Stock Risers: Class of ’23 (Part One)
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As the new season approaches and we update the rankings of each class, there are stock-risers to check on. This time around, a few players made jumps in the rankings in ’23. The ’23 class not only has talent at…
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Continue ReadingAs the new season approaches and we update the rankings of each class, there are stock-risers to check on. This time around, a few players made jumps in the rankings in ’23. The ’23 class not only has talent at the top, giving it quality, but the rest of the class gives it the quantity as well. As the season gets going, there will be movers again. These are the ’23 stock risers coming out of summer ball and into the high school season.
Beautiful Waheed Beautiful Waheed 5'9" | CG Milwaukee Academy of Science | 2023 State WI -5’6 G-Milwaukee Academy of Science: Over the summer, Waheed left a lasting impression on everyone who saw her play. As a ball-handler, she has speed in every way imaginable straight-line speed, lateral quickness, and quick with her dribble moves. Playing for the Milwaukee Academy of Science, an independent, couldn’t play home games in Milwaukee due to COVID and only got to play in nine games a season ago. Waheed made a massive jump due to her prowess over the summer. She jumped from 65 spots from No. 75 up to No. 10.
Audrey Deptula Audrey Deptula 6'0" | CG Middleton | 2023 State WI -6’0 G-Middleton: Deptula is a guard in a forwards body, and she knows it. Deptula has a solid handle and an understanding of getting to the places on the floor that she wants to get. Her size, release, and lift on her jumper means Deptula can make tough and contested shots look easy. Her ability to knock down tough shots, especially at the next level when she plays with a shot clock, helps her open up the floor for teammates, so they get open shots or lanes for cuts. Deptula, in fewer words, understands basketball. Before she catches the ball, she knows what she wants to do. That makes her tough to defend. She knows that, with her shot, almost nobody is going to get a real contest on it. So she can, and will, shoot from anywhere even if it’s off-balance.
Nevaeh Thomas Nevaeh Thomas 6'0" | SF Kenosha Bradford | 2023 State WI -6’0 F-Kenosha Bradford: Thomas has one of the most impressive stat lines from a season ago I’ve seen. Thomas posted a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Also adding to that on the defensive end with an astounding four blocks per game. Thomas has some room to grow as a player just because she has the skill to contribute as a passer and as a shooter with range. Thomas is ranked as the No. 15 junior in Wisconsin heading into the season.
Sammi Beyer Sammi Beyer 5'7" | CG Appleton East | 2023 State WI -5’7 G-Appleton East: Beyer can flat out shoot the basketball. Shooting in the upper 40% of both field goal and three-point percentage makes Beyer a high-level shooter. It doesn’t hurt that she shot above 80% at the free-throw line reaffirming how good she is as a shooter. She has some areas to improve on to become more well-rounded. With that said, whenever you go to the next level, you need one skill that sets you apart. For Beyer, that’s a quality that you can never get enough of, shooting. Beyer ranks as the No. 20 junior in the state of Wisconsin.
Lily Cayley Lily Cayley 5'8" | CG Eau Claire Memorial | 2023 State WI -5’8 G-Eau Claire Memorial: Cayley can make something out of nothing. As a ball-handler, she is as creative as they come. Even when Cayley picks up her dribble, Cayler uses her pivot foot to discard her defender and get an open shot. As a shooter, I don’t doubt that she shoots a solid percentage from three-I don’t have her shooting numbers- but I worry it may take too long for her to get to her shot. She does start her jumper very low. Even with that critique, it has worked for her. She has made shots leaning jump shots with defenders draped all over her and gotten it off in small windows. Cayley is the No. 32 junior in the state of Wisconsin.
Madilyn Dogs Madilyn Dogs 6'0" | CG Kewaskum | 2023 State WI -5’11 F-Kewaskum: As of writing, Dogs is an excellent athlete who can be a great basketball player at this level. Dogs may be the most versatile defender in the state. I wouldn’t be surprised if she could defend almost anyone in this state at any position. Right now, Dogs is solid offensively, who can be an excellent offensive player. It just comes down to efficiency. Dogs has all the physical tools to be a great player. Over the next two years, I wouldn’t doubt if she lands on this list again a year from now. Dogs is the No. 34 player in the ’23 class in Wisconsin.
Makiah Hawk Makiah Hawk 6'1" | SF Sun Prairie | 2023 State WI -6’1 F-Sun Prairie: Hawk lands here due to her summer at the Under Armour circuit, where she showed out. Hawk is a forward who brings a lot to a game. Hawk is a versatile big who can play in the post and step outside and knock down shots. Her versatility makes her hard to cover for opposing bigs. She also knows how to play big. She protects the paint well as well she uses her verticality to detour guards driving to the rim. Hawk block jumpers as well. Admittedly, she doesn’t look lightning quick to get out and contest, but she does cover ground quickly. She surprises shooters that she can get to a position where she can block their shots. She plays very hard, and she gets results with her will to change the game. Hawk comes in with a ranking of No. 46 in this version of the class of 2023 rankings.