Intriguing Programs to Watch this Season

I want a break from the monotony of highlighting conferences and discussing a few teams and players who could break out this season. I’ll start by highlighting a few programs that could have improved seasons and finish with some sophomores who could break out this season and make a name for themselves statewide.

Waunakee

I’ve talked about how good the Warriors could be this season, but I want to continue to drive that point home. Beaver Dam hasn’t lost the Badger East since they joined the conference, but Waunakee is a real threat to that run of dominance. The Warriors have experienced athletes who’ve played significant minutes in the Badger Conference. Claire Meudt Claire Meudt 5'10" | SF Waunakee | 2024 State WI , who won Player of the Year as a junior, Audrey Medut, Lexi Fuhremann, and Ellen Dotzler are all back and have played at a high level. However, they’re likely gaining some newcomers who’ll play significant roles. Graycin Phillips Graycin Phillips 6'0" | SF Waunakee | 2026 State WI could play a massive role as a sophomore, and Tessa Bryan Tessa Bryan 5'8" | PG Waunakee | 2027 WI will be someone who’ll make defenses uncomfortable the second she steps onto the floor. There’s a solid chance we’ll see an Arrowhead and Waunakee matchup in Oregon, with a trip to the state tournament on the line in early March.

Oostburg

The Dutch opened a state-of-the-art gym last season and had a team to fit the new stage. Oostburg had a young bunch of kids who played fast and scored the ball at an elite level. Even though I’d argue that a lack of experience did them in against eventual champions Kewaskum, now that they have that experience, they’ll be a dangerous group this season. Last season, there were times when the Dutch lost their minds and played below their level. However, there were times when we saw them play elite competition, like Laconia, and showed quality that we didn’t often see. Although Oostburg lost that game, their output against the Spartan defense was on par.

Appleton East

Two years ago, the Patriots were playing for a state title, and now, all but one of the kids who played rotational minutes are gone. We’re in a new era of Appleton East basketball, and they have an intriguing group. The backcourt will still have plenty of talent with Lilly Meulemans Lilly Meulemans 5'8" | CG Appleton East | 2025 State WI and Ella Sweeney Ella Sweeney 5'8" | PG Appleton East | 2027 WI . Each of those kids is extremley talented but doesn’t have much playing experience in the FVA. However, that doesn’t scare me that much. Meulemans and Sweeney are good compliments to each other because Meuelemans is a high-level athlete who can push the tempo and pressure defenses in transition offenses. Sweeney is a skill-based kid who does an excellent job operating in small windows of space in half-court settings. None of that even mentions the kid who may be the breakout star of the FVA in Torie Neubauer Torie Neubauer 6'0" | PF Appleton East | 2025 State WI . The 6-1 wing/forward has a plethora of athleticism and excellent body control. The trio of Meuelmans, Sweeney, and Neubauer have a high ceiling if things go right for them.

Racine Prairie

In my opinion, the Hawks were one of the four best teams in D4 last season but were unlucky being thrown into a sectional with Laconia a season ago. I think they may have even been the second-best team in D4. This time, they won’t have as difficult a road to state as last season, and they’re the ones with the chip on their shoulders. Prairie will have the best player in D4 in JJ Glass-Barnes JJ Glass-Barnes 5'8" | CG The Prairie School | 2025 State WI , who’s shown growth in her perimeter game over the summer. Meg Decker Meg Decker 5'8" | CG The Prairie School | 2025 State WI is an elite multi-sport athlete who can change the course of a game in a few possessions. Reese Jaramillo Reese Jaramillo 5'9" | SG Prairie | 2024 State WI can shoot the lights out if given time and space and always plays under control. Ava Collier-White Ava Collier-White 5'4" | PG Prairie | 2024 State WI is one of the best on-ball defenders in Southeast Wisconsin. One name who could push this team over the top is Amiyah Galica. If she’s as good as I think she could be, this Hawks team will be one of the toughest teams to play in the state.