Freshmen to Watch: Forwards
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As we get out of the Christmas break and into tournament season this week, I want to discuss some forwards. The freshmen this season seem to have a lot of talent at the guard position, and the forwards haven’t gotten…
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Continue ReadingAs we get out of the Christmas break and into tournament season this week, I want to discuss some forwards. The freshmen this season seem to have a lot of talent at the guard position, and the forwards haven’t gotten much attention, at least from me. I’m highlighting four forwards that you should keep tabs on as they develop over the next few years.
Peyton Musial Peyton Musial 6'0" | SG Notre Dame | 2025 State WI -5’11 G/F-Notre Dame: After winning a WIAA Division 2 state title last season, Notre Dame added one of the most talented freshmen in the state. Musial has been a seamless fit into a talented roster this season. The Triton can play the 2, 3, and 4, in my opinion, making her extremely versatile. When I’ve watched Triton games, Musial has done a lot of spacing for players who look to get into the paint. The Triton has also been very active off the ball. Musial cuts to the rim whenever her defender takes her eyes off her. Musial against Division I No. 1 Hortonville cut from the corner on multiple occasions for easy layups. Defensively, The Triton is much bigger and has longer arms than what one would assume. Musial is also quicker than she looks. The Triton keeps up with quick guards and blocks layup attempts. Right now, she comes off the bench for the Tritons and has shown her quality. I wouldn’t be surprised if Musial becomes one of the best players in her class in a few years.
Karinna Trotter Karinna Trotter 6'2" | PF Divine Savior Holy Angels | 2025 State WI -6’2 F-Divine Savior Holy Angels: Trotter has a good feel for the game and is a threat in the paint and perimeter. Trotter hasn’t made a massive impact yet statistically, but it’s only a matter of time, in my opinion. Trotter can be a player that opposing teams can’t handle. A player who has her balance and ability to shoot like Trotter can put defenses at her mercy. I was able to see her and DSHA play Kimberly, and although Trotter only scored five points, her potential is obvious. Holmes, Timm, and Trotter could be a lethal trio.
Lauren Strifling-5’11 F-Homestead: Strifling is a unique kind of forward. She is probably slightly undersized, but she plays way bigger than 5’11. If I had to guess, the Homestead freshman has a much longer wingspan than her height. In some of the highlights she has over the summer, she’s blocking taller girls’ shots without jumping. It’s also amazing how well she plays isolated defensively. In multiple 3-on-1 fast breaks, Strifling bounces on her toes and consistently contests layups without fouling. I’ve seen her play one time against Kettle Moraine Lutheran. In that game, Strifling made her guards’ lives easier by setting good screens and rolling to the basket effectively. The one basket she made was a basket and a foul that helped push the game out of reach. As Strifling grows as a player, I can’t wait to see how she improves.
Jordan Fenske-5’10 F-Waukesha West: Fenske is the name on this list that will take the most time to develop. At face value, Fenske has a lot to work with at this moment. The Waukesha West freshman has good size, and her jumper has a high and consistent release. I like how Fenske isn’t timid on the floor and wants to make something happen on offense and defense. With the roster that the Wolverines have, it could take a while before Fenske pops onto the Classic Eight scene. However, I’m letting you know now that Fenske can be a difference-maker.