High school player rankings are snapshots taken in an environment that is not always standardized: There are countless circuits, high school games and individual events that make it difficult to tangibly evaluate all of the best players on the floor under the same conditions. The result is a ranking we know can, and will, change once players reach college.
Although a player's development remains anything but linear, the college game is a more streamlined environment, with better statistical analysis available. Which brings us to this exercise: Reranking a previous high school recruiting class, specifically the SC Next class of 2024.
How much has changed for these prospects, who have now played two years of college basketball? What would have changed our projection of their long-term projections? The result is a top 15 that looks different from the original.
One thing remains the same, however: UConn forward Sarah Strong remains at No. 1. It's simply too hard to unseat her from the top spot.
1. Sarah Strong, F, UConn Huskies
2024 SC Next 100 ranking: 1
The former McDonald's All-American remains No. 1 two years into her college career. She immediately validated her top spot at UConn, helping win a national championship as a freshman before sweeping the Naismith, Wooden, Wade and AP national player of the year awards as a sophomore. Strong's efficiency, defensive versatility and ability to impact games without dominating the ball make her a unique combination of Napheesa Collier and Nneka Ogwumike. With Azzi Fudd gone, expect Strong to be the centerpiece of UConn's next Final Four run as she continues ascending.
2. Mikayla Blakes, G, Vanderbilt Commodores
2024 SC Next 100 ranking: 8
Blakes is a pure scorer who averaged 27 points and 4.5 assists last season and was the catalyst of a reborn Vanderbilt program that reached the Sweet 16. Her college career so far includes two 50-point performances as a freshman and a 27-point effort for Team USA in the 2025 FIBA Women's AmeriCup gold-medal game. The 5-foot-8 combo guard and McDonald's All-American has sharply defined herself with her consistent high-energy style, defensive playmaking and scoring impact while showing a greater willingness to shoot the 3.
Previous No. 2: Jaloni Cambridge
3. Joyce Edwards, F, South Carolina Gamecocks
2024 SC Next 100 ranking: 3
Edwards' scouting report hasn't changed significantly since high school. She continues to have a high-motor game that includes defensive agility, as well as a unique face-up game thanks to her dexterity, footwork and an ability to finish through traffic. Last season, she averaged 19.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.1 blocks for a South Carolina team that has reached two consecutive national title games. The next steps for her include continued improvement as a 3-point shooter, as well as on the offensive glass (she averaged 4.5 offensive boards during the NCAA tournament).
4. Jaloni Cambridge, G, Ohio State Buckeyes
2024 SC Next 100 ranking: 2
Cambridge is largely responsible for Ohio State's recent successes, as evidenced by a usage rate well above 30% since she arrived on campus. After averaging 16 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists as a freshman, her numbers jumped across the board: 23.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists. Her defensive pressure has also resulted in consistent playmaking on both ends. More consistency from long range, improved facilitation and better ball security could push her into the elite echelon of college basketball point guards.
Previous No. 4: Syla Swords
5. Liv McGill, G, Oklahoma State Cowgirls
2024 SC Next 100 ranking: 15
Another McDonald's All-American, McGill was a score-first high school point guard who needed to prove she could run a team. While her offensive game improved in her first two seasons at Florida (from 16.5 PPG to 22.5 PPG), her turnovers spiked and her 3-point shooting declined. That said, McGill plays with the ball on a string, is proficient in the pick-and-roll and has proved to be an effective finisher and three-level scorer. She rebounds well for a guard and is disruptive defensively, giving her the tools, work ethic and savviness to succeed at the next level -- in this case, this season at Oklahoma State.
Previous No. 5: Kate Koval
6. Toby Fournier, F, Duke Blue Devils
2024 SC Next 100 ranking: 10
Fournier was a top-10 high school prospect because of her incredible athleticism and motor. In the two years since, she has added discipline and improved floor awareness, which has led to an increase in minutes (19 MPG to nearly 30 MPG last season). At 6-2 with well-above-average leaping ability, she also averaged 17.8 points and 8.2 rebounds last season. Continued improvement at the free throw line (55.4%) and from 3-point range (33%) will be important to her development.
Previous No. 6: Kennedy Smith
7. Syla Swords, G, Michigan Wolverines
2024 SC Next 100 ranking: 4
Swords is the Ironwoman of women's basketball: She has started every game in college while increasing her role with the Canadian national team. She averaged 15.8 points and 4.3 rebounds during Michigan's Elite Eight this past March, though her overall production had dipped as her 3-point volume increased. A rugged competitor unafraid to take big shots, she will be counted on for an increased role this season. She has carried an uplifting intangible value since her prep days, something that cannot be discounted.
Previous No. 7: Allie Ziebell
8. Olivia Olson, G, Michigan
2024 SC Next 100 ranking: 20
Olson's original high school ranking clearly proved too low. Upon her arrival in Ann Arbor, she addressed mobility and defensive concerns from high school and earned early minutes with her off-ball IQ and physicality. She then averaged 18.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists as a sophomore, while showing off her versatility in defending forwards, posts and guards. Continued improvement for her comes in the areas of defending on the perimeter, stretching the floor and facilitating.
Previous No. 8: Mikayla Blakes, G
9. Britt Prince, G, Nebraska Cornhuskers
2024 SC Next 100 ranking: 25
A multi-sport star who missed her final summer of club basketball before college, Prince has delivered on her potential as Nebraska's primary ballhandler. She finished this past season with a rare 50-40-90 campaign: shooting 54.3% from the field, 45.6% from 3 and 90.1% from the free throw line. She also made significant statistical jumps without needing increased volume or usage, prompting her rise up these rerankings. In a future edition, she might even rise higher, with continued improvement defensively and taking care of the ball against top competition.
Previous No. 9: Jordan Lee
10. Ava Heiden, C, Iowa Hawkeyes
2024 SC Next 100 ranking: 42
Heiden went from being a sparingly used freshman reserve to averaging 18 points and 7.2 rebounds on 64.1% shooting as a sophomore. A fundamentally sound post player in high school, she has outperformed her projected developmental timetable by becoming stronger and quicker off the floor. She has always been a good passer, indicating an understanding of the game that cannot be overlooked in her future.
Previous No. 10: Toby Fournier
11. Avery Howell, G, Washington Huskies
2024 SC Next 100 ranking: 16
A McDonald's All-American, Howell's stock has risen because of her competitive nature and improved shooting. The 6-foot guard has developed into an elite 3-and-D role player, shooting well above 40% from 3 while averaging 2.6 makes and more than eight rebounds per game. The next proving ground is showing she can defend different types of wings, punish early closeouts with more trips to the free throw line and create more for others.
Previous No. 11: Morgan Cheli
12. Jordan Lee, G, South Carolina
2024 SC Next 100 ranking: 9
Lee was one of the most balanced guards in her high school class, combining a commitment to defense with an ability to score. Her willingness to defend earned her early minutes at Texas, while her shooting helped the Longhorns reach a Final Four as a freshman. Her production essentially doubled as a full-time starter the following season. Stabilizing her scoring inside the arc and getting to the free throw line more consistently will supplement her 3-point shooting and disruptive defensive presence at South Carolina.
Previous No. 12: Justice Carlton
13. Kennedy Smith, G, USC Trojans
2024 SC Next 100 ranking: 6
Smith was a winner in high school, a McDonald's All-American and an impact freshman at USC before taking on more responsibility last season. Her production in Big Ten play in particular was notable -- 12.8 PPG, 4.7 RPG and 3.9 APG -- as were her increased creation and shooting efficiency. Smith remains disruptive defensively, and continuing to define herself offensively could solidify her as a long-term professional prospect. USC's additions this season should also allow her to settle into more natural perimeter-oriented matchups, which should work her to her advantage.
Previous No. 13: Kayleigh Heckel
14. Imari Berry, G, Louisville Cardinals
2024 SC Next 100 ranking: 19
Berry remains an extremely intriguing talent whose game simply needed time to mature. She has always had a knack for creating her own offense, and more than doubled her scoring last season, while also improving her shooting, playmaking, defensive impact and attention to detail. Her combination of scoring ability and physical tools draws some comparisons to Flau'jae Johnson, while statistically she compares to former Louisville Cardinal Sydney Taylor, who is having a breakout year for the Chicago Sky.
Previous No. 14: Maddy McDaniel
15. Tori McKinney, G, Minnesota Golden Gophers
2024 SC Next 100 ranking: N/A
McKinney was on the radar in high school, but went unranked at the time and now makes the biggest jump in the rerankings. Early evaluations identified her athleticism, defensive activity and potential, while noting a need for added strength and improved shooting. She has addressed those areas while becoming a versatile connector for Minnesota, able to defend multiple positions and make sound decisions. The 6-1 guard is comfortable playing several roles, and that combination of efficiency, versatility and defense gives her a clear path as a future professional prospect. She projects as a Lexie Hull or Kate Martin type of player.
Previous No. 15: Liv McGill