Much like Namjoshi, Smolich took a big leap this spring. After averaging 11.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per game in the high school season, the 5’11 forward was a star performer for the Minnesota Freeze . Anna routinely found scoring opportunities as a rim-runner in transition, on slashes to the basket, and by posting up on the low block, all with a high rate of efficiency. All throughout the AAU season, she held her own in big matchups, often battling against much larger opponents. During our last rankings update in June, the Spring Lake Park senior jumped 13 positions, placing her at #61 in the class. Since last month, Smolich has picked up Division 3 offers from Augsburg, St. Scholastica, and St. Ben’s, plus a Division 2 offer from Jamestown.

Automatic bucket getter! Runs the floor like a gazelle and always gets high percentage looks. She does all the initial hard work on the floor to make her shot selection look easy, which then leads to her finishing easily.

Best end-to-end runner at KC Jamfest. She sets a blistering pace for her opponents as she is always running the floor on offense and consistently finds herself with easy opportunities at the rim. Leading scorer for Minnesota Freeze against High Impact in a tightly contested victory over a team they struggled with in the past. Her size, speed, and activity, combined with her scoring prowess, is gonna be a problem for anyone at any size who tries to guard her.

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 Minnesota 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.

Smolich has leveled up in every way this year – physically, mentally, and competitively. The 6’0 three-sport athlete now blends her length, strength, and quickness into a forceful all-around game. She led Spring Lake Park in scoring and rebounding last season and has added post moves, transition speed, and a reliable touch around the rim. Smolich runs like a gazelle in transition with a motor that never quits. Confident, mobile, and still realizing how good she can be, Smolich is fast becoming one of the more intriguing forwards in Minnesota’s 2027 class.