More Players Who Could Take Another Step in 2025-26

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2025-26 season is just over two months away, and some players have breakout seasons every year. Today, we'll highlight a few players who could earn more prominent roles this coming season and be breakout performers. There are plenty of candidates for breakout players, but we will look at eight who I think could surprise people.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='992501' first='Kinslee' last='Nelson']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Oshkosh West program is built on its defense, and that has helped the Wildcats compete against some of the elite programs in the FVA. Nelson is an elite athlete who can make plays on the defensive end of the floor. However, her talent on the offensive end is eye-popping. She can create off the dribble, score from all three levels, and use her athleticism to make plays attacking the basket. There is plenty of room to grow, but if she puts it all together, she will be an elite player in the FVA.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1092830' first='Heidi' last='Olson']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Olson name has become synonymous with success in South Central Wisconsin. Molly is a state champion, Heidi had an excellent first season with Albany/Monticello, and there's another one coming down the road. Heidi was among the elite spot shooters last season and was arguably the Space Ponies' best offensive threat in her first season of high school basketball. After some graduations, Olson could take another step forward in her sophomore season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1229361' first='Madi' last='Davel']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Neillsville has been a staple in Central Wisconsin for well over a decade. Davel is the next talent in the program to help keep the Warriors at the top of the conference. However, it's been different in both of her seasons. In her first season, Davel was more of a scorer who could create her own shot and would hunt for her own looks. In her second season, Davel was more of a facilitator who helped get open looks for others. She has proven she can play different roles and find ways to help her team win games. She may not be a premier name in her class, but she's impressed me.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='915003' first='Maren' last='Johnson']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mount Horeb is a team that I<strong> </strong>felt left success on the table last season. However, it's a new season, and the younger talent in the Vikings' ranks could help take the program to another level. Johnson is a player who can space the floor and knock down shots on the perimeter. However, she is also a player who can play on the weak side of the floor and attack closeouts. She is a player who can be effective with the ball in her hands and is a player who scores in bunches. She is an offensive-minded player who maximizes her time with the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->