Class of 2026: Top Five
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After releasing the 2027 rankings this past week, we’re starting the 2026 rankings content today. Today, we’ll talk in-depth about the top ten kids in the class. Tomorrow, we talk about the next ten kids in the top 20. Adaline…
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Continue ReadingAfter releasing the 2027 rankings this past week, we’re starting the 2026 rankings content today. Today, we’ll talk in-depth about the top ten kids in the class. Tomorrow, we talk about the next ten kids in the top 20.
Adaline Sheplee Adaline Sheplee 6'2" | CG Rice Lake | 2026 State WI
The top of the 2026 class is as talented as any class in Wisconsin, and the size, skill, and athleticism Sheplee boasts separates her from the rest, in my opinion. The 6-2 wing has taken a significant step forward in production in her sophomore season at Rice Lake. Now that she’s shooting the ball at a high level, Sheplee is an elite defender who can defend all five possessions at the high school level, attack the basket off the dribble from the perimeter, make clutch shots late in games, and create open shots for her teammates. All while being the most athletic kid I’ve seen in the state.
Natalie Kussow Natalie Kussow 5'10" | SG Arrowhead | 2026 State WI
As a sophomore, Kussow is one of the most natural scorers in the state. No matter where she is on the floor, she can put the ball in the basket. Physically, she can handle defenders trying to be physical with her and play through that contact. Kussow also does an excellent job reading defenses. If a team doesn’t have more than two defenders on her side of the floor, there’s a solid chance Kussow is getting to the rim. Even if there are a plethora of defenders around Kussow, she’s a gifted enough shooter to punish defenses from the three-point line and shoot an opposing team out of a game. As a sophomore, Kussow plays like someone who’s played high-level basketball, which makes sense, considering Kussow played on one of the most talented 2026 groups with Wisconsin Lakers before getting pulled up to 17u. Having her on your team means you can win any game because she scored the ball at an elite level.
Leah Nordin Leah Nordin 6'1" | PF Shawano | 2026 State WI
Since Nordin got to Shawano, her talent has allowed the Hawks to compete with anyone in the Bay Conference. There are maybe four kids in the state who can contest Nordin’s shot, which is unreal. Her ability to play anywhere on the floor for Shawano makes her a mismatch nobody has a one-for-one answer for. Last season, West De Pere’s lone loss in the conference was at home against Shawano. Defensively, Nordin has the length and lateral quickness to keep most guards in front of her. Keep an eye on her this summer. I believe she could blow up.
Giselle Janowski Giselle Janowski 5'9" | SG Pewaukee | 2026 State WI
There aren’t many kids who can defend at the level of Janowski anywhere else in the state. Janowski may not be the tallest wing in the state, but her strength and physicality allow her to keep anyone in front of her, and her poise allows her to keep her head up and make a play on the ball if the opposing ball handler gives her a chance to get her hands on it. I’ve also been impressed by how well Janowski can score it when she attacks from the perimeter. She does an excellent job finding gaps to attack the basket, and that threat gives her space on the perimeter to get her jumper off and knock down threes whenever defenses play her to drive. You won’t find any weaknesses in her game.
Melia Lemorande Melia Lemorande 6'0" | SF Bay Port | 2026 State WI
As talented as the top kids in this class are, Lemorande may be the most electric. Watching her make shot after shot this summer showed how well she could score the ball, but she also showed an emotional and competitive side that I loved watching. She takes every possession personally, and when she gets going, she’ll show some emotion, which I love. Even though she could be considered polarizing by people who play against her, she’s a good teammate, and her teammates seem like they love playing with her, and Lemorande loves her teammates. Once Lemorande’s healthy, she could explode onto the high school scene next season.