Every once in a while, a group of athletes comes along that reminds you why you love this game. Right now, Madison-area girls’ basketball is loaded with talent, and these four young women are leading the way. If you love basketball, make time to see them play this season.
Nyajuacni Riak – Madison LaFollette
I do not say this lightly. Nyajuacni might be the most highly recruited basketball prospect Madison has ever had, male or female. She has so many scholarship offers it would take all day to list them. She participated in the 2025 USA Women’s U16 National Team trials, which speaks to just how elite her talent is.
At 6 foot 2, she is ranked the number one player in Wisconsin by Prep Girls Hoops and the number seven player nationally for the class of 2028 by ESPN. Her athletic ability is incredible, but what really sets her apart is her complete offensive game. There is not much she cannot do.
She is a once-in-a-generation talent for this area. And the amazing part is that her younger sisters coming behind her look ready to follow in her footsteps. Go see her play while you can.
Tessa Bryan – Waunakee High School
Tessa is a certified baller. She is a nearly unstoppable point guard once she gets out in the open court. She sees the floor beautifully and delivers no-look passes that get the crowd buzzing.
As just a sophomore last season, Tessa:
• Earned First Team All-State honors
• Was named Badger Large Conference Player of the Year
• Was a unanimous First Team All-Conference selection
• Was named to the First Team Madison All-Area Team
• Led Waunakee to a Badger Large Conference Championship
• Led Waunakee to a Regional Championship
Prep Girls Hoops ranks her as the fifth-best player in Wisconsin for the class of 2027. If the Tessa Show is anywhere near you, make plans to go.
Avery Blue – Vel Phillips Memorial
Avery is a smooth and confident combo guard who has already committed to play Division I basketball at Wagner College. She plays on one of the most athletic teams in the Big Eight and is a pure shooter who stays calm under pressure.
Her ball handling and court presence make her dangerous, and her poise makes her fun to watch. Avery is part of the class of 2026 and still has plenty of great basketball ahead of her.
Zami Gary – Madison Country Day School
Zami has already rewritten the record books at Madison Country Day. According to Girls Prep Hoops, she is ranked the 41st player in Wisconsin for the class of 2028, and she is only a sophomore.
As a freshman, she broke the school’s all-time single-season scoring record with 473 points and set a new assist mark with 65 assists. She also tied the school record for steals in a season with 89 steals. Just as impressive, she led a varsity team made up almost entirely of freshmen to a sectional semifinal appearance.
Zami is a sharpshooting guard with deep range and a fearless approach to the game. She is one of the most exciting young players in the area, and her story is just getting started.
These four players are more than individual stars. Together, they are raising the bar for the next generation of Madison area basketball. They are proof that the future of the game in this region is bright, competitive, and worth showing up for. If you want to see where the game is headed, get in the gym and watch them play.
