Taking Stock On a Few Freshmen This Season
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It’s been a while since I highlighted the 2026s. So today, we’re looking at some of the standouts in the 2026 class. A handful of kids who’ve established themselves as players who deserve high-level minutes at the varsity level, and…
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Continue ReadingIt’s been a while since I highlighted the 2026s. So today, we’re looking at some of the standouts in the 2026 class. A handful of kids who’ve established themselves as players who deserve high-level minutes at the varsity level, and we’ll talk about four of them.
Leah Nordin Leah Nordin 6'1" | PF Shawano | 2026 State WI
Almost the second the season began, Nordin earned a high-volume role against some solid teams in North East Wisconsin. The 6-foot-1 wing has played some incredible games, like against Xavier, where she finished with 36 points, 17 rebounds, seven steals, and four assists. Nordin is an extraordinary athlete with the skill to do anything you’d want offensively and defensively. She’s one of the most talented kids in her class and is only improving with time.
Natalie Backhaus
Of the posts in the 2026 class, Backhaus may be the standout at this point. She’s a complete kid who can score over both shoulders and make some ridiculous outlet passes when she grabs a rebound. Backhaus is a kid who isn’t afraid of physicality. She seeks it out. The Wisconsin Dells newcomer isn’t someone who will draw a ton of attention this season due to the Dells not having an elite season, but Backhaus is a name to remember over the next three years. She has a chance to be something.
Nataya Donaldson Nataya Donaldson 5'8" | CG Beaver Dam | 2026 State WI
It hasn’t been a dominant season at Beaver Dam due to kids missing games due to injury. However, Donaldson exploded onto the high school scene this season. The guard has all the tools to be successful in high school. She’s physical and skilled, shoots at a high-level, attacks off the dribble, creates for her teammates, defends, and rebounds. There aren’t many kids who’ve had a more seamless transition into the high school game. She earned a high-level role on a winning team and produced. Donaldson could be an x-factor in the postseason coming up in a month.
Jasmin Heuer Jasmin Heuer 5'10" | SF Fall Creek | 2026 State WI
The best part of Heuer’s game is her motor. There aren’t many kids who bring the energy she does. Heuer is about 5-foot-10, but I expect her to have multiple 20-rebound games while at Fall Creek because she has that passion for rebounding. She also dives on the floor for any loose ball she can get near on the floor. Coaches will love watching her compete and make winning plays even if Heuer doesn’t score 20 points in a game. She makes a difference in every game she plays.