Class of 2026: Top Five

Today, we've released the final edition of the 2026 rankings, which began in late 2022. It's insane to me that the senior class is only months away from graduating and starting the next portion of their lives, whether that includes basketball or not. Over the next few days, we'll examine a few players in the senior class before moving on to update the 2027 class this Wednesday. Today, I will post two articles highlighting the top ten players in the class in a first-five article and a next-five article.    The Rice Lake wing has arguably been the best player the Warriors have produced in program history. The 6-3 wing has developed into a national recruit and has been an elite multi-sport athlete for the Warriors, leading the Warriors volleyball team to the state tournament, and helping the track team win a team state title, along with an individual high-jump title. Sheplee has been an elite scorer in the Big Rivers, and she has added some strength over the last year. Sheplee will continue her career at the collegiate level in the Big Ten with the University of Wisconsin-Madison.     The Arrowhead wing/guard came into the high school ranks with plenty of name recognition, and still somehow exceeded expectations in her three-plus seasons at the high school level, so far. Kussow could end up being a top-five scorer in state history, which would make her the second large-school player in the current top five, alongside current UConn Huskie Allie Ziebell. The lefty has been one of the most successful players from southeast Wisconsin in recent memory, leading her team to the state tournament twice, including a Division 1 State Title in 2024. The Warhawk standout and national recruit has arguably been the best player in program history, and will continue her playing career in the Big Ten at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.     The Shawano native has been an outstanding player for the Hawks in her time at the high school level. Nordin is a 6'1 wing who can score the ball from all three levels and create her shot off the dribble. Her ability to create off the dribble to the level she can is unique, and she has improved as the focal point of her team's offense since the moment she stepped on campus. She has a high ceiling, and she may not even know how good she could be at the next level. Nordin will continue her playing career in the Big Ten at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.     Janowski is potentially one of the most competitive players you'll find in this class. The Pewaukee native has always been an elite defensive prospect, and even after returning from a knee injury, she still has that ability in her game. Nobody demands as much out of themselves as she does, which will allow her to continue excelling on the floor. The Pirate has also been a member of some of the best teams in the Midwest in her time at Pewaukee, playing in two Division 2 State Championship Games, including a State Championship in 2024. Janowski will continue her playing career in the Big Ten at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.     The Wauwatosa East guard has been the focal point of what could be the best offense in the Midwest this season. Litza is maybe the most press-resistant guard I've ever seen and has been one of the best creators in the state over the past few seasons. The Red Raider has been able to help uplift the talent around her is unbelievable. Litza has also led her team to the state tournament the last two seasons while in Division 2, and could lead her team to the Division 1 State Tournament this season. Litza is a 2025 Division 2 State Champion. She will also head down to Chicago to continue her playing career at DePaul and play in the Big East.

Today, we've released the final edition of the 2026 rankings, which began in late 2022. It's insane to me that the senior class is only months away from graduating and starting the next portion of their lives, whether that includes basketball or not. Over the next few days, we'll examine a few players in the senior class before moving on to update the 2027 class this Wednesday. Today, I will post two articles highlighting the top ten players in the class in a first-five article and a next-five article.