Who’ll Surprise You This Season?

The season begins next week, and I’m eager to get things going, but there are a few more days before we tip the season. Today, I’ll talk about some players you should keep tabs on. Sunday will be sleeper teams, and on Monday, I’ll have my official state picks as we head into the season. Let’s talk about some kids who might be better than you expect today.

Sage Miskel Sage Miskel 5'7" | PG Whitefish Bay | 2026 State WI

I’ve talked about Miskel a few times over the past month, but she looks like a different kid who started for Whitefish Bay as a freshman last season. She’s more physical, faster, and plays with a chip on her shoulder. I can’t quantify any of that, but she looks like she’s taking everything personally and in the healthiest way possible. The Blue Dukes have a plethora of guards who can create, pass, press, and score, but Miskel is still the engine of that program because she’s explosive, has experience playing in the North Shore, and has been a significant figure for them over the past season.

Marti Rebman Marti Rebman 5'8" | CG Edgerton | 2026 State WI

The seniors from last season’s Edgerton group are gone, but now sophomore Marti Rebman Marti Rebman 5'8" | CG Edgerton | 2026 State WI is back with more experience. Remember, Rebman was critical in the Crimson Tide’s win over eventual Sectional Champion McFarland. Rebamn recorded 16 points that night en route to an Edgerton win, and I expect her to have more volume in her scoring opportunities this season. She can shoot the ball well, and her team will need her to make them. 

Sarah Helm Sarah Helm 5'6" | CG Cedarburg | 2025 State WI

I was pleasantly surprised by how well Helm played this past summer. She did a little of everything for her Chapman Basketball Academy group. The Cedarbug guard did most of the hustle stuff. She was first on the floor, scrapped for loose rebounds, boxed out well against girls taller than her, and competed at a high level. I can’t say I saw her play with anything less than 100%, and she gave everything she had, no matter if her shots were falling or not, and when they did, she was one of the most influential players on the floor.

Addison Schliewe Addison Schliewe 6'2" | C Sheboygan Falls | 2025 State WI

Sheboygan Falls shocked Brillion in the postseason last year behind a tremendous performance from Addison Schliewe Addison Schliewe 6'2" | C Sheboygan Falls | 2025 State WI . You won’t find many 6-2 kids who run the floor like she does, along with defending the rim at her level. Like most 6-2 post-kids at the high school level, there’s plenty of room for her to grow skill-wise. Regardless, she affected the game with her length so much that she’s become one of the most intriguing post-kids in her class. I’m eager to see what she brings to the floor in her junior season.