The honors below recognize performance during the 2026 AAU season. Every player selected earned recognition through what they accomplished this spring and summer against high-level competition. Evaluations are based solely on AAU play and include only players who currently reside in Wisconsin.
One thing I’ve learned covering youth basketball is that development isn’t linear. Players improve at different rates, new names emerge every season, and today’s rankings can look very different a year from now. That’s what makes this age group so exciting. These honors aren’t meant to compare players as much as they are to recognize outstanding performances and celebrate the work these young athletes have put into their game.
2030 AAU Team of the Year
Wisconsin Lakers
The Wisconsin Lakers consistently proved themselves to be one of the premier teams in Wisconsin’s 2030 class this summer. Their depth, chemistry, and commitment to winning helped separate them throughout the AAU season. Team success is never about one player, and the Lakers demonstrated what can happen when talented players embrace their roles and compete together.
AAU Player of the Year
Madison Morris | 5’8″ | SG | Team Herro
No player made a bigger statement this summer than Madison Morris. She was consistently one of the top scorers on the Nike Jr. EYBL circuit while proving she could produce against some of the best competition in the country. Her confidence, offensive versatility, and ability to take over games made her the most impressive performer of the 2026 AAU season.
Three Point Shooter of the Year
Quynn Knaust | 5’6″ | 24Up / 4C
Every great team needs someone who can stretch the floor, and Quynn Knaust did exactly that this summer. Few players shot the ball more consistently from beyond the arc, forcing defenses to respect her every time she stepped across half court. Her ability to knock down shots changed games.
Breakout Player of the Year
Nyagol Riak | 6’2″ | SF/PF | Example Sports
Few players saw their stock rise more during the 2026 AAU season than Nyagol Riak. Her athleticism immediately stands out, but it is her long-term upside that makes her one of the most unique players in Wisconsin’s 2030 class. At 6’2″, she has the size, length, and physical tools to affect the game on both ends of the floor. Her development has already earned her scholarship offers from the University of Wisconsin and the University of Florida. Nyagol’s best basketball is still ahead of her.
Defensive Player of the Year
Zoey Zukowski | 5’7″ | Team Herro
Defense rarely receives the attention it deserves, but winning basketball starts on that end of the floor. Zoey Zukowski embraced every challenge this season, guarding some of the top players she faced while consistently making winning plays with her effort, instincts, and toughness. She set the tone defensively every time she stepped on the court.
Madison365 Sports 2026 AAU First Team
Madison Morris | 5’8″ | SG | Team Herro
Madison established herself as one of Wisconsin’s most dangerous offensive players. Her scoring ability, confidence, and consistency against elite competition earned her AAU Player of the Year honors.
Reese Brown | 5’11” | Wing | 4C
One coach described Reese as a “Swiss Army knife,” and it’s hard to find a better comparison. She impacts the game in just about every way imaginable. Whether she’s scoring, rebounding, defending, or making the extra pass, Reese’s versatility continues to separate her from the field.
Nicklyn Lile | 6’0″ | Wing | Wisconsin Lakers
Nicklyn used her length and versatility to impact games on both ends of the floor. She rebounded at a high level, defended multiple positions, and continued to show why versatile wings are among the most valuable players in today’s game.
Xoey Bluth | 5’9″ | PG/CG | Team Wisconsin
Xoey enjoyed one of the biggest jumps of the summer. Her confidence, playmaking, and ability to score helped establish her as one of the breakout guards in Wisconsin’s 2030 class. Every tournament seemed to add another layer to her game.
Nyagol Riak | 6’2″ | SF/PF | Example Sports
Nyagol’s combination of size, exceptional athleticism, and relentless motor made her one of the most impactful players of the AAU season. She can rebound, defend multiple positions, run the floor, and change games without needing the offense built around her. With scholarship offers from Wisconsin and Florida already secured, her upside is among the highest in the class.
Madison365 Sports 2026 AAU Second Team
Vienna Richards | 5’11” | C | Team Compete
Vienna provided a consistent presence around the basket with her rebounding, physical play, and interior scoring. She continued to show why she is one of the state’s top young post players.
Cora LaChance | 5’9″ | SG | Team Herro
Cora continued to establish herself as one of Wisconsin’s most dependable perimeter players. She played with confidence, competed every possession, and brought a balanced offensive game throughout the AAU season.
Tiana Hill | 6’0″ | PF | 24Up
Tiana was a walking double double this summer. Her rebounding, physicality, and ability to finish around the basket made her one of the most productive post players in Wisconsin’s 2030 class.
Avery Check | 5’5″ | PG | Wisconsin Lakers
Avery’s high basketball IQ and competitiveness are what separate her from many guards her age. She consistently made winning decisions, controlled the pace of the game, and made the players around her better.
Chesne Fink | 5’8″ | PG/CG | Team Prime
Chesne impressed with her versatility and feel for the game. She consistently made smart decisions while impacting games as both a scorer and playmaker.
Madison365 Sports All Defensive Team
- Kadence Porter | 5’8″ | Team Herro
- Nyagol Riak | 6’2″ | Example Sports
- Tiana Hill | 6’0″ | 24Up
- Ma’kenzie Lee | 5’5″ | Team Herro
- Ma’riah Lee | 5’6″ | Team Herro
- Zoey Zukowski | 5’7″ | Team Herro
- Reagan Johnson | 5’4″ | Team Prime
- Jordyn Alexander | 5’7″ | Chapman
- Arianna Eddins | 5’11” | Madison365
The AAU season has come to a close, but the journey for these young athletes is just beginning. Over the next four years, new stars will emerge, players will continue to grow, and today’s evaluations will undoubtedly evolve. That’s the beauty of youth basketball.
Congratulations to every athlete recognized. These honors celebrate one outstanding AAU season, but they don’t define a player’s future. The players who continue to improve, remain coachable, and fall in love with the daily work will ultimately write the next chapters of their stories.
Wisconsin girls basketball has a bright future, and the Class of 2030 continues to prove that the next generation is ready for the spotlight.
