The Big Eight Conference Early Review

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> With the AAU season coming to an end, plenty of girls across the state have shown exactly what they're capable of. Now it's time to turn our attention toward the upcoming high school season. As I continue to research, evaluate, and dig deep into each conference across Wisconsin, I'll be selecting a few conferences for what will become my annual Early Conference Preview. These previews will highlight teams in the conference that could make some noise this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h1 class="wp-block-heading">First up: The Big Eight Conference.</h1> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">-The 3 Way Race For First </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">La Follette </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>La Follette finished tied atop the Big Eight last season, led by <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/nyajuacni-riak/" data-type="players" data-id="874372">Nyajuacni Riak</a> and <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/jacela-fields/" data-type="players" data-id="888035">Jacela Fields</a>, that alone makes the Lancers one of the immediate favorites heading into this season. Riak was dominant as she averaged a double double on the year. Another thing that makes this team even more dangerous is the development of <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/ndey-cham/" data-type="players" data-id="1229695">Ndey Cham</a>. Cham gives Lafollette another major weapon and creates an inside-outside that will be difficult for teams in the conference to match. Put the ball in Riaks hands along with Fields to pair with Cham controlling the interior, and the fact that Coach Green have a young core to build off for years the ceiling is extremely high.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Verona</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Verona has consistently found at the top or near in the Big Eight standings, and this year wont be any different. The Wildcats bring back All State Honorable Mention <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/macy-stremlow/" data-type="players" data-id="992508">Macy Stremlow</a>, who was 1 of 4 sophomores to earn Division 1 All State recognition last season. With the loss of a few seniors from last years exciting team it will be interesting to see who matured more as a basketball player over the summer. <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/noelle-rauwolf/" data-type="players" data-id="1049239">Noelle Rauwolf</a> is a player I'll be watching close in the returning group. <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/laylaa-peterson/" data-type="players" data-id="992503">Laylaa Peterson</a> is another player that will put herself on the radar as she looks to receive significant minutes. Coming off a third place finish, Verona has the talent and tradition to remain right in the thick of the conference race.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Janesville Craig</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Finishing 12-5 in the conference last season with the majority of its roster returning, Craig has all the pieces to win it all. Leading the way is 2028 standout <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/yana-stevens/" data-type="players" data-id="917003">Yana-Aaliyah Stevens</a>, Stevens has proven herself as one of the top offensive threats in the class and plays must see basketball, <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/destinii-green-2/" data-type="players" data-id="877660">Destinii Green</a> will also be major factor the 2029 guard already gained a lot of varsity experience as a freshman, and has the skill set to go ahead to head with any guard in the country. The player that name will rise tremendously is <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/ellie-mccormick-2/" data-type="players" data-id="1820298">Ellie McCormick</a> she looks to keep the momentum after a big freshman season. With Stevens leading the charge expect Janesville Craig to be in contention for much more than just a Big Eight Conference Title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">-Dont Sleep On These Teams </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Memorial</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With proven production lost from last season Coach Flowers looks to show why he is one of the top coaches around. He and <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kennedi-harden/" data-type="players" data-id="751263">Kennedi Harden</a> has a lot of fight in them and could shock the conference. Harden is a player I enjoy watching her energy and never quit attitude is top tier. Returning with Harden is <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/alana-eubanks/" data-type="players" data-id="849280">Alana Eubanks</a> , Eubanks length and play on defense can and will change games with key departures she should pick up a major role on the offensive end. Memorial has a ton of height coming back. Harden should have a big year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sun Prairie West</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After finishing with a 7-12 conference record Sun Prairie West is a sleeper team you shouldn't sleep on the upcoming season after losing only 1 senior Coach Mclin is building something special with a talented group of incoming freshman and returning starting guard <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/jordan-maselter/" data-type="players" data-id="992498">Jordan Maselter</a> who made waves last year as the leader for a young team, Maselter will take her game to another level as she has all the tools to do so. <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/maci-copley/" data-type="players" data-id="992507">Maci Copley</a> established herself in the conference as a shooter to watch for but she is much more than that. A player that could be key to Sun Prairie West's success is <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/maliyah-thompson/" data-type="players" data-id="1447967">Maliyah Thompson</a>, Thompson is a class of 2029 prospect that has potential to be an All Conference player this year as the young team grows.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sun Prairie East</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This should be a year to remember as Sun Prairie East enters the season ready to compete after finishing 11-8 in the Big Eight. The Cardinals return one of the best guards in the state in <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/ava-vogler/" data-type="players" data-id="751243">Ava Vogler</a>. Vogler is a star, a three level scorer with a motor that allows her to impact the game in multiple ways and do whatever it takes to win. Joining her are the Dwyer sisters, Cam and Kate, who both stepped up in key moments last season that resulted in wins. If a few games fall their way and top teams in the conference square off for battle, don't be surprised to see Sun Prairie East make some noise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">-SIDE NOTES </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Middleton</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coach Griffith lost some senior starters will have to depend on a younger group, look for <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/brynlee-krueger/" data-type="players" data-id="1224295">Brynlee Krueger</a> and <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/anna-reinhard/" data-type="players" data-id="1231517">Anna Reinhard</a> to step up in major ways for the program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Madison East</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/tanayah-holmes/" data-type="players" data-id="1039262">Tanayah Holmes</a> can score with the best of them her and <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/tatum-inda/" data-type="players" data-id="1215018">Tatum Inda</a> should be a force for Coach Justice.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Janesville Parker</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Janeville Parker could have a duo for the future in <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kyra-babbit/" data-type="players" data-id="1377596">Kyra Babbit</a> and <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kylee-haley-2/" data-type="players" data-id="1400860">Kylee Haley</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Madison West</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Covered a few of Madison West's games last year and I noticed a rebuilding program that comes out and plays hard no matter the opponent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->