DULUTH — Chloe Johnson, a 5-foot-11 guard from Duluth Marshall, has already emerged as one of the most compelling young basketball talents in the nation.
Rated the No. 2 overall prospect by All Star Girls Report (ASGR) and widely regarded as the country’s top point guard in the Class of 2028 by ESPN, Johnson’s swift rise has sparked major interest well beyond her home state. A varsity contributor since eighth grade, she is reportedly on Minnesota’s radar with a likely offer expected in the near future.
Johnson leads a standout group of rising high school sophomores drawing national attention. Here’s a closer look at 10 players to watch in the Class of 2028, based on national rankings, scouting reports and recent recruiting updates:
No. 1 Sydney Douglas (6-6, Forward, Ontario Christian, CA)
Douglas sits atop the national rankings from ASGR and other major scouting services, praised for her elite size and skill set. A commanding presence in the post, she’s widely projected to be a dominant interior player at the next level.
No. 2 Chloe Johnson (5-11, Guard, Duluth Marshall, MN)
Ranked No. 2 overall by ASGR and the top point guard by ESPN for 2028, Johnson combines court vision and a smooth shooting stroke. Her early varsity success has already positioned her as one of the Midwest’s most closely followed recruits.
No. 3 Tatianna Griffin (6-0, Wing, Ontario Christian, CA)
Griffin, rated No. 3 by ASGR, is a skilled wing who can score from all three levels. Her length and versatility on both ends of the floor have placed her high on college recruiting boards.
No. 4 Morgan Reckley (5-7, Point Guard, Sandy Creek, GA)
At No. 4 in ASGR’s rankings, Reckley earned Georgia 3A Freshman of the Year honors and landed an early Missouri offer. Known for her advanced playmaking and floor leadership, she’s considered one of the class’s top pure point guards.
No. 5 Jakaila Gaskin (6-3, Forward, Cannon, NC)
Gaskin, the No. 5 prospect by ASGR, already holds offers from a slew of high-major programs, including Providence, Georgia, Tennessee, Auburn, Alabama, Rutgers and Miami. Her blend of size and athleticism makes her a constant matchup challenge.
No. 6 Ari Peterson (6-1, Wing, Minnetonka, MN)
Peterson ranks No. 6 nationally and is listed among the top two players in Minnesota by Prep Girls Hoops. A multi-dimensional wing, she’s coming off a breakout sophomore campaign that solidified her status as one of the Midwest’s best.
No. 7 Aaniyah Branch (6-4, Forward, Holy Innocents’, Atlanta, GA)
Branch is slotted at No. 7 by ASGR, bringing length and defensive prowess that fit the mold of top SEC forwards. Her ability to guard multiple positions and clean the glass stands out in early evaluations.
No. 8 Khloe Nicholson (Quincy Senior, IL)
Listed among ESPN’s top 25 players in the class, Nicholson recently picked up a Missouri offer. With a strong, physical frame and advanced footwork, she’s developing into one of Illinois’ premier prospects.
No. 9 Makynli Bacon (6-0, Wing, Webb School, TN)
Bacon checks in at No. 24 in ESPN’s rankings but cracks this top 10 based on her explosive freshman season that led to all-state honors and a Mizzou scholarship offer. Her hustle and ability to stretch the floor make her a key name to monitor.
No. 10 Jhaliana Guy (Guard, Ohio)
Guy made headlines by committing to Stanford early in her freshman year, highlighting both her college-ready game and the Cardinal’s long-term belief in her talent. She’s one of the first in the 2028 class to close her recruitment, underscoring her high ceiling.
With players like Johnson and Peterson continuing Minnesota’s strong tradition, and Douglas and Griffin anchoring a powerful California contingent, the Class of 2028 is already shaping up to be one of the deepest in years. College coaches and national scouts will be tracking this group closely as they advance through their prep careers.
