Class of 2026: Next Ten

Today, we're turning the page from the class of 2025 to the class of 2026. As per tradition, we're starting the update content with the Top Ten article, followed by the Next Ten article to close out this Monday.    Every year, Litza continues to impress me. She takes what defenses give her and simplifies everything on the floor. When she comes off a screen, and her defender goes under a ball screen, she's shooting, and when they chase her over it, she attacks the rim. Litza doesn't make things more challenging than they need to be, and that's why even teams like Notre Dame, who've had elite defenses, have a hard time corralling her. She's a high-level guard who will pick apart any defense thrown at her.     Every year, Litza continues to impress me. She takes what defenses give her and simplifies everything on the floor. When she comes off a screen, and her defender goes under a ball screen, she's shooting, and when they chase her over it, she attacks the rim. Litza doesn't make things more challenging than they need to be, and that's why even teams like Notre Dame, who've had elite defenses, have a hard time corralling her. She's a high-level guard who will pick apart any defense thrown at her.     After an unfortunate knee injury this past May, Lile will likely miss all of her junior season, but we know how talented she is. The 6'0 wing/forward is a versatile kid who can do a little of everything. Lile is probably the best frontcourt passer I've seen in the state and excels with kids around her who want to move away from the ball. I also love the variety of moves Lile can get to when she has her back to the basket. She'll be one to watch this coming spring.     The Beaver Dam guard has been the future of the Golden Beaver program for the last two seasons, and the future is now. Everything has been different about the program since she first stepped onto the fieldhouse floor, but she may be the best player in the Badger-Large this season. Her ability to attack the basket and score on the perimeter makes her one of the most challenging players to get off her game in the conference, and we'll likely see her have a career year with the newfound responsibility she has for the Golden Beavers.     Few kids play with as much physicality as the Notre Dame forward. She's set a tone for the Tritons since she stepped onto the floor for the Tritons, and she's gotten better at figuring out how to find ways to score the ball within the Triton offense. The multi-sport standout has recently committed to play basketball at the next level at Grand Valley State.     Players who can be the focal point of an offense stand out quickly, especially when what they do leads to wins. McLain was an excellent passer and a tough-shot maker last season, which led them to the brink of a Regional Title this past season. The 6'0 wing showed an ability to make plays on both ends of the floor and was trusted playing up an age level with Midwest Elite this past AAU season.     Twin of Ady, the Ketterhagen twins have decided to head north on I-43 and play their collegiate ball at The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Riley has developed well as an off-ball guard and has been among the most consistent shooters in the state in her first few seasons at Oostburg. She's also been an impact defender and developed into one of the best kids in the state, stepping in and taking charges. She's a winning player who'll find her way onto the floor at UWGB.     Like Lile, Gilmore suffered a severe knee injury this past summer, and we likely won't see her until the AAU season. However, she's been one of my favorite kids to watch since I first saw her a few years ago. Gilmore has been the defender the Warhawks have thrown against the most talented offensive player on opposing teams. She's also been a solid offensive threat and has reliably been around double-digit scorers while defending elite offensive kids.     I don't think I've seen someone be as aggressive of a passer as Backhaus. The Wisconsin Dells native can whip passes from anywhere on the floor, including full-court inbound passes. Bakhaus can also score from all three levels. She's among the most underrated kids I have in the top 20 of this class, but she can help numerous scholarship programs in the region.     The Hartford guard/wing was one of the prominent parts of the Orioles team that made it to a state semifinal last season. She's a more physical lead guard who can finish with either hand around the rim. She's a solid spot-up shooter and made about 38% of her perimeter shots in her sophomore season. Klages has a way of making plays. Even though she may not be the quickest off the dribble, she plays through contact as well as anyone.

Today, we're turning the page from the class of 2025 to the class of 2026. As per tradition, we're starting the update content with the Top Ten article, followed by the Next Ten article to close out this Monday.