Checking on the Class of 2027s Wings and Forwards
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I haven’t done one of these in a while, so we’re checking up on some of the newcomers around the state and checking on how their first season of high school ball has gone thus far. We’ll start with the…
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Continue ReadingI haven’t done one of these in a while, so we’re checking up on some of the newcomers around the state and checking on how their first season of high school ball has gone thus far. We’ll start with the wings and forwards and finish the day with the guards.
Ava Van Vonderen Ava Van Vonderen 6'0" | SG Kimberly | 2027 State WI
At Kimberly, there won’t be a great deal of responsibility handed to her this season because they have the deepest team in the state. From the streams I’ve watched, I liked that she’s proven to the Papermaker staff that she should be on the floor for crucial minutes. Even though her offense hasn’t been elite thus far, she’s rebounded well, moved the ball, and she’s been a kid they’ve trusted to defend in the FVA. Her offense will come, but she’s done everything else for her Papermaker team, which is a positive sign in her first month of high school ball.
Avalyn Albrecht Avalyn Albrecht 6'1" | PF Poynette | 2027 State WI
People have a skewed view of small-school basketball, for better or worse. However, even if you don’t value the performances of small-school kids much, what Albrechts accomplished in her first month has been outstanding. She’s been the best player in the Capitol-North and arguably in the entire Capitol Conference in her first month. Albrecht’s dominated every aspect of the game in each game she’s played in, which doesn’t happen.
Olivia LaBlanc Olivia LaBlanc 5'11" | PF Hudson | 2027 State WI
It’s always unfortunate when a player loses their season to injury, but it’s more upsetting when that kid was making a name for themselves in a significant way at the high school level. What LaBlanc did against Hartford at Kettle Moraine was nothing short of outstanding, and she nearly led her Hudson Raiders to a high-profile win over an Oriole team with high aspirations. That was the only game this season when I looked at a 2027 and said she’s been the the most influential player on the floor. Even in the game where she went down, LaBlanc looked like the best player on the floor. I wish her a speedy recovery.
Mariah Sexton Mariah Sexton 6'3" | PF STMA | 2027 State MN
I feel posts get put under the microscope most at the high school level because of their physical traits, which is their height. From watching Sexton for a little against another post that I think of highly of, Sexton looked like she belonged on the floor, even though she was three years younger than her matchup. Sexton plays physically, doesn’t shy away from contact, can finish with either hand and plays hard when she’s on the floor. Her ceiling isn’t as far away as other 6-3 or taller kids who’ve come through the Midwest in the past few seasons, but she does have plenty to continue to add to her game over the next three years, as any 2027 does.
Alic has some development skill-wise to do over her next three years, but you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who can wreck a game on the defensive end like Alic. She’s got an excellent wing span and can poke balls loose from ball handlers when they think they’re protecting the ball, jumps passing lanes all the time, and can get to the rim at will. She’s one of the best athletes in Wisconsin. Watching her play, you’d think she’s four inches taller.
Kaelyn Nommensen Kaelyn Nommensen 5'11" | SF Wisconsin Lutheran | 2027 State WI
I’ve enjoyed watching Nommensen play twice this season because I’ve seen her in two different types of games do the same things. She’s a lengthy 5-11 wing who can make open shots, isn’t shy about shooting it, and can put the ball in the basket at the level of anyone in her class. In a shootout against Germantown, she led her Vikings team with 18 points. I also love her effort when she rotates defensively. She’s recorded some blocks this season because she reads the game and attacks the ball with her length. She’s a disciplined defender who could be one of the better rim protectors in the Woodland-West already.
Haylie Dulas Haylie Dulas 5'11" | SF Kimberly | 2027 State WI
Another highly touted Kimberly newcomer, Dulas, is in a similar situation as Van Vonderen. The 5-11 wing slotted into a role that allows her to leave her mark on the game without having to be a kid scoring 20 every night. She’s found something that’s worked for her and her team and has been productive. She’s been a stubborn defender who’s done a solid job reading the game and playing elite-level help-side defense, earning a few jump balls this season. I’m not sure when Van Vonderen and Dulas will make the turn and start becoming two of the top kids in the FVA, but due to the amount of talent on the Papermaker roster, they can take their time and focus on what helps this team win high-profile games, which they’ve already done.