This is the second in a two-part series that will feature my take on the Mount Rushmore of Minnesota hoops at each level of play from high school to the pros. Today we will focus on Minnesota’s women hoopers. Nothing elicits stronger reactions from basketball fans than who belongs on Mount Rushmore. So let the debate begin!
Who are the faces that make up my Mount Rushmore for Minnesota hoops? To answer this question, let’s head to the Black Hills and see the legendary faces carved into immortality, joining George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and Theodore Roosevelt.
High School
Paige Bueckers (Hopkins) – one of the most decorated high school players in girls’ basketball history. She led Hopkins to 5 state tournament appearances, including 3 runner-up finishes, an undefeated state championship in her junior year, and a 62-game winning streak heading into the championship game the following season when it was cancelled due to COVID. Bueckers is the career leader in scoring (2,877), assists (795), and steals (574) for the Royals. She became the state’s first 3-time Gatorade Player of the Year, was named Miss Basketball, and recognized as a McDonald’s All-American. And that’s just for starters – she was the National AAU Player of the Year in 2019 and in 2020 was the consensus National Player of the Year, the Gatorade Female Athlete of the Year, and ranked as the #1 recruit in the nation. Bueckers is a 4-time FIBA gold medalist and is one of just two high school players to ever be named USA Basketball’s Female Athlete of the Year (Breanna Stewart is the other). And for good measure, she became the first female high school player to grace the cover of SLAM magazine. Bueckers, of course, went on to an All-American career at UConn, culminating in a national championship this past season. She was selected by the Dallas Wings with the first overall pick in the WNBA draft and is the prohibitive favorite to the be the league’s Rookie of the Year. While many in the basketball world often refer to her as Paige “Buckets”, for Minnesota high school basketball fans, she is simply the GOAT!
Tayler Hill (Minneapolis South) – a prolific scorer who elevated South to state prominence, leading the Tigers to a 139-14 record during her career, including a state championship in 2009. She scored nearly 4,000 points in her career and led the state in scoring in both her sophomore and senior years. Earned All-State honors 5 times, was the Player of the Year twice, named Miss Basketball, and was recognized as a McDonald’s All-American. Went on to an outstanding career at Ohio State before being selected in the first round of the 2013 WNBA draft by the Washington Mystics.
Maddyn Greenway (Providence Academy) – the only active player to make the list and while her high school story continues to unfold, she has already accomplished enough to have her likeness carved in granite. She is the driving force, literally and figuratively, behind one of the most successful programs in state history. Last year, Providence Academy became the first team to win 4 consecutive championships, while completing one of the greatest single seasons ever – going undefeated with nearly half of their victories over ranked teams. Greenway is just one of four players in state history to score 4,000 or more points and is in a battle with Gopher commit, Tori Oehrlein, to try to overtake Braham’s Rebekah Dahlman as the state’s career scoring leader (5,060). She has earned All-State honors and All State Tournament team recognition each of the past 4 years and was named Minnesota’s Gatorade Player of the Year last season. She is a top 20 recruit who has committed to play collegiately at the University of Kentucky. Greenway added to her resume this past summer when she earned a FIBA gold medal with USA basketball. So, what will the final chapter hold for Greenway’s illustrious career – 5,000 plus points and a state scoring record? Unprecedented 5th straight title? Miss Basketball? McDonald’s All-American? I think it’s safe to say it will be historic!
Coco and Kelly Miller (Rochester Mayo) – ok, I had to bend the rules a little but for good reason, these identical twins are inseparable, so they deserve to share a spot on Mt. Rushmore. The Miller twins were the buzz of the Minnesota basketball world in the mid-to-late 90s. They led Rochester Mayo to two state championships, including an undefeated season in 1997. They also won 3 national AAU championships during their high school years. Both were named All-State and, of course, shared the Miss Basketball award. In addition, they were chosen to play in the WBCA All-Star game (the precursor to the McDonald’s All-American game). What captured everyone’s attention though was the dazzling display of shooting and passing and the intensity they brought to the game. They were doing things on the court that were unique at that time in girls basketball. Needless to say, they were always on the same page on the court and the symmetry of their stats is amazing. At Mayo, Kelly scored 2,151 points and had 549 assists and Coco scored 2,113 points with 603 assists. The twins went on to All-American careers at the University of Georgia and became first round picks in the WNBA draft.
