Who are the greatest high school girls basketball players in Wisconsin history? We're launching an exciting project to find out, and we need your voice. Cast your vote in our poll and help us celebrate the athletes who defined their sport and inspired their communities.
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, USA TODAY Sports is honoring the 250 greatest American sports figures of all time. Alongside that national celebration, we're shining a spotlight on the roots of our sports culture: the high school athletes who became local legends and shaped the game in their states.
But how do we define "greatness" in Wisconsin girls basketball? Some players were unstoppable forces on the high school court but didn't carry that dominance to college or the pros. Others bloomed later, and their high school years only hinted at the stardom to come. How do we compare those different paths?
Our goal is to identify trailblazers and trendsetters—players whose influence goes beyond championships and stats. Their stories reflect a lasting impact on the state, and we want to honor that legacy.
Take Alyssa Anderson, for example. At South Shore, she was nearly unstoppable, scoring a WIAA state-record 2,881 career points—a total that still ranks fourth all-time in Wisconsin. During her senior year, she averaged an incredible 37 points and 15 rebounds per game, earning the Ms. Basketball award before taking her talents to Madison. At the University of Wisconsin, Anderson led the Badgers in scoring all four seasons and graduated as the all-time leading scorer—men's or women's—with 2,312 points. She was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2004 and Big Ten Player of the Year in 2008. After being drafted by the Connecticut Sun in the second round of the 2008 WNBA Draft, she enjoyed a 17-year professional career in Europe and other international leagues.
And then there's Bass, who for a long time was known as the daughter of legendary musician Chubby Checker. But she made a name for herself on the hardwood, carving out a legacy in high school and beyond that stands on its own.
Our process isn't perfect, and we know there are more names to add. Let us know in the comments below who else deserves a spot on this list. Together, we'll crown Wisconsin's best-ever high school girls basketball players.