On the Rise: Six Sophomore Guards to Watch This Season

The sophomore class is full of emerging talent and this season, a select group of guards are set to take their game to the next level. With a mix of scoring, playmaking, and defensive ability, these players are poised to take on bigger roles and help lead their teams. Keep an eye on these rising stars as they embark on their 2024-2025 season.    [player_tooltip player_id='751248' first='Beth' last='Langebartels'] shows incredible maturity and patience on the court. She takes great care of the basketball, plays tenacious defense, and makes smart decisions. I've noticed how she doesn't force shots and, with good court vision, consistently looks to set up her teammates. She runs the floor well and finishes strong at the rim with good body control. Beth averaged 9.1 points per game last season, shooting 48% from the field and 38% from three-point range. Her game-high performance of 21 points against The Prairie School in only her second game as a Freshman stood out. She's a very well-rounded player who can hit the three or take it all the way to the basket. I am looking forward to seeing what her second year brings her.     [player_tooltip player_id='751271' first='Madilyn' last='Davel'] impresses me with her ability to control the game as a point guard. Her left-handed shot has beautiful form, and her court vision allows her to make crisp passes that keep the offense flowing. She is a solid defender who boxes out well and crashes the boards effectively. Madilyn averaged 13.0 points per game, 3.2 assists per game, and 2.9 steals per game last season, showcasing her well-rounded contributions on the floor. She also shot an impressive 43% from the field and 35% from three-point range. Her debut game as a freshman against Athens was particularly noteworthy, as she scored 22 points while contributing 5 assists and 8 steals to her team's win. Her poise and playmaking ability will continue to make her a key player for Neillsville.     [player_tooltip player_id='751258' first='Elle' last='Krull'] does a fantastic job using her athleticism and speed to her advantage often taking the ball full court on fast breaks and finishing strong at the rim. She has a strong drive to the basket and uses her body well to create space. Her shot form is smooth, and she shoots on a hop off the catch giving her a quick release. Her crossover and euro step are particularly effective tools in her offensive arsenal. Elle averaged 10.7 points per game last season and shot 35% from the field. She also recorded 4.8 rebounds per game, showing her presence on the boards. In the state semifinal game against Kettle Moraine Lutheran, she had a standout performance with 20 points shooting 50% from the field and going 3-for-4 from three-point range. I believe she and her sister will lead Xavier to another successful season.     [player_tooltip player_id='751252' first='Carrington' last='Balthasar'] has a natural ability to create opportunities on offense. She handles the ball extremely well and uses her body to create angles to the basket. I've seen her work off the ball to make smart cuts which open up the offensive flow for her team. She has good-looking shot mechanics and has shown she can shoot from beyond the arc. Balthasar also has the ability to create her own shot off the dribble, a valuable skill that adds to her versatility. As a sophomore stepping into what I believe will be a larger role on the varsity team, I'm excited to see how she performs. Her quickness and defensive ability make her a two-way player who will have a significant impact for Whitefish Bay.     Makinen is an excellent shooter with impressive form, firmly establishing herself as a threat from beyond the arc. She has a knack for carving her way to the basket and does an excellent job protecting the ball on drives. She sets up the offense effectively and uses her sharp crossover, hesitation move, and floater to keep defenders guessing. Her court vision allows her to dish the ball nicely, making her a valuable playmaker. Despite her size, she finishes remarkably well around the basket. I'm excited to see her on the varsity court this season and have no doubt she will excel.     [player_tooltip player_id='716753' first='Ayla' last='Saunders'] brings a lot of versatility to the court. She has a quick first step that helps her attack off the dribble and a smooth pull-up jumper that adds another dimension to her scoring. She handles the ball well and makes smart off-the-ball cuts to create scoring opportunities. Saunders has a beautiful shooting form and I'm impressed by her ability to hit shots from beyond the arc. She averaged 9.8 points per game last season, shooting 48% from the field and 37% from three-point range. In a win over Racine St. Catherine's, she scored a season-high 19 points. Starting for Elkhorn's varsity team as a freshman, she showed poise and played a significant role in her team's success. I'm looking forward to seeing what her second year brings.

The sophomore class is full of emerging talent and this season, a select group of guards are set to take their game to the next level. With a mix of scoring, playmaking, and defensive ability, these players are poised to take on bigger roles and help lead their teams. Keep an eye on these rising stars as they embark on their 2024-2025 season.