Honorable Mention: Angel Robinson and Kiara Buford – St. Paul Central, Susan King – Holy Angels, Rebekah Dahlman – Braham, Mia Johnson and Tamara Moore – Minneapolis North, Carlie Wagner – NRHEG, Kelly Skalicky – Albany, Janet Karvonen – New York Mills, Olivia Olson – Benilde St. Margarets, Nia Coffey, Maya Nnaji and Liv McGill – Hopkins, Liz Podominick and Rachel Banham – Lakeville North, Carol Ann Shudlick – Apple Valley, Laurie Decker – Rochester Lourdes, Addi Mack – Minnehaha Academy, Gianna Kneepkens and Chloe Johnson – Duluth Marshall, Tessa Johnson – STMA, and Tori Oehrlein – Crosby-Ironton.
College
Minnesota College Athletic Conference – Junior College (only players from Minnesota-based schools were considered)
Admittedly this was a very tough group to evaluate as historical information is not readily available. One thing that stood out, however, is how successful Minnesota’s junior college programs have been. Several schools have won national championships including Anoka-Ramsey, Northland, Minnesota West, and Rochester.
Jennifer Lea Dittfach (Anoka-Ramsey) – this Lake City native scored 1,055 points and secured 677 rebounds in her career. She earned All-State, All-Region, and All-American honors while leading the Golden Rams to a state championship in 1993. Went on to a successful Big Ten career at the University of Indiana.
Olivia Hayenga (Minnesota West) – a two-time National Player of the Year who finished her career as the school’s all-time leader in points (1,434) and rebounds (695). Led the Blue Jays to a national championship in 2024 and was named MVP of the tournament.
Anne Breland (Rochester) – a two-time All-American who scored more than 1,100 points in her career. Led the Yellowjackets to an undefeated season and a national championship during her sophomore season. Was named MVP of the tournament following a 32-point, 10-rebound performance in the title game. Went on to play Division 1 basketball at UW-Milwaukee.
Sarah Durand (Northland) – a 6’0 center who finished her career with more than 1,000 points and 500 rebounds. Was named National Player of the Year after leading the Pioneers to the 2014 National Championship, a team coached by former Gopher standout Shannon Bolden.
Honorable Mention: ShaRon Miller – Northland, Macaya Copeland – Rochester, Sonja Ellingson, Sara Cecka, Bonnie Johnson – Anoka-Ramsey, Pam Norman and Destiny Piekarski – Rainey River, and Rosalie Hayenga – Minnesota West.
UMAC – Division III (only players from Minnesota-based schools were considered).
This was another difficult challenge given the revolving door of schools that have come and gone from the conference, coupled with the fact that member schools have competed at various levels of play – National Christian Athletic Association, NAIA, and currently Division III. With that as the backdrop, here is my take on the Mount Rushmore of UMAC hoops.
Hanna Geistfeld (Bethany) – 3-time Conference Player of the Year who is the all-time leading scorer (2,276 points) and 2nd leading rebounder (1,086) in the D III era of UMAC hoops. A two-time All-American who was named the West Region Player of the Year as a senior. One of just 20 players in D III history with more than 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds.
Emily Mehr (Morris) – high scoring guard who helped lead the Cougars to 4 consecutive conference titles. Earned All-Conference honors for 4 straight years, was named Rookie of the Year as a freshman and Player of the Year as a senior, when she averaged more than 21 ppg. Also named to the UMAC All-Decade team.
Haley Sandin (Bethany) – earned 1st team All-Conference honors all 4 years of her career. Is second in the D III era of the conference in both scoring (1,951) and assists (410). Was also a member of the UMAC All-Decade team.
Jackie Plesha (St. Scholastica) – earned NAIA All-American honors 3 times in her career and was named the Independent Player of the Year following her senior season. She is the all-time leading scorer in Saints history with more than 1,600 points, was a 3-time UMAC Player of the Year, and was named a NAIA Scholar-Athlete.
Honorable Mention: Katie DeWitt– Northwestern, Eva Voss – Bethany, Jamie High and Lizzy Swanson – North Central, Stephanie Roggenbuck and Kendra Wycoff – Morris, and Erica Babinec – Martin Luther.
