Lesser-Known Players Turning Heads

Brady Peterson December 18, 2025 @ 03:00 PM

As the season rolls on, I'd like to continue highlighting some players from off the beaten path. There are hundreds of teams in the state, and plenty of players who deserve recognition for how the first month and some change have gone for them. Today, we'll look at eight players whom I'd like to discuss based on how they've played thus far.   Michelle Hora   The Hillsboro guard is a skilled perimeter shooter who has a quick release and can punish defenders for not closing her down quickly enough. Her ability to space the floor will be something that could generate some attention from coaches at the next level. However, Hora's ability to read the game defensively and use her motor to make plays on the ball will also be a help to her cause if she's looking to play basketball at the next level. She has a knack for making plays.   Taylor Hansford   Hansford may not play at a traditional powerhouse in her region at Frederic, but she brings to the table qualities that make her stand out from her peers. Hansford is a physical player who can handle the ball on the perimeter and use her power to get to the basket or knock down shots from beyond the three-point line. The other thing I love about what she brings to the floor is her tenacity rebounding the ball on either end of the court.   [player_tooltip player_id='889757' first='Brinna' last='Paulson']   In the 2026 class, [player_tooltip player_id='889757' first='Brinna' last='Paulson'] may be the biggest diamond in the rough in the class. In terms of what she can do away from the ball and the threat she brings as a shooter, there aren't many that are on her level. Playing at Oshkosh North and in a conference where her team, which isn't that bad, has to battle against some of the top teams in the state, she doesn't always shine as she can. However, now and again, particularly in their recent road game against Neenah, Paulson shows why she could end up being a steal for a coach who can convince her to play for their program at the next level.   Whitney Schmidt   I saw the Burlington guard at Union Grove in the RLOA classic, and in the two games I watched, Schmidt was the player I was most impressed by. Schmidt played for a Demons team with six players available, and went to work against Racine Park. Schmidt finished with 40 points, forcing Park to alter their defensive strategy. Whitney Schmidt is a name to learn over the next twelve months.

As the season rolls on, I'd like to continue highlighting some players from off the beaten path. There are hundreds of teams in the state, and plenty of players who deserve recognition for how the first month and some change have gone for them. Today, we'll look at eight players whom I'd like to discuss based on how they've played thus far.