Class of 2026: Stock Risers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're finishing up some 2026 rankings content today. We'll start with some kids who raised their stock this season and end the day with new names on the list.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='533085' first='Bella' last='Klages']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I've said it multiple times, but Klages is as integral to her team's success as anyone else in the state. She's the primary creator on the offensive end, the best defender the Orioles have, and one of the best rebounders they have. Klages has her hands in every aspect of a game. Whenever I watch her play, I'm blown away by how simple she keeps things while being a connector to the rest of her team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='842199' first='Kaia' last='Waldrop']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first time I saw Waldrop play when she was a freshman, I thought she'd give the 2022-23 Triton group lineup optionality, which she did, allowing Grzesk to play her more natural position as a four. However, Waldrop continues to develop into an effective post-presence. No matter who you are at Notre Dame, you'll learn to seal in the post at a high level and know how to create windows for your teammates to get you the ball. Her physicality also sets a tone in any game she plays for Notre Dame or [program_tooltip program_id='712778' first='Purple' last='Aces'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='842209' first='Aspen' last='Abel']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The last few months of the season will include Abel getting up to speed with what Notre Dame wants to do on both ends of the floor, so I don't expect anything too flashy statistically, but I do believe she may swing a postseason game, so don't look past her. However, before Abel transferred, she had a standout season at Beaver Dam. She played with confidence and made shots from all over the floor. Abel converted 40% of her shots from the three-point line. None of that includes how highly I think of her as a rebounder, defender, or post-presenter. She'll be a productive kid at Notre Dame for the next few seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='842211' first='Taelyn' last='Jirschele']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As a freshman last year, you could see the outline of a kid who could become an elite shooter at Mosinee. As a sophomore, she's shot the leather off the ball. She may not be the tallest guard you'll find, but she has a lot of power, which allows her to make her jumpers look effortless whenever she gets a shot up. Her consistency has been excellent this season. She's got a chance to be among the most productive players in Central Wisconsin over the next two seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->