MIAC – Division III
Laurie Trow (St. Thomas) – unquestionably the most dominant player in MIAC history. Trow is the conference’s all-time leading scorer (2,607) and rebounder (1,204). Amazingly, she scored in double figures in all 113 games she played during her Tommie career. She was a 3-time All-American, 3-time MIAC Player of the Year, and was named the National Player of the Year after leading St. Thomas to the 1991 national championship. In 2006, Trow was one of just five players named to the NCAA Division III 25th Anniversary Team.
Jessica Beachy (Concordia) – the all-time leading scorer in school history with more than 2,100 points, Beachy led the Cobbers to 3 consecutive MIAC titles, a national runner-up in 1987, and national championship the following season. She earned All-American honors 4 times and was named the National Player of the Year in 1988. In addition, she was given the Honda Award as the Division III Female Athlete of the Year and was named to the Division III 25th Anniversary Team.
Laura Wendorff (St. Bens) – the only 3-time All-American in school history, Wendorff is the Blazers all-time leading scorer (1,775) and rebounder (1,053). She led St. Bens to a 94-15 record, 2 MIAC championships, and a national runner-up during her brilliant career. The Fulda, Minnesota native also excelled in the classroom, earning CoSIDA Academic All-American honors as a senior.
Kaitlin Langer (St. Thomas) – this dominant 6’3 post player was a 2-time All-American, 2-time West Region Player of the Year, and 2-time MIAC Player of the Year during her career. In addition, she was recognized as the D3 Hoops National Player of the Year following her senior year when she led an undefeated Tommie team to the Final 4 before losing to Tufts. Langer was also named to D3 Hoops All 2010’s Decade Team.
Honorable Mention: Mandy Pearson and Marylee Legried – Concordia, Missy Pederson, Hannah Spaulding, and Kirsten Vipond – St. Thomas, Michelle Barlau – St. Bens, Pam Summers – Hamline, Tricia Rasmussen – St. Mary’s, Jess Vadnais – Gustavus, Taite Anderson – Bethel, and Katherine Frewing – Carleton.
NSIC – Division II (only players from Minnesota-based schools were considered)
Brooke Olson (UMD) – Olson has one of the most impressive resumes in Division II history, let alone the NSIC. She was a 4-time All-American, 4-time All-Region, 4-time Conference Player of the Year, and 3-time Conference Tournament MVP. During her senior season, she led the Bulldogs to a national runner-up finish and was recognized as the National Player of the Year, Academic Player of the Year, and the Division II Honda Athlete of the Year.
Dina Kangas (UMD) – prolific scorer who won 3 conference scoring titles, including the 1990-91 season when she averaged nearly 30 ppg. Kangas was a 3-time All-American and is the all-time leading scorer (2,810) and rebounder (1,320) in UMD history.
Erika Quigley (St. Cloud) – led the Huskies to back-to-back Elite 8 appearances and rewrote the school’s record book during her career. She set records for scoring (2,570), rebounding (1,341), and blocked shots (300). A 3-time All-American who was recognized as the National Player of the Year following a brilliant senior season when she averaged 24.5 ppg and 11.6 rpg, while recording 76 blocks.
Lindsay Dietz (UMD) – a 3-time All-American who is the only individual to lead the Bulldogs in scoring four straight years. Averaged more than 20 ppg for her career and is the school’s #3 all-time scorer (2,114). Became UMD’s first two-time recipient of the prestigious ESPN the Magazine Academic All-American Player of the Year Award. She was inducted into the NSIC Hall of Fame in 2023.
Honorable mention: Heather Johnson, Lisa Walters, Joey Batt – Mankato, Amanda Behnke, Anna Schmitt, and Anika Whiting – Concordia-St. Paul, Pat Neder – Winona, and Bri Stoltzman – Southwest.
University of St. Thomas – Division 1, Summit League
Not sure we should etch these names in granite quite yet, given that the Tommies have only been a Division I program for 4 years.
