More Names to Know After the Champions Challenge

Brady Peterson May 5, 2025 @ 09:40 AM

Before we close the book on the 2025 Champions Challenge, I'd like to highlight some names from programs at the event this year to watch heading forward throughout the rest of the AAU season. There were plenty of solid programs in the Champion Center, and there are some kids who'll draw attention the rest of the way.   [player_tooltip player_id='1236090' first='Elly' last='Gardner']   As I watched Team Prime Nation's 15U EYBL group, I recognized everyone on the floor except No. 0. After I watched them play on Saturday, I checked who that kid was, and it turned out to be future Columbus Catholic guard [player_tooltip player_id='1236090' first='Elly' last='Gardner']. The 2029 is playing up on her 15U team, and it's easy to see why she is. Gardner is a talented guard who excelled next to some of the more talented 2028 kids in the state and more than belonged on the floor. She'll be a handful for small schools to defend once she arrives at the high school level.   [player_tooltip player_id='889686' first='Sophia' last='Remiker']   The Ashwaubenon wing is an intriguing kid for a few reasons. You can see her potential on the floor. Remiker is a 6'0 wing who can handle the ball, score from the perimeter, defend, and use her size around the basket. There are still plenty of things to figure out in her game to bring it all together and maximize what she can be. However, the talent is there for her to reach a level most kids can't, but it's up to her to continue elevating her game.   [player_tooltip player_id='749048' first='Ella' last='Sweeney']   The Appleton East guard excelled in the postseason last winter. Sweeney knocked down massive shots that led to the East making the state tournament. Sweeney has a smooth game and can make shots all over the floor. The Appleton native makes the game look easy at times and looks more in control than anyone else on the floor. She's a reliable kid with the ball in her hands and will continue to thrive at the high school level for the next few seasons. Sweeney's ability to create off the dribble will continue to earn coaches' attention at the next level.   [player_tooltip player_id='751246' first='Awut' last='Alic']   The 6'0 Oshkosh North wing is constantly improving. She got to the high school level as a raw talent and has continued building her game. She's a skilled kid who can score at all three levels and has the athleticism to make impact plays on both ends of the floor. Alic has become a more consistent scorer and has reliably gotten shots she's been comfortable taking. The Oshkosh native arrived at the high school level a little behind skill-wise from some kids in her class who've been playing travel ball longer than her. However, since she's been in the North program and with [program_tooltip program_id='713038' first='Wisconsin' last='Blaze'], she's continuously improving and could end up as one of the most impactful players in her class in Wisconsin at the next level.

Before we close the book on the 2025 Champions Challenge, I'd like to highlight some names from programs at the event this year to watch heading forward throughout the rest of the AAU season. There were plenty of solid programs in the Champion Center, and there are some kids who'll draw attention the rest of the way.