dailyloe.com – As the United States nears its 250th anniversary, USA TODAY Sports is honoring the 250 greatest American sports figures. Alongside this national celebration, the USA TODAY Network is highlighting high school athletes who shaped sports culture in Wisconsin.
The aim is to identify players who are trailblazers and trendsetters, whose impact extends beyond championships and statistics. Some players became local legends without achieving similar success at the college or professional levels.
Jolene Anderson from South Shore, graduated in 2004, scored a WIAA state-record 2,881 career points, ranking fourth on Wisconsin’s all-time list. She averaged 37 points and 15 rebounds in her senior year, earning the Ms. Basketball award and later starred at the University of Wisconsin.
Anderson led the Badgers in scoring throughout her college career, finishing as the all