Underrated Playmakers
In this article:
This state possesses uber-talented playmakers. With the high-end talent, it’s easy to forget some of the other talented playmakers in Wisconsin. Due to that, I want to highlight some kids who have been excellent this season who may not be…
Access all of Prep Girls Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThis state possesses uber-talented playmakers. With the high-end talent, it’s easy to forget some of the other talented playmakers in Wisconsin. Due to that, I want to highlight some kids who have been excellent this season who may not be on the general public’s radar yet. These are four players I’ve become a fan of over the season.
Addy Verhagen Addy Verhagen 5'4" | PG Sheboygan Lutheran | 2025 State WI -5’4 PG-’25-Sheboygan Lutheran
If Addy Verhagen Addy Verhagen 5'4" | PG Sheboygan Lutheran | 2025 State WI isn’t a name you know yet, you will soon. The freshman has come into the high school game and has been a winning player. The improvement of Sheboygan Lutheran isn’t all down to her, but I think it’s fair to say a large portion of it is down to Verhagen. I’ve only been able to watch the freshman on stream, but I don’t know of many players who can create for herself or teammates as she can. Verhagen has the ball on a string and seems to have a great understanding of how her movement affects a defense. The freshman has also been a menace to opposing lead guards and has given them no space to operate. The Sheboygan Lutheran guards’ stat line as a freshman looks like 17.5 points, seven assists, three rebounds, and four steals per game. She’s been unbelievable this season.
Samantha Schmitt Samantha Schmitt 5'6" | PG Oregon | 2024 State WI -5’6 G-’24-Oregon
There’s something about Schmitt’s game I love it’s that she can control Oregon’s offense. The Panther is a gifted guard who understands the value of involving her teammates. I think there’s a chance she could be an elite scorer to pair with creation, but I think she enjoys facilitating more than scoring herself. I’ve seen her twice, and she doesn’t turn the ball over that much. Schmitt also has turned on her offensive game when needed, especially against Oconomowoc. There is clear potential that the sophomore can be an excellent point guard, and over time I think there’s a good chance she gets there. I’ll always wonder what she’d do as an aggressive scorer, and to be fair, she leads the Panthers in scoring with 12 points per game. Schmitt’s an excellent teammate because of her ability to find open teammates consistently.
Lily Cayley Lily Cayley 5'8" | CG Eau Claire Memorial | 2023 State WI -5’8 G-’23-Eau Claire Memorial
Cayley has one of the quickest first steps in the state. Her quickness is one of the biggest weapons she has. Few guards have the speed to stay in front of Cayley when she tries to get past them. Cayley is one of the better finishers around the rim as well. These aspects of her game have led to teams throwing the kitchen sink at her to try and slow her down, literally and figuratively. Defensively, she has the size and quickness to stay with high-level kids. I think there’s a little bit of room for her to grow on that end still, but if she figures it out, there’s a chance that Division 1 schools could come in droves.
Tess Wiczek Tess Wiczek 5'7" | PG Pius XI Catholic | 2025 State WI -5’6 G-’25-Pius XI
I’m a massive fan of every one of Pius’ starters, but Wiczek checks all the boxes I have for guards I adore. The freshman is one of the toughest kids I’ve seen. I trust her with the ball to close games. She isn’t wasteful with the ball, she makes open shots, and she can get to the rim. This season, she’s been a secondary playmaker because of the presence of T. Kostuck. That said, Wiczek and Kostuck make up one of the best backcourts in the state. I’m not sure what Wiczek will be, but if you enjoy elite guard play, watch these two Lady Popes operate.