Jade Hill – a 3-time All-Summit League honoree, Hill has registered the most points (1,558) and assists (474) in the D1 era of Tommie hoops. She also excelled in the classroom and was a four-year member of the Summit League Academic Honor Roll and Commissioner’s List. In addition, it was recently announced that she is the Summit League’s nominee for the prestigious 2025 NCAA Woman of the Year Award that will be announced in January 2026.
Jo Langbehn – 6’2 center earned Summit League All-Conference Honorable Mention recognition following last season when she averaged 15.3 ppg and 5.3 rpg. Became the first Tommie in the D1 era to surpass 1,000 points and 500 rebounds in her career.
Amber Scalia – dangerous perimeter shooter who went over 1,000 career points this past season. Has been named Honorable Mention All-Conference twice in her career. Also named CSC Academic All-District this past season. Unfortunately for the Tommies, Scalia decided to transfer to Miami University of Ohio for the upcoming season.
Erin Norling – selected to the Summit League All-Newcomer team in 2021-22 after leading the Tommies in scoring (14.0 ppg) and rebounding (4.4 rpg).
Honorable Mention; Maggie Negaard, Sammy Opichka, and Alyssa Sand
University of Minnesota – Division I, Big Ten Conference
Lindsay Whalen – the greatest Gopher of all time who played with a flair and passion that captured the attention and imagination of girls across the state. Her influence is a major reason Minnesota has become a hotbed for outstanding girls basketball. Whalen helped lead one of the greatest turnarounds in college basketball history, from a last place finish in the Big Ten during her freshman season to a Final 4 berth as a senior. A 3-time All-American who was named Big Ten Player of the Year in 2002, she ranks 2nd in school history in both scoring (2,285) and assists (578). Went on to become a 1st round pick of the Connecticut Sun and helped the Lynx win 4 WNBA titles during her Hall of Fame career.
Carol Ann Shudlick – a 2-time All American who scored more than 2,000 points during her brilliant career. In 1994, she led the Gophers to their first ever NCAA tournament berth, was the Big Ten Player of the Year and Wade Trophy Award winner, the only Gopher ever to receive National Player of the Year honors.
Janel McCarville – teamed with Whalen to form the greatest duo in Gopher basketball history. Undersized, physical post player who was a gifted passer. 2-time All-American and Wooden Award Finalist who ranks as the #7 scorer (1,835) and #2 rebounder (1,206) in school history. McCarville was taken with the 1st overall pick in the WNBA draft in 2005 by the Charlotte Sting.
Rachel Banham – prolific scorer who earned the nickname Maroon Mamba, a tribute to Laker legend, Kobe Bryant, who famously gave Banham a shoutout on social media following her school record 60-point game in 2016. Banham averaged an amazing 28.6 ppg as a senior and was named Big Ten Player of the Year and a Wooden Award Finalist. She was a 3-time All American and is the only player in school history to surpass 3,000 career points. She was selected by the Connecticut Sun in the first round of the 2016 WNBA draft.
Honorable Mention: Linda Roberts, Amanda Zahui B, Laura Coenen, Deb Hunter, Carlie Wagner, and Kinisha Bell.
Pros
Minnesota Fillies- Women’s Professional Basketball League (WPBL)
The WPBL was America’s first professional women’s basketball league. It lasted for just 3 seasons (1978-1981) and the Minnesota franchise was one of only 3 to play in all 3 seasons. The Fillies played their home games at the Met Center in Bloomington in years one and two and at the Minneapolis Auditorium in year three. The Fillies had an unceremonious end to their final season. Financial challenges resulted in missed payrolls that resulted in Fillies players literally walking off the court 10 minutes prior to a game against the Chicago Hustle in a sold out Depaul Alumni Hall. The game was forfeited and the Fillies finished the season with replacement players.
Marie Kocurek – a 6’2 center who was an All-Star in each year of the league’s existence, averaged 16.8 ppg and 5.7 rpg during her three seasons.
Donna Wilson – an athletic wing player who averaged 18.7 ppg and 7.7 rpg to earn All-Star recognition in 1978-79.
Nessie Harris – earned All-Star honors in 1980-81 while averaging nearly 17 ppg.
Brenda Chapman– a high-scoring guard who averaged more than 26 ppg before being moved in a blockbuster trade that landed the Fillies Kathy DeBoer and Marguerite Keeley, two all-stars from the Milwaukee Does.
