Class of 2024: Sleepers

<span data-preserver-spaces="true">Every ranking list has players who are considered sleepers. There are players who I think have the potential to rise in the rankings over the next two and a half years. I have five players I’d like to highlight as sleepers in the ’24 class. The players aren’t in any particular order.</span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">[player_tooltip player_id="209909" first="Samantha" last="Schmitt"]-5’6 G-Oregon</span></strong> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">I’ve seen the Panther organize her team once this season against Oconomowoc in the Kettle Moraine Classic. The Panther can keep her teammates involved on the offensive end because she is comfortable getting the ball out of her hands. The point guard is a true pass-first guard. In the game I saw against the Raccoons, she didn’t put her stamp on the game until late. Schmitt knocked down some important 3’s late in that game to help separate from the Raccoons. Defensively, the Panther is good at baiting bad passes and creating transition opportunities from those turnovers. Schmitt raises the level of her team when she’s on the floor.</span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">[player_tooltip player_id="267000" first="Halle" last="Vande Hey"]-6’0 C-Xavier</span></strong> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">Vande Hey is an excellent athlete. There aren’t many kids with her size and mobility in this state. The defensive potential that the sophomore center has is limitless. I have a hard time thinking of how you could play the Hawk in a way where she wouldn’t thrive defensively. I don’t think her offensive game is that far off either. Although there isn’t much to write home about over her offensive efficiency, there are building blocks. For instance, Vande Hey isn’t shy about getting shots up from behind the line or getting into the paint. I’m not sure if Vande Hey prefers playing volleyball or basketball, but I like how she can change a basketball game.</span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">[player_tooltip player_id="266986" first="Molly" last="Janke"]-5’11 G/F-Ellsworth</span></strong> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">Janke has improved her shooting a great deal this season. After shooting 39% from the floor and 29% from the 3-point line. She has jumped to 44% from the field and 38% from 3 this season. That drastic improvement shows me that she put in work over the summer and that work is paying dividends. That level of improvement gives me faith that something similar could happen again next season. Janke is so athletic and has a perfect frame to play anywhere from the 2 to 4 at the college level. Her work ethic also makes me think she’ll become the best player she can become, and for the Middle Border Conference, that is scary.</span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">[player_tooltip player_id="266983" first="Brooklynn" last="Butler"]-5’11 G/F-Fond du Lac</span></strong> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">In the Fox Valley Association, it’s easy to get overshadowed if you’re not a cleat D1 kid. I think Butler falls into that class of talented kids who get overshadowed by some of the best the state has to offer. I don’t think that’s something that will last too long for Butler. The Cardinal wing has a beautiful jump shot that she shoots at a relatively high clip, at 38% from 3 this season. The sophomore also puts in a lot of effort on the boards, where she pulls down close to eight rebounds per game. As she improves, there is a good chance that Butler could rise in the rankings because of how difficult it is to thrive in the Fox Valley area.</span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">[player_tooltip player_id="209604" first="Ellie" last="Demet"]-5’8 G-Watertown</span></strong> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">I’m a believer in Demet’s ability to create her shot in a pinch. The Goslings play slower than most teams. That makes Demet’s ability that much more important. Demet is a creative presence that can improve ant team in the state. I know that the Goslings have had an up and down season, and the tempo the Goslings play with somewhat suppresses the scoring numbers Demet could have. That said, there aren’t many players I think can play at as high of a level as Demet in isolation situations. </span>