Who is the greatest high school girls basketball player in Wisconsin history? We're on a mission to find out—and we need your voice. As part of USA TODAY Sports' celebration of America's 250th anniversary, we're spotlighting the athletes who helped shape the state's sports culture, starting with the hardwood legends who defined their eras.
Our goal isn't just about stats or championships. We're looking for trailblazers and trendsetters—players whose influence reached far beyond the court and whose stories left a lasting mark on Wisconsin. Some were local legends in high school but didn't shine as brightly in college or the pros. Others blossomed later, with their high school days offering only a glimpse of greatness to come. How do you measure that kind of impact? That's where you come in.
Take, for example, the unstoppable force from South Shore. She scored a WIAA state-record 2,881 career points—a total that still ranks fourth all-time in Wisconsin. Her senior year, she averaged a jaw-dropping 37 points and 15 rebounds, earning Ms. Basketball honors. She then took her talents to Madison, where she became a legend at the University of Wisconsin, leading the Badgers in scoring all four seasons and graduating as the all-time leading scorer—men's or women's—with 2,312 points. She was Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2004 and Big Ten Player of the Year in 2008. Drafted by the Connecticut Sun in the second round of the 2008 WNBA Draft, she went on to a 17-year professional career in Europe and beyond.
And then there's the player who, for a long time, was known as the daughter of legendary musician Chubby Checker. But she quickly made a name for herself on the court, carving out her own legacy that deserves a place in this conversation.
Our process isn't perfect, but that's why we're turning to you. Vote in our poll and let us know who else deserves a spot on this list. Together, we'll celebrate the players who defined Wisconsin girls basketball—and the stories that continue to inspire the next generation of athletes.