Prospects to Watch: Class 2024
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I’m continuing to highlight some impressive performers so far by graduation year. Today I want to highlight some sophomores that have impressed me. These prospects are ones that I believe are ones to watch, in the sense that they can…
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Continue ReadingI’m continuing to highlight some impressive performers so far by graduation year. Today I want to highlight some sophomores that have impressed me. These prospects are ones that I believe are ones to watch, in the sense that they can pop relatively soon. These players aren’t necessarily ranked as the best players in the class at the moment, but they have a chance to rise these next few years.
Ellie Demet Ellie Demet 5'8" | SG Watertown | 2024 State WI -5’8 G-Watertown: Demet is the name on this list that you may have been curious about when seeing it here, based on her numbers this season. However, Demet has as much natural ability to score as anyone. The specific moment I learned about Demet was when I saw her make a spinning jumper, where she left her defender at the opposite elbow. Although the sophomore has had a rough few games to start the season, I’m optimistic that these last two games where she scored in double figures are something she will build on.
Ava Brandenburg Ava Brandenburg 5'10" | CG Evansville | 2024 State WI -5’11 G/F-Evansville: Brandenburg is one of the most versatile players I know of in Wisconsin. Although her team hasn’t seen a lof success in the last two seasons, the sophomore has still shown a ton of ability. I haven’t seen many players who can play as well on the perimeter as they can in the post. The sophomore also plays with as much visible passion as anyone. Her skill does fit in almost any position on the floor. I also believe her ability will translate at any level.
Molly Janke Molly Janke 5'10" | SG Ellsworth | 2024 State WI -5’11 G-Ellsworth: Janke has stuffed stat sheets this season at Ellsworth. My favorite part of her game is her aggression to make plays happen. An example of what I’m talking about came on a turnover. After collecting a defensive rebound, she saw a teammate streak down the floor and was a few inches from connecting on a full-court pass. Unfortunately, a defender got her hands on it. That said, the vision and the audacity to even try something like that is something I’ll remember. I know about her ability to score and rebound, but even seeing her attempt a pass like that tells me how good her vision is.
Katelyn Odem Katelyn Odem 5'8" | SG Homestead | 2024 State WI -5’8 G-Homestead: Odem, in my opinion, will be a crucial piece for Homestead these next few years. I believe the Highlanders have as much talent as anyone. They are just freshmen and sophomores. Odem is the piece that brings everyone together in my eyes. The Highlanders have shooters, playmakers, and defenders, but Odem’s ability to do all three of those is crucial. The sophomore has a lot of confidence and aggression in her game. I love her ability to make plays defensively while in a full-court press or half-court defense.
Sydney Cherney Sydney Cherney 5'6" | CG Reedsburg | 2024 State WI -5’9 G-Reedsburg: If there is a basketball just rolling in a gym, Sydney Cherney Sydney Cherney 5'6" | CG Reedsburg | 2024 State WI will be diving on it. Offensively, she is relentless when she wants to get to the basket, and it showed in Reedsburg’s game against Beaver Dam, where she got 13 free throws. Defensively, I’m confident in saying that just watching her play, it feels like there are multiple Sydney Cherney Sydney Cherney 5'6" | CG Reedsburg | 2024 State WI ’s on the floor. The amount of ground she can cover in short amounts of time is incredible. Cherney is also one of the most disciplined players I’ve seen. In the game against the Golden Beavers, she picked up three first-half fouls and showed a great understanding of situational understandings. Playing with three first-half fouls, Cherney still played aggressively but with caution. She refrained from reaching in to try to get steals.