Sophomores to Remember
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There have been plenty of sophomores who’ve had excellent seasons and played well all year long. Today, I want to highlight some of the kids who don’t get as much shine as they should for various reasons, but today I’d…
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Continue ReadingThere have been plenty of sophomores who’ve had excellent seasons and played well all year long. Today, I want to highlight some of the kids who don’t get as much shine as they should for various reasons, but today I’d like to highlight four sophomores who’ve been excellent this season.
The Lourdes Academy guard is a pragmatic kid who tends to make the right play every time down the floor. However, the part of her game that makes her stand out is her shooting. When Bauer finds any space on the perimeter, she tends to make the most of her opportunities. She doesn’t miss wide of the rim, her shot is always online, and she is trustworthy with the ball in her hands. Bauer can swing a game by herself, especially at the D5 level.
Olivia Witkowski Olivia Witkowski 6'0" | PF Weyawega-Freemont | 2025 State WI
When you think about the talented six-foot forwards in this state, your mind doesn’t go to Weyauwega-Fremont. However, Witkowski has all the tools to have a successful career as a Warhawk. Most teams at the D4 level don’t have the personnel to deal with Witkowski on either end, and she takes advantage of that. She uses her length to block shots, rebound, and take turnaround jumpers over smaller defenders. The Warhawks’ ability to utilize her will be significant for them in the postseason and the next two seasons.
Usually, the eyes of college coaches go to kids with significant size when looking for forwards. However, Edmond is someone who will outplay kids who are four inches taller than her on both ends. I’ve seen her outrebound 6-foot-3 girls routinely, and she plays with the effort that every coach is after in a player. The Brookfield Central forward has improved over the last year, and it seems like that isn’t going to slow down. Edmond can help the Lancers improve these next two years and make a name for herself if she hasn’t already.
Lauren Strifling Lauren Strifling 5'11" | PF Homestead | 2025 State WI
Homestead is guard heavy, and most of the defensive attention from opposing teams will go toward them, which makes sense. However, Strifling brings an element to the Highlanders that allows them to play more traditionally and have Strifling defend some of the talented forwards in the North Shore and teams in Homestead’s sectional. The sophomore has all the skills to excel in the postseason and will have moments where her rebounds, interior defense, and perimeter shooting could change the course of a sectional game.