Potential X-Factors in the 2025-26 Season

Brady Peterson November 3, 2025 @ 10:13 PM

As the season inches closer, I want to highlight a handful of players who could prove to be x-factors in their team's seasons. Tonight I'll discuss eight players and continue sharing preview content throughout the week. Previewing the 2025-26 season has been a lot of fun, and I'm excited to tip things off on November 18th.   [player_tooltip player_id='936786' first='Leah' last='Awe']   The Stevens Point forward may determine the ceiling for the Panthers in 25-26. Standing 6'3, Awe is a versatile forward and wing who fits well alongside [player_tooltip player_id='764935' first='Jada' last='Seubert'], a player who will create open looks for everyone. Awe took a step forward last summer with [program_tooltip program_id='712778' first='Purple' last='Aces']. As a rising sophomore, she can do a little of everything on both ends and has grown more confident offensively since the end of the high school season. If SPASH surprises teams in Sectional One, it will likely be because Awe has continued to develop.   [player_tooltip player_id='751262' first='Kaelyn' last='Nommensen']   Sectional Four in Division 2 may have had four of the best five teams in D2, and this year they'll have three of the best four heading into the season. Nommensen is a unique talent in that sectional because of the versatility she brings to the floor. She can play inside and out and will be a player opposing coaches struggle to find a matchup for on the defensive end. Nommensen found her groove last season and is primed for an excellent junior season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1228818' first='Rianna' last='Dye']   People won't believe Platteville will find themselves in Green Bay come March, but players like Dye could help them earn a trip to the state tournament. She is a physical frontcourt player who is a double-double threat whenever she steps onto the floor. She keeps things simple on the offensive end of the floor and works to get position around the basket. She is also capable of controlling the area around the basket defensively, which may be crucial against guard-oriented programs.   [player_tooltip player_id='533079' first='Brooklyn' last='Love']   Love is a quick guard who will be at the helm of a youthful Dominican program. The senior has the speed to break down any defense she lines up against this season. She is an explosive offensive threat who can score in bunches whenever she's on the floor, and this season could be the one where she breaks out as one of the top guards in small-school basketball. There aren't many talents like her in Division 4 this winter.

As the season inches closer, I want to highlight a handful of players who could prove to be x-factors in their team's seasons. Tonight I'll discuss eight players and continue sharing preview content throughout the week. Previewing the 2025-26 season has been a lot of fun, and I'm excited to tip things off on November 18th.