Honorable Mention: Marie DeLorme, Marguerite Keeley, Pat Montgomery, Kathy DeBoer, Trisha Roberts, and Angela Cotman.
Minnesota Lynx – WNBA
This was no easy task. How do you choose just 4 players from one of the most successful franchises in WNBA history? The Lynx have won 4 championships (could be 6, save for a couple of missed calls) and have been blessed with five Hall of Famers who are also members of the WNBA’s 25-Year Anniversary Team – Maya Moore, Sylvia Fowles, Seimone Augustus, Lindsay Whalen, and Katie Smith. Plus, they’ve had multi-time All-Stars in Rebekkah Brunson, Napheesa Collier, and Kayla McBride. So here are my choices and trust me, I won’t be disappointed if you disagree with me.
Maya Moore – the greatest player in Lynx history, for now. Sports Illustrated once described Moore as the greatest winner in the history of women’s basketball. She was the first overall pick in the 2011 draft, Rookie of the Year, 4-time champion, 7-time All-WNBA, 2013 Finals MVP, and 2014 League MVP. Who will ever forget her iconic, game-winning jumper (shades of Michael Jordan) in the 2015 Finals against Indiana? Also won 2 Olympic gold medals with USA Basketball. Literally left the game in the prime of her career to focus on social justice advocacy.
Sylvia Fowles – the Lynx benefited from the greatest trade in WNBA history. On July 27,2015 they acquired Fowles in a 3-way trade that saw Erika de Souza go to the Chicago Sky and Damiris Dantas and Reshanda Gray go to the Atlanta Dream. And as the saying goes, the rest is history. Fowles was the Finals MVP in the Lynx titles of 2015 and 2017. She was league MVP in 2017, 4-time Defensive Player of the Year, 8-time All-WNBA, and has 4 Olympic gold medals.
Seimone Augustus – probably the Lynx player that never gets the love or attention she deserves– often overshadowed by popular, local favorite Lindsay Whalen and transcendent talents like Moore and Fowles. As the first overall pick in the 2006 draft, Augustus kept the Lynx afloat during some very difficult times before the championship core came together. She is far and away the Lynx career leader in games played and scoring. She was Rookie of the Year in 2006, 6-time All-WNBA, Finals MVP in 2011 and a 3-time Olympic gold medalist.
Napheesa Collier – arguably the best player in the game today (A’ja Wilson is the only other player in the conversation) and is on pace to supplant Maya Moore as the greatest Lynx of all-time. She was Rookie of the Year in 2019, 3-time All-WNBA, 2024 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year and Commissioner Cup MVP, and MVP of this year’s All-Star game. Despite her recent injury, Collier is still the odds-on favorite to be the league’s MVP this season. She is also a 2-time Olympic gold medalist and teamed with fellow UConn legend, Breanna Stewart, to launch the Unrivaled League this past year to provide WNBA players with an alternative to playing overseas to supplement their income. And who was the MVP in year 1? You guessed it – none other than Napheesa Collier.
Honorable Mention: Lindsay Whalen, Katie Smith, Rebekkah Brunson, and Kayla McBride.
Consensus Mount Rushmore of Minnesota Hoops
Paige Bueckers
Lindsay Whalen
Maya Moore
Sylvia Fowles
Bueckers is our high school GOAT and a college phenom who will certainly become a WNBA great. Whalen is literally the face of women’s basketball in Minnesota with a legendary career spanning from high school in Hutchinson, to the Gophers to the Lynx. Moore and Fowles are two of the ten best players of all-time. Collier is hitting her prime and when her career is done, could certainly nudge one of the others off the mountain.
Well, that’s it for now from the Black Hills, time for a quick stop at Wall Drug before heading back to Minnesota on I-90.
About the Author
As Hoop Habits’ media contributor, Roger Johnson brings decades of basketball expertise to his articles. Having served as a marketing executive at Wells Fargo & Company and a content writer for Ultimate Hoops, Roger’s true passion has always been basketball. With experience as a collegiate player at Moorhead State University, coach, and parent of successful players, Roger offers unique insights into the game. His dedication shows through his Minnesota Timberwolves season tickets, University of Minnesota basketball support, and attendance at over 3,000 basketball games throughout his lifetime.