Class of 2026: Intriguing Incoming Freshmen
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Today, the class of 2026 watch list was released, and about 40 kids are on there. Of those kids, I believe a few will stand out among the rest, not just in their class but in the state. I’ll highlight…
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Continue ReadingToday, the class of 2026 watch list was released, and about 40 kids are on there. Of those kids, I believe a few will stand out among the rest, not just in their class but in the state. I’ll highlight a few other kids over the next few days, but these kids have a chance to play significant roles immediately.
Adaline Sheplee Adaline Sheplee 6'2" | CG Rice Lake | 2026 State WI
You won’t find many kids with the size, skill, and athleticism that Sheplee possesses. She’ll be able to play anywhere for Rice Lake and defend all five positions because of her size and athleticism. What will separate Sheplee from most kids is her ability to create her shot and beat initial defenders off the dribble. She has a chance to be a distinctive kid in the 2026 class because she can do everything you’d want a kid to do on the floor.
Natalie Kussow Natalie Kussow 5'10" | SG Arrowhead | 2026 State WI
Before I saw Kussow play in person or on video, I had heard a power-five assistant coach describe her as a “Goran Dragic type of player.” After seeing some of her games, that more than checks out. Kussow does an excellent job using screens and utilizes her size around the basket. She isn’t afraid to post up short guards and get an easy two-point basket over her right shoulder. If Arrowhead makes another run deep into the postseason, I’d guess Kussow could have her fingerprints all over a postseason run.
Samantha Davis Samantha Davis 5'10" | SF Aquinas | 2026 State WI
Younger sister of Johnny Davis, Samatha is an excellent prospect in her own right. Right now, she is an uber-athletic wing/forward hybrid that does most of her damage going at the basket. Her athleticism will win Aquinas games this season. I think she played well over the summer for Flight Elite’s 2026 group and showed that she’s an intriguing prospect. She has plenty of room to grow, but I’m willing to bet she consistently improves over the next four seasons and looks like something special in her senior campaign.
Leah Nordin Leah Nordin 6'1" | PF Shawano | 2026 State WI
The Shawano native also has plenty of room for growth, but her 6-foot-1 size, paired with her athleticism, will catch everyone’s eye. She’ll guard everyone on and could make plays that few others can on that end of the floor. On the offensive end, every conversation about her prospect status ends with shot-making. She can get to any spot on the floor and make shots from everywhere, but consistency is the main question. Regardless, her athleticism and skill are game-changing.