in an excellent performance, showing offer her rather substantial ability to power to the hoop, defend at a high level, and shoot the ball from distance with a smooth stroke. She made one big play after another for her team, shooting 8-for-18 from the field for 20 points. She also grabbed a remarkable 15 rebounds. Keep in mind that this was against 3A power Alexandria, not exactly a pushover. Over the course of the regular high school season, Westby averaged 20 and 15!   Bottom line: Anna is our highest-rated addition to list and the only one to force her way into a coveted position in the Top 100. There's no doubt that she is a scholarship-level player one year from now.   #101 [player_tooltip player_id='918782' first='Kallyn' last='Grove'] – forward, Underwood   If you've followed high school basketball closely – boys or girls – then you know the surname ‘Grove' is synonymous with great basketball in Central Minnesota. The 6-footer from the Underwood Rockets certainly lives up to the family name. Like Westby, Grove had an outstanding high school state tournament, averaging 13 points and nearly 8 rebounds per game while shooting 9-for-16 from three in the Class A event. We watched her again last weekend with [program_tooltip program_id='712722' first='North' last='Tartan'] Smart in Rosemount and it was more of the same. She is super long, runs the floor well, and has nice touch around the basket. Kallyn is barely scratching the surface of what's possible.   #126 [player_tooltip player_id='918778' first='Delaney' last='Egert'] – guard, Minnetonka   The 5'10 guard from [program_tooltip program_id='712722' first='North' last='Tartan'] Elite was expected to play a bigger role last season for coach Brian Cosgriff at Minnetonka, but those plans were scrapped by injuries. Delaney will try again this season to crack the very deep lineup of the Class 4A state champions. Egert's best asset is shear effort. She works so hard, especially on the defensive end where she hunts the ball like few players do. She is a great rebounder with the ability to crash the boards with much bigger players. She can also shoot the three. As her skills continue to develop, Delaney will have a chance to be a quality performer at the next level.   #132 [player_tooltip player_id='918780' first='Ava' last='Welk'] – forward, Walker-Hackensack-Akeley   Ava entered the high school state tournament as a relative unknown. As far as we know, the three-sport athlete has never played AAU. If her performance on the biggest stage of all is an accurate indicator, there's no doubt that Welk can be successful against other prospects who have. At 6 feet tall with plenty of length, Welk certainly has the dimensions for success. She averaged a double-double for her high school team and earned Northwoods All-Conference honors. Ava is a strong defender and shot blocker who owns the paint. We heard Sunday at the Breakdown that Ava is currently in a knee brace, which is never a good sign, but her long-term future remains bright.   #138 [player_tooltip player_id='918781' first='Olivia' last='Heikes'] – guard/forward, Braham   Another small-school prospect with plenty of potential, the 5'11 senior-to-be from Braham has been busy this spring making the adjustment from Class A basketball to the upper end of AAU, and it has been an eye-opener. Olivia has parlayed her opportunity with [program_tooltip program_id='712722' first='North' last='Tartan'] Elite into tremendous improvement. She has begun to get her shot off quicker and higher than before, and has learned to play at a higher pace than she has to in high school. She has also learned to think the game at a higher level. Olivia has a college frame and her strength is improving. As her ball handling gets stronger, Heikes' status as a college prospect will do likewise.   #168 [player_tooltip player_id='895768' first='Katelynn' last='Ebert'] – guard, South St. Paul   We wrote extensively about the 5'5 point guard from [program_tooltip program_id='756457' first='Opportunity' last='Basketball'] just last week. Coming off a strong high school season, Kate had an excellent tournament at the Crossfire Battle on the Hardwood, making it clear that she is a strong candidate to run the point for a quality D3 program. We love her positive energy and on-court leadership. We love her work ethic and hustle. We love her basketball IQ and her demeanor on the floor. Her high-energy defense is infectious. Kate isn't the biggest guard in the Class of 2025 but that won't hinder her from making her mark at the next level.

Every time we update a particular class in the Prep Girls Hoops rankings, we try to add at least 10 deserving prospects who have earned their way into the equation since the last time the list was updated. Most have made subtle improvements that pushed them into the conversation. A few have demonstrated sharp improvement in a short period of time. And then there are the off-the-radar players who announce their arrival in a big way. Among our dozen newcomers in this summer update, nobody did that more than Anna Westby Anna Westby 5'11" | PF Rock Ridge | 2025 State MN of Rock Ridge High School on the Iron Range. She leads the way as we introduce you to the new additions to the PGH Class of 2025 rankings. Here are the first six newcomers with six more to follow in part 2.