Players I Like Heading into 2026

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today, games start back up after the new year, and we should be in store for an entertaining second half of the season. Heading into the second half of the season, I'd like to highlight a few players who I haven't highlighted as much as I would've liked to start the season. Let's highlight some intriguing talents.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='992496' first='Jadyn' last='Mataczynski']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Hudson guard is among the most improved players in the Northwestern part of the state. Mataczynski had a role with the Raiders last season, but has returned in her sophomore season as a member of the team's top five players, who will be put on the floor to close games. Mataczynski is a reliable ball handler who can make plays with the ball in her hands or by playing off the ball alongside some of the other talented players on her team. She could swing games in the Big Rivers Conference and the postseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1275665' first='Destiny' last='Webster']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Notre Dame guard stepped into a prominent role after the 2024 class graduated. Webster has been comfortable as a lead guard for a program that wants to move the ball more than most programs in the state. In her senior season, Webster has found the balance of being an aggressive scorer who can get a basket off the dribble from all three levels, while being a reliable creator for the Tritons. She's one of the more intriguing seniors still uncommitted, granted, I'm unsure if she wants to play at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='888379' first='Layla' last='Walz']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Wisconsin Lutheran guard is a reliable ball handler who can make the right reads with the ball in her hands. Walz has also shown confidence to take high-pressure shots early in the season, which are shots she may need to take against some of the Woodland-West foes, and potentially in the postseason. She is also a hard-nosed defender who can make plays on the ball and help her team get out and run in transition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='991141' first='Keira' last='Bailey']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The season for Hartford has had its highs and lows so far in the 25-26 season, but there is plenty to like. Bailey is a physical player who has brought a change of pace. She can rebound and bring a rebounding presence around the basket. Her ability to be a physical presence and outwork opposing players around the basket will help Hartford get an edge in games against teams without a true post player. Bailey could be a player who develops well over the next few seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->