Even with Minnesota having some of the most exciting and sought-after Juniors and Seniors in the country, the underclassmen already have some college coaches salivating at the possibility of adding them to their program. Some young kids put up impressive performances over the holiday tournaments.
Maya Nnaji (Jr-All Star 2022 #1), Taylor Woodson (Jr-All Star 2023 #2) and Sunaja Agara (Jr-All Star 2023 #1)-Hopkins
These three makeup one of if not the tallest set of post players in the entire State. They arguably are the most talented group of post players as well. With Nnaji at 6’4 and Woodson and Agara both listed over 6 foot, they have height that some division one programs don’t have on their roster. Maya cemented her spot as the top ranked sophomore in the state by scored a total of 39 points in the two games vs Chaska and Park Center. After a scary fall late in the game against Chaska, it was good to see her playing the next day in the heavyweight matchup with Park Center. Taylor Woodson came up big in the Park Center game powering up 21 points and multiple offensive rebounds that were back-breaking for the Pirates of Park Center. Agara’s athleticism was on full display with her multiple highlight level blocks and the ability to seemingly jump out of the gym. The scariest thing about this trio is that opponents will have three more seasons of trying to stop these dominating athletes in High School Basketball.
Mallory Heyer (Jr-All Star 2022 #2) and Kennedy Sanders (Jr-All Star 2023 #3)-Chaska
A strong 6’2 forward with the ability to fight for rebounds with the best of them and make the type of passes that is usually only seen from a guard. Complimented by a speedy guard with a headstrong ability to get in the lane and to the front of rim at will. No Gopher fans I am not talking about Janel McCarville and Lindsay Whalen but an equally impressive High School Duo in Sanders and Heyer. These two combined for 30 points against top-ranked Hopkins. Heyer had the difficult task of going against 6’4 Maya Nnaji. One of the ways Heyer negated the height of the Royals was to outrun them and beat them down the court. With the athletes that was previously listed from Hopkins that’s no easy feat. Her offensive prowess was cemented with her scoring her 1000 career point on Saturday vs Lakeville North. She showed she belongs right up there in 2022 rankings next to Nnaji. Now onto her running mate. Kennedy Sanders was an absolute force on the fast break. Many times she would be able to turn on the jets around the half-court line and before you knew it, the 5’8 guard was right at the basket putting up a layup or jumper from the paint. The other impressive thing was that as a freshman, she guarded Hopkins star Paige Bueckers. She showed no fear guarding arguably the best player in the country. It may be hard for her to overtake Agara and Woodson but Sanders will likely keep her rightful spot int he top 5 of the 2023 class.
Ashlynne Guenther-5’10 Guard Class of 2023-Duluth East
The award for taking me pleasantly by surprise goes to Ashlynne Guenther from Duluth East. While she is not currently one of the most talked about names in the class of 2023, she certainly has the skillset to put herself into that conversation. She scored 23 points Friday morning vs Rocori. She appeared unstoppable at times. She had the ability to hang with big bodies down low to get the rebound then would quickly bring the ball up court with ease. She finished with either hand for layups along with an array free-throw line jumpers. She had the type of the game that consistently made me check the program to confirm she was listed as a freshman. If she continues her development the next three seasons, she will not be an unknown name for too much longer.
Notable Performances:
Alaina Hageman 5’3 Guard and Jayden Hermanson 5’11 Post-Class of 2022-Foley
This combo was the driving force for Foley in their win over Rockford. They combined for 30 points and had great chemistry in the two-woman game highlighted by the pick-n-roll layups and strong finishes.
Desiree Ware (Jr-All Star 2022 #9)-Minnetonka
Lightning-quick guard with a strong outside shot to compliment her speedy drives to the basket. Scored 21 points against Park Center on Friday night.
Nicole Bowlin (Jr-All Star 2022 #24) and Sophie Hall (Jr-All Star 2023 #21)-Holy Family
While Bowlin had a quiet game by her standards scoring wise, she was still the vocal leader and ran the offense in Holy Family’s win over Henning on Friday. Hall scored 13 points and used her great timing on defense to block multiple shots of taller Henning players in the paint. Sophie could be a nightmare to handle as she continues to add muscle to her lanky frame.
Alayna Contreras (Jr-All Star 2022 #26)-Hopkins
A consistent guard for the Royals of Hopkins. Took up some of the defensive and ball handling duties for the injured Amaya Battle (Jr-All Star 2022 #3).
Alivia McGill (Jr-All Star 2024 #4) – Park Center
Provided relentless energy anytime she was on the court. Seems to be bursting at the seams with potential and could be the top ranked player in the class of 2024 in no time.
