Class of 2026: Rounding out the Top 20 (16-20)
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Today, we’re talking about the back half of the top 20 players in the updated 2026 Kyrin Lile Kyrin Lile 6'0" | PF Elkhorn | 2026 State WI Lile is a dynamic four because she can score, drive, and pass.…
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Continue ReadingToday, we’re talking about the back half of the top 20 players in the updated 2026
Kyrin Lile Kyrin Lile 6'0" | PF Elkhorn | 2026 State WI
Lile is a dynamic four because she can score, drive, and pass. She’s a kid who can exploit mismatches in any way possible, which, in my mind, is what makes her an attractive prospect to coaches at the next level. You won’t find many six-footers who can pass, shoot, and drive comfortably around the midwest at Lile’s level. She’s as skilled as any forward in her class, which is a significant reason the Elks are slowly becoming one of the more underrated teams in Southeast Wisconsin.
Bella Klages Bella Klages 5'11" | CG Hartford | 2026 State WI
After seeing Klages a handful of times this season, I’ve loved her versatility and ability to make game-changing plays on both ends. She handles the ball for Hartford, and she does well. She’s always engaged and plays with an edge that makes it easy to appreciate what she does on the floor. She has solid size for a lead guard and does an excellent job using that size to finish over smaller guards that stick to her hip when she attacks the basket. I also feel like she looks more comfortable than she has been on previous occasions when I saw Klages play.
Natalie Backhaus Natalie Backhaus 6'0" | PF Wisconsin Dells | 2026 State WI
Watching Backhaus play is so entertaining. Sometimes, she does stuff that seems like she has no business doing, and then you see it work, then work again, and so on. For instance, she may have the most passing range in the state. If someone streaks after a shot attempt and Backhaus gets a defensive rebound, she wants to sling that ball 65 feet down to her teammate, and she makes it work. She’s also a very accomplished scorer in the post with her little turnaround jumper, and she can stretch the floor beyond the three-point line.
Taylor Gifford Taylor Gifford 6'0" | PF Waukesha West | 2026 State WI
Waukesha West had a plethora of senior talent last season, so Gifford slotted into a role she grew into. She rebounded, chased loose balls, got scrappy baskets, and helped her team. This season, she needed to do more, and she has. She’s shot the ball well all season and has been a consistent presence for the Wolverines, which has been rare at Waukesha West this season. As she gets more experience at the high school level, she could be an all-conference level player.
Nataya Donaldson Nataya Donaldson 5'8" | CG Beaver Dam | 2026 State WI
Donaldson has always played slightly differently than her peers, and it’s worked for her well. She’s been a solid focal point of Beaver Dam’s offense whenever she’s been in that role, and she’s been effective with more usage. I don’t know if anyone has a better in-between game than Donaldson. She does an excellent job attacking space and punishing defenses for giving her space. She could become one of the best players in the Badger as a junior and senior.