Checking In On Some Freshmen
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I think it’s a good time to look at some newcomers who’ve excelled this season. There are plenty of 2026s with the unbelievable ability and have played well out of the gates. Not all situations are the same, so with…
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Continue ReadingI think it’s a good time to look at some newcomers who’ve excelled this season. There are plenty of 2026s with the unbelievable ability and have played well out of the gates. Not all situations are the same, so with that said, let’s talk about some of the best first-year players in the state.
Natalie Kussow Natalie Kussow 5'10" | SG Arrowhead | 2026 State WI
The Arrowhead guard has a lot of size, skill, and opportunity. Being a 5-foot-10 guard, she can shoot over almost anyone. Kussow also has the skill and athleticism to get by anyone off the dribble. Her length also causes problems for opposing teams. It looks like her size surprises kids because she gets blocks, and kids will try and shoot over her again and find the same results.
Giselle Janowski Giselle Janowski 5'9" | SG Pewaukee | 2026 State WI
There may not be a better perimeter defender in the state than Janowski. She’s strong, fast, quick, and reads her assignment well. If you throw her on a guard or wing, I don’t expect that kid to have any amount of fun playing basketball that night. On the other end, she’s been a little hit or miss, which will happen with all the talent on Pewaukee, and because her defense will draw the eyes of coaches at the next level first.
Adaline Sheplee Adaline Sheplee 6'2" | CG Rice Lake | 2026 State WI
For whatever reason, Sheplee has started some games and come off the bench. So she hasn’t had a ton of consistency at the high school level yet, but some flashes are ridiculous. When Sheplee catches the ball on the wing and attacks off the dribble at her size, with the ability to finish with either hand, pull up from the elbow, take a floater, and finish through contact is special. There isn’t another kid with her physical gifts and skills in the state. If you’re from southeast Wisconsin or away from Rice Lake in general and have time, I highly suggest watching a Rice Lake game on stream.
Not many kids can hop on a team who was at the state tournament, find a prominent role, and improve the team better, but that’s what Kovacic has done. Even in the one loss the Spartans suffered, the 5-foot-7 guard caused trouble for Neenah all game. No matter what the Rockets did defensively, they had nobody who would stick to her and keep her from doing whatever she wanted. When the Spartans coaching staff needs a basket, I would not be surprised if they gave Kovacic the keys to get that done late in games.