Class of 2026: Top Ten Breakdown
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Now that the 2026 rankings are here, I want to look at all 20 players on the initial rankings and highlight each kid individually, but today I’ll start with the top ten and then the next ten tomorrow. Adaline Sheplee…
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Continue ReadingNow that the 2026 rankings are here, I want to look at all 20 players on the initial rankings and highlight each kid individually, but today I’ll start with the top ten and then the next ten tomorrow.
Adaline Sheplee Adaline Sheplee 6'2" | CG Rice Lake | 2026 State WI
You won’t find many kids with the size and skill of Adaline Sheplee Adaline Sheplee 6'2" | CG Rice Lake | 2026 State WI . She’s 6-foot-3 and can take anyone off the dribble and shoot over anyone. The Rice Lake native is one of the kids in this class who will headline for the next few years. If you’re not from the Eau Claire area, you may not see her often, but remember her name.
Giselle Janowski Giselle Janowski 5'9" | SG Pewaukee | 2026 State WI
Early on, Janowski separated herself as the best perimeter defender in this class and won’t back down from any matchup. She’s also a threat to shoot from the perimeter or attack off the dribble. Right now, she’s probably a top-five perimeter defender in the state, and she’s only getting better.
Natalie Kussow Natalie Kussow 5'10" | SG Arrowhead | 2026 State WI
You could take the top-four kids and order them however you want, and I wouldn’t complain. Kussow is one of the kids in this class who’s made a name for herself in the high school ranks with big games against teams like Germantown and Homestead. She can score at any time and has a burst off the dribble that most kids aren’t prepared for when they see it in person.
Leah Nordin Leah Nordin 6'1" | PF Shawano | 2026 State WI
Nordin is another kid most people won’t see because she’s from Shawnao, and they won’t play at events in the southern part of the state. The 6-foot-1 wing is athletic, scores from every level, and can defend one through five on the defensive end. Like Shepless, Nordin is a name to remember over the next few years.
Brookfield East went to the state tournament last year, then added a freshman at the level of Kovacic, which may put the Spartans over the top. Whenever the Spartans need to make something happen, Kovacic gives them another option to make something happen. She’s creative off the dribble, can create her shot, score the ball any way a coach could want, and do all of that fast.
Ady Ketterhagen Ady Ketterhagen 5'9" | PG Oostburg | 2026 State WI
The more I see Ketterhagen, the more I love what she brings to the floor. Of all the freshmen I’ve seen this season, nobody’s taken over a game as she did against Brillion. She is as dynamic as anyone in this class.
Samantha Davis Samantha Davis 5'10" | SF Aquinas | 2026 State WI
If you know of the Davis family, it’s not surprising to see this kid excelling on the floor. She’s an outstanding athlete and has found a role at Aquinas. Finding that role this season has helped her figure out how to excel in a new setting with new kids. She’s only going to improve. The rich get richer at Aquinas.
Brooklyn Love Brooklyn Love 5'5" | PG Dominican | 2026 State WI
Love has come off the bench at Dominican but has become one of the most consistent scorers for a team who went to the state tournament. She can beat anyone off the dribble and finish around the rim at a high level.
Natalie Backhaus Natalie Backhaus 6'0" | PF Wisconsin Dells | 2026 State WI
Since she’s at Wisconsin Dells, most people haven’t seen her play in person, including myself. However, the 6-foot-1 forward is as skilled with her back to the basket as anyone. Backhaus is one of the more complete posts in this class because she can score over either shoulder and pass the ball at a high level.
Presly Samz Presly Samz 5'7" | PG Arrowhead | 2026 State WI
There is an undeniable leadership quality that Samz has without knowing her. She has confidence in her game, which is contagious, and she has the utmost confidence in her own game. She scored the go-ahead basket with under a minute to go against Homestead and made some big shots against Kettle Moraine. She’ll be one of the best kids in the Classic 8 in a few years because she’s already incredibly challenging to deal with defensively for 36 minutes.