More Guards to Know This Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today is Labor Day, and most schools in Wisconsin will resume tomorrow. With the first practices of the 2025-26 championship season just over two months away, excitement is building. Soon, I'll begin sharing preview articles for programs where I've attended open gyms. For now, though, I'd like to highlight a few players I'm eager to watch this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1219523' first='Avery' last='Richard']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Platteville native is a talented guard who was among the state leaders in assists last season. Richard is a sizeable 5'9 guard who can see over most of her matchups and has a high basketball IQ when she's on the floor. She is also a player who can utilize her size to dig in and rebound on both ends of the floor. The Hillman will also generate extra possessions on the offensive end of the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751272' first='Melanie' last='Morgan']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Grafton guard is someone who will be crucial to the success of the Black Hawks in the 2025-26 season. Morgan is the most consistent perimeter threat as a shooter and will space the floor for Grafton this season. She can swing games based on her shot-making from the three-point line and force defenses to pay extra attention to her on the defensive end. Her Grafton group could stun some people in D2 this season. They're close to turning a corner.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751236' first='Alexis' last='Shelsta']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Hartford backcourt became more important after the surprise departure of both their starters in the frontcourt last season. However, Shelsta will be the x-factor in the Oriole lineup this coming season. She is a player who can score in bunches and swing games at any time. She has been a player with a lower usage rate than the other four players on the court, but she'll likely be the third option this season, which could mean she has a breakout season in the new look North Shore Conference.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='750262' first='Kendall' last='Schmitz']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The backcourt at Manitowoc Lincoln is one of the sneaky good ones in the state. Schmitz has the speed and quickness to beat her defender off the dribble and create numerical advantages while she gets downhill. I have also appreciated how hard she plays on both ends of the floor. She has all the tools to excel over these next two seasons. She has the skillset to turn a corner this season and help the Ships reach the upper echelon of the Fox River Classic Conference this winter. She's also an entertaining player to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->