Center Stage: Sophomore Centers & Forwards Set for Big Roles

These six sophomore centers and forwards are already making their mark with solid, dependable play. Each player brings unique strengths that make them valuable assets to their varsity teams, and they're just getting started. Take a look at these rising stars who have the potential to become game-changing contributors this season and beyond.    Seeling is a powerful presence in the paint on both ends of the court. She's a solid defender with strong lateral movement and makes sharp, purposeful cuts on offense to create scoring opportunities. Last year, she stayed active in the paint, made smart decisions, and contributed to effective ball movement by kicking the ball out to shift the defense. Her ball fakes are effective, and she demonstrates patience under the hoop. She also boxes out on every shot. As a freshman, she averaged 8.4 points per game and received an all-conference honorable mention in the Fox River Classic Conference. She was notably the only freshman to achieve this recognition. Seeling is poised to continue being a major contributor to her varsity team.       Haberkorn was a key contributor to her team's conference championship run showcasing her strength and excellent defensive skills in the paint. She finishes strong at the basket and consistently makes crucial plays like tipping the ball to secure extra possessions. With a solid understanding of the pick-and-roll and careful ball handling, she brings steady and dependable play to the court. Her potential to become a standout player over the next three years earned her a spot on second-team all-conference in the Trailways South Conference. While her contributions may not always be flashy, her impact is undeniable — her absence is certainly felt when she checks out of the game. Last season, she averaged 8.0 points and 7.0 rebounds per game, shooting 42% from the field, with a season-high of 20 points.     Breese is an outstanding defender with a knack for blocking shots and forcing turnovers, thanks to her impressive wingspan and good anticipation. She's disciplined with the ball and rarely turns it over. A confident shooter from beyond the arc, Breese can step out and sink three-pointers with ease. She makes sharp cuts and flashes to the ball creating natural scoring opportunities. Additionally, she has great court vision and delivers precise passes near the rim. Her athleticism is evident in her play, and the varsity experience she gained last year has prepared her to take on a more significant role this season. Last year, Breese averaged 4.0 points per game, shot 44% from the field, and recorded a season-high of 17 points. As a sophomore with varsity experience, she has the potential to become not only a key scorer but also a major contributor across multiple areas of the game.     As a freshman, Veldkamp posted impressive double-double averages showcasing her scoring and rebounding ability. She's a reliable shooter from beyond the arc and finishes strong at the basket keeping the ball high to maximize her height advantage. Her passing is sharp and accurate backed by solid ball-handling skills that allow her to make smart plays under pressure. As a freshman, she averaged 14.2 points and 10.8 rebounds per game with a field goal percentage of 40%. Veldkamp delivered multiple 20+ point games highlighted by a standout 27-point performance in a victory over Ozaukee. She earned an honorable mention in the Big East-South Conference setting the stage for a bright future.     Fischer is a versatile player with the ability to go coast-to-coast handling the ball with confidence and finishing strong at the rim. Defensively, she's fundamentally sound and not afraid to challenge opponents on the perimeter. Her long wingspan allows her to disrupt shots and rack up blocks making her a constant defensive threat, and her scrappy, high-energy style of play earns her plenty of hustle points. Her off-ball movement makes her effective across all areas of the court and demonstrates her versatility as a true small forward. As she continues to grow stronger and refine her game, she's poised to become a major asset for De Pere. Last season, she averaged 5.4 points per game and I believe her impact on the court will continue to grow.     Though Borchert didn't see much varsity time last season, I expect her to have a much bigger impact this year and in the future. She's a well-rounded player who excels in all areas of the game. Her off-ball movement is sharp and purposeful — she makes effective cuts, sets strong picks, and consistently boxes out establishing herself as a reliable presence on the boards. She has good hands, allowing her to quickly kick the ball out to shooters. Around the rim, her soft touch helps her finish well under pressure. I believe Borchert will become a key asset for Kaukauna this season and achieve great things for her team throughout her high school career.

These six sophomore centers and forwards are already making their mark with solid, dependable play. Each player brings unique strengths that make them valuable assets to their varsity teams, and they're just getting started. Take a look at these rising stars who have the potential to become game-changing contributors this season and beyond.