More Names to Know for the Second Half of the Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The New Year is here, and with it comes the second half of the girls' basketball season in Wisconsin. Today, we're examining a few players who could have a significant impact on their programs' conference season and potentially a postseason run. That said, let's highlight some names to know for the second half of the 2025-26 season to start the year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751259' first='Hayden' last='Lauer']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Kettle Moraine Lutheran Chargers are among the most scrappy teams in the state, and they take care of the ball better than the vast majority of programs around Wisconsin. Lauer does both of those things at a high level. The junior guard found minutes in her first season because of her defensive ability, which has only improved in the past seasons, and she's a player they can rely on to make the right play with the ball in her hands. Lauer is a well-rounded player who can make plays in high-pressure situations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='892249' first='Morgan' last='Mocadlo']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hortonville has plenty of talent in its backcourt, and Mocadlo is a part of its depth in that department. The sophomore guard has been an efficent player in the highest-profile games they've played to this point, and hasn't shied away from any moment. She has shot the ball well when she's gotten open looks, and has taken care of the ball when she's had the chance to make things happen off the dribble.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1221076' first='Ava' last='McCarthy']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In most of the past half-decade, Eau Claire Memorial has had a deep roster, with plenty of players they trusted to make plays, and it's no different this season. McCathy is a talented 2029 who will have a successful four years at Memorial, but isn't being asked to play a major role. However, she is thriving with the role she's been given to start her high school career. McCarthy has looked confident in her minutes and may find herself playing some of the most crucial minutes as the Old Abes move into the thick of conference play, and into what could be a deep postseason run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='855854' first='Morgan' last='Martinez']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After injuries have altered what the Wisconsin Lutheran may have looked like, Martinez has stepped into a starting role and could be a difference maker for the Vikings. The sophomore wing/forward may not need a play run for her, but will always be a double-double threat as long as she plays the game the way she can. She brings an edge to the game that most players don't, and her ability to rebound could prove to be crucial late in the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->