Class of 2024: Forward Prospects

<span data-preserver-spaces="true">The sophomore class in Wisconsin is incredibly talented from top to bottom, and the frontcourt players are no different. The versatility that some of the forwards possess in the state is impressive. I’ve found four players, in particular, I’d like to discuss. These players all possess different qualities that make them special. None of these players listed are in any order.</span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">[player_tooltip player_id="209588" first="Gabby" last="Wilke"]-6’1-Beaver Dam: </span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The Golden Beaver forward is the most versatile player I’ve seen this season. When Wilke gets the ball, something good usually comes it. Offensively, she’s always a threat. Wilke can beat defenders off the dribble, pass through defenses, or drill a 3-pointer in defenders’ faces. Very few players have the physical tools to handle Wilke. The sophomore has a fire inside her that you can see the second she steps on the floor. I like her ability to make effort plays. Whether that’s fighting for offensive rebounds, diving on the floor, sprinting to play help-side defense, or keeping her teammates upbeat, Wilke is a winner.</span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">[player_tooltip player_id="209910" first="Lyric" last="Burns"]-5’10-Verona: </span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Although Burns comes off the bench for Verona, make no mistake that she’s an important piece for this Wildcats team. There will be games when Burns sets the tone for the game because of her physicality. The Wildcat plays desperately, and it’s endearing. A way to describe how she plays is "the right way." You can tell she loves being on the floor and enjoys playing with this team. That goes for everyone on that team. I’d say P. Lambe and Burns are maybe the most opposite kind of forwards a team can have, but it’s always interesting to see how opposing forwards handle that change. The Wildcat is a player I expect to succeed because of her passion. </span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">[player_tooltip player_id="266988" first="MiKayla" last="Werner"]-6’0-Hortonville: </span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The beauty of Werner’s game is that she can do anything a coach would want. She’s a perfect complementary forward. In an early candidate for game of the season, Division 1 No. 1 Appleton East played host to No. 2 Hortonville. I was able to attend this game, and in that game, [player_tooltip player_id="132372" first="Kamy" last="Peppler"] played out of her mind, scoring 32 points. That said, the sophomore played an impressive game herself. The sophomore finished with 12 points and 12 rebounds. The Polar Bear came off the bench and was crucial in defending the Patriots’ trio. I like her ability to move, rebound and fit into any offense or defense I can imagine. Even with a talented senior Polar Bear class graduating this spring, they will be an issue in the FVA for the foreseeable future.</span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">[player_tooltip player_id="209881" first="Ellie" last="McDermid"]-6’2-Bay Port: </span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The Bay Port sophomore has as much potential as she wants. The six-foot-two forward is an incredible athlete and makes things happen on both ends of the floor. I think that McDermid’s size and athleticism are unique. With those physical tools, the Pirate could become one of the more dominant players in the Green Bay area. The Pirate has good defensive instincts and shows flashes of being a great offensive piece. If McDermid figures out her offensive game, she reaches a new level of prospect.</span>