Keep an Eye Out: These 2028s Are Trending in the Right Direction

These five 2028 watch list players are intriguing prospects who just missed the initial top list but have shown flashes worth tracking. With a focused summer of development, sharpening their skills, and translating growth into game action, they have a real shot at climbing into the rankings. If they carry that momentum into the high school season, don't be surprised to see their names start trending upward in a hurry.    [player_tooltip player_id='2531923' first='Tristan' last='Robinson'] makes his mark as a defensive stopper. With good size and discipline, he defends without fouling and embraces physical matchups. He's tenacious on-ball, thrives in transition, and uses his athleticism to turn stops into fast-break buckets. For a Cherry Creek team that will need perimeter defenders, Robinson is the kind of player who can anchor that side of the ball.     [player_tooltip player_id='2395424' first='Gus' last='Van Matre'] does his best work with the [program_tooltip program_id='2078368' first='Colorado' last='Titans'], where his 6'2 frame and inside-out scoring ability shine. He's a confident shooter from deep and a physical finisher in traffic. He brings versatility to the wing spot, and that allows him to have his moments where he dominates. If he brings that same energy and shot-making to Fairview, expect him to carve out a varsity role this season. Finish off the year strong and get ready for a solid sophomore campaign.     [player_tooltip player_id='2402579' first='Samuel' last='Salsbery'] may play in a smaller classification, but his game speaks volumes. The 6'4 wing averaged 7.0 points and 3.5 rebounds while shooting over 40% from three as a freshman. With [program_tooltip program_id='2100026' first='7070' last='Athletics'], he proves he can compete with top talent statewide. His combination of size, shooting, and toughness makes him one to monitor closely going forward, and if he puts up another solid statline in year 2, his spot in the top players in the class will be undeniable.     [player_tooltip player_id='2543717' first='Wilson' last='Grothe'] brought chaos to opponents as the top of The Classical Academy's zone. With long arms, quick feet, and active hands, he created turnovers and sprinted the floor for transition scores. In grassroots play, he's showing even more as he's hitting threes, finishing dunks, and doing the dirty work that keeps him on the floor. His motor and athleticism make him an intriguing two-way wing to watch and if he keeps it up, will quickly climb the ranks. Very intrigued by Wilson.     [player_tooltip player_id='2825472' first='Paden' last='Cobbina'] continues to stand out for [program_tooltip program_id='2075812' first='Rocky' last='Mountain Fever']. He's a cerebral player who understands spacing, cuts at the right time, and finds soft spots in the defense for easy buckets.His IQ and feel for the game put him in positive spots, and his teammates reward him for that. If that translates to his high school role, he could be the bench spark that elevates an experienced roster but it comes with doing all of the dirty work that others will not. Keep working!     Wyatt Ross   Wyatt Ross is a 6'3 shot-maker with a scorer's mindset. He spaces the floor with a confident outside jumper but also attacks downhill with strength and control. He makes tough buckets look easy and doesn't shy away from contact. Ross also competes on both ends and willingly moves the ball, making him a reliable scoring option with size and versatility.

These five 2028 watch list players are intriguing prospects who just missed the initial top list but have shown flashes worth tracking. With a focused summer of development, sharpening their skills, and translating growth into game action, they have a real shot at climbing into the rankings. If they carry that momentum into the high school season, don't be surprised to see their names start trending upward in a hurry.