The first time we watched Hilgert (pictured above) play in a tiny back gym somewhere during her 7th grade AAU season, it was clear that the young guard was full of potential. Her skillset was raw, but she was lightning quick, played with plenty of intensity on both ends of the floor, and we could see that an innate feel for the game that was already there. We predicted that as her skill development came along she would become an impactful contributor for Chanhassen and likely would go on to play in college. With an off-the-charts work ethic and highly competitive style of play, that much was clear. Two years later, Lucy has exceeded every expectation that we originally laid out. 

Following a freshman season where she averaged just over 15 points and a hair under 5 rebounds per game, Hilgert earned a spot on one of our All-Freshman teams and an honorable mention for high school Breakout Player of the Year. The Chanhassen guard has continued to knock the ball out of the park in her first season with the Minnesota Fury . Lucy has averaged about 14 points per game all summer, putting on many impressive performances with the 2029 UAA squad. The Mill City Invitational was a particularly strong weekend for the 5’10 guard, who led the tournament’s top division in scoring with 72 points in just four games.

While she can create scoring opportunities at every level, Hilgert’s game isn’t just about her ability to put the ball in the basket. The Chanhassen freshman is an assertive ball handler, a skilled passer and playmaker, and is highly effective on the glass, particularly for a player at her position. On the defensive end, Lucy plays with heart and purpose. Using her speed to her advantage, the Fury guard is able to beat opponents on the drive, get over ball screens, and jump passing lanes on the perimeter to create transition scoring opportunities for her team. She plays with poise and composure, allowing her to maintain a level head in close and highly competitive matchups. With her stock consistently rising and her game ever evolving, Lucy made a significant jump in the PGH Class of 2029 rankings earlier this month, entering the top 20 for the first time since we first ranked the class last fall.

We haven’t been the only ones to take notice of the growth in Hilgert’s game, though. Following the second NCAA Division 1 viewing period of the summer, which took place earlier this month, the Fury standout picked up D1 offers from Omaha and North Dakota State. With multiple offers from members of the Summit League Conference now under her belt, Hilgert has cemented herself as an elite level college prospect, making the selection for this year’s 2029 Breakout Player of the Year a no-brainer. 

+3 There is no question that Hilgert has been on a roll this summer. In her first season with the Minnesota Fury , the 5’10 guard has come up big at key moments, including the AAU State Championships, the Mill City Invitational, and most recently Summer Jam (Click here to read more about that performance). Ultra competitive, constantly composed, and highly aggressive on both ends of the floor, Lucy has been showing all summer that she has what it takes to compete at the next level. The Chanhassen sophomore moves up three places in the rankings, entering the top 20 prospects in the Class of 2029. 

Hilgert was one of the most consistently impressive players we watched all weekend. The 5-foot-10 Chanhassen guard seemed to impact every possession in one way or another as the Fury rolled through the top 15U division undefeated. Fresh off an outstanding high school season, Lucy has continued to expand her game throughout the spring and summer. She averaged 14 points per game this weekend (about what she’s done all summer) while doing just about everything else, too. She scores from all three levels, handles the ball with confidence, passes well, rebounds aggressively, and defends with purpose. What I appreciate most is her composure. Hilgert  never appears rushed or rattled, instead operating at the pace that makes sense in the moment. There is a maturity to her game that stands out immediately, and her motor never seems to cool off.

Hilgert’s versatility was on full display at the Freshman Showcase. Whether the team needed an aggressive defender, a powerful presence on the glass, or a burst of scoring, the North Tartan EYBL guard was there to provide it. A relentless competitor with an endless motor, it was no surprise that the Chanhassen freshman was willing to do whatever it took for her team to win. We’ve seen big leaps in Hilgert’s game in a relatively short amount of time, so don’t be surprised if she has a breakout year with the Storm this winter.