Players to Watch: Class of 2025
Without even having rankings for the class of 2025, I want to take a little inventory and talk about some of the best newcomers to the high school scene. These freshmen have impressed, even just a month into the season.…
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Continue ReadingWithout even having rankings for the class of 2025, I want to take a little inventory and talk about some of the best newcomers to the high school scene. These freshmen have impressed, even just a month into the season. Before the rankings begin to assemble sometime soon, these are some of the best Wisconsin has to offer.
Rainey Welson-5’9 G-Hortonville: It’s rare to see a freshman earn a large role on a good team. It’s even rarer to see one lead one of the best teams in scoring. Welson thus far has done just that for Hortonville. The Polar Bear freshman is a well-rounded player who has shot the ball efficiently. On a team with loads of Division 1 talent, I have been impressed with how Welson has seamlessly fit in. The goal for the Polar Bears is clear, avenge their overtime loss to Hudson in the sectional finals a year ago and win state. The fact that a freshman could be the piece that helps them do just that is absurd.
Kristina Ouimette-6’1-Lakeland: The Ouimette sisters are some of the most mysterious prospects in the state. Mainly because so far away from most of the population in Wisconsin, which is the reason I made a point to see them when they played at the Beaver Dam Showcase. Lakeland played Division 4 power Aquinas and played well. Ouimette showed an ability to be a large guard essentially. She can shoot off the dribble, shoot over anyone, and that she had juice off the dribble. There is still a fair bit to clean up, but she’s still young. From a size and skill aspect, however, Ouimette is an appealing prospect already.
JJ Barnes-5’8-The Prairie School: Barnes has dominated for The Prairie School. The Hawk is yet to score under 20 points in a game. The freshman has alarmingly efficient although she isn’t much of a 3-point shooter, she is dominating inside the arc where she is shooting 77%. Barnes has also boasted a positive assist to turnover ratio, one of the first stats I look for in young guards.
Addy Verhagen-5’4-Sheboygan Lutheran: Verhagen has put up ridiculous numbers this season, even recording a triple-double in just her fourth high school game. The impact she has had has been enormous. Verhagen has helped her team to six wins already. Close to their last season total of eight. Sheboygan Lutheran already has even more conference wins this season. The turnaround isn’t all down to Verhagen, but her presence has changed the program at least early on.