Some newcomers have started the season with a bang

Julie Stewart had a feeling her inexperienced sophomore was ready for an opportunity. The Wayzata girls basketball coach handed previously-unheralded [player_tooltip player_id='339132' first='Ella' last='Goodnature'] the 6th-player spot in the Trojans' season-opener Wednesday at Maple Grove. Goodnature not only rose to the occasion, she was outstanding while playing a key role in Wayzata's 60-56 victory over the Crimson. Stewart's hunch had paid off. “Ella has made an incredible jump from last year,” Coach Stewart said over the weekend. “She pitched for our varsity softball team in the spring and I believe that has contributed to her mental toughness. She's long and has a feel for spacing and cutting. She's a player that makes her team around her better by her actions.”   While Goodnature's performance came completely out of the blue – she jumped straight from the 9th grade squad to varsity without spending any time on JV – the contributions of freshman [player_tooltip player_id='478350' first='Kate' last='Amelotte'] were no surprise at all. The position-less player with the big frame and more-than-ample athleticism has earned the #4 position in the Class of 2026 rankings for a reason. A dozen reasons actually, and many of them were on full display at Maple Grove and throughout the weekend at the Breakdown Tip Off Classic. Not only did Amelotte get into action, she was in the starting lineup and has played a pivotal role in the Trojans 3-0 start. “Kate is another player who works so well with others,” Stewart said. “She plays so hard and has the skill set to be great at all levels of the game. She has basketball instincts. She loves to play and works hard at her game. Both she and Ella are so coachable and love to compete.”   While Goodnature's role was more about defense and support, Amelotte has been putting the ball in the basket reaching double digits in her first two games. Playing in a starting lineup that includes Division 1 commits [player_tooltip player_id='108345' first='Brynn' last='Senden'] (Minnesota), [player_tooltip player_id='108312' first='Abby' last='Krzewinski'] (North Dakota State) and [player_tooltip player_id='148340' first='Shannon' last='Fornshell'] (Drake) along with Top 10 sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='212489' first='Sophie' last='Hawkinson'], that's mighty impressive for a 9th grade newcomer to get her fair share.   Goodnature and Amelotte aren't the only fresh faces who have excelled in the first two weeks of the high school season. Here are a few more we have enjoyed watching so far.   Ella Theobald - 2026 forward, Stewartville   Ella missed last season and the AAU summer with a knee injury suffered last December so we didn't really know what to expect from the 6-foot forward. Theobald made it obvious from the get-go last weekend that she is going to be a major factor for the Tigers by opening with a 16-point performance against Mountain Iron-Buhl. Theobald has a nose for the basketball and is an excellent offensive rebounder. She offers a physical presence inside and is a big defensive asset. When she gets back up to speed look out.   Ari Peterson – 2028 guard, Providence Academy   We told you about Ari during fall league where the almost 6-footer was making quite the impression with her athleticism and instincts. Fast forward to last weekend at the Twin Cities Thanksgiving Tip Off and Ari had the audience oohing and aahing with her incredible elevation, speed in the open court, and natural instincts playing against elite competition. When 7th graders can touch the rim you know there's something special going on.   Lola Wolgamot – 2027 forward, Hill-Murray   Lola suited up this summer for the top Minnesota Fury team in her age group so that alone tells you what kind of potential she has. In Friday's opening game at the Tip Off, Wolgamot looked right at home with the Pioneers. She knocked down a smooth three at one point and wasn't afraid to get down on the hardwood and fight for loose balls. She's listed at 5'7 but looks bigger and is quite physically advanced for her age.   Kaja Nash – 2027 guard, Maranatha   The crafty, athletic 5'8 guard has quick feet, quick hands and plenty of speed. She can handle the basketball and is already proving she can score. Kaja was part of a strong FBC North squad this summer and was on the floor last season for Maranatha, as well. So far this year she's putting the ball in the basket at an impressive rate. Nash had 23 points against Duluth Marshall at the Tip Off.   [player_tooltip player_id='773411' first='Olivia' last='Lanari'] – 2026 guard/small forward, Maranatha   This isn't Olivia's first kick at the varsity cat either. She earned honorable mention status from the Skyline All-Conference selection committee and was a regular in the Mustangs scheme. We've seen her with the Minnesota Suns, as well. Olivia has nice length and is physically advanced for her age. Her contributions are only going to grow as her skills continue to develop.

Julie Stewart had a feeling her inexperienced sophomore was ready for an opportunity. The Wayzata girls basketball coach handed previously-unheralded Ella Goodnature Ella Goodnature 5'10" | CG Wayzata | 2025 State MN the 6th-player spot in the Trojans' season-opener Wednesday at Maple Grove. Goodnature not only rose to the occasion, she was outstanding while playing a key role in Wayzata's 60-56 victory over the Crimson. Stewart's hunch had paid off. “Ella has made an incredible jump from last year,” Coach Stewart said over the weekend. “She pitched for our varsity softball team in the spring and I believe that has contributed to her mental toughness. She's long and has a feel for spacing and cutting. She's a player that makes her team around her better by her actions.”