Elite 35: Celebrating Midwest’s Top Girls Basketball Talent
The Madison365 Sports Elite 35 list shines a spotlight on the most promising girls basketball players across the Midwest, gathering 35 standout athletes from seven states and three graduating classes.
Selection committees weighed high school performance, AAU competition, postseason honors, college recruitment signals, and state and national evaluations to determine the final roster.
How the List Was Curated
Each of the seven states contributed five athletes, a balance that inevitably left out several deserving prospects, underscoring the depth of talent in the region.
Among the honorees, Wisconsin’s Nyajaucni Riak emerges as one of the most highly regarded members of the Class of 2028, noted for her length, mobility and refined skill set.
Minnesota’s Chloe Johnson is celebrated as one of the premier young guards in the Midwest, her game sharpened by extensive exposure to elite competition.
Iowa’s Jhaliana Guy blends athleticism with scoring prowess, positioning her as a coveted recruit in the same graduating class.
Illinois standout Mia Gage and Wisconsin’s Anna Miller have each earned All‑State recognition and secured Division I scholarship offers, reflecting their impact on the court.
These players cut their teeth in AAU circuits such as the Adidas 3SSB, the Girls United AAU (GUAA) and the Nike EYBL, where they faced off against the nation’s best.
Beyond individual accolades, the Elite 35 reflects a broader narrative of growth and opportunity for girls basketball in the Midwest, promising a steady pipeline of talent for college programs and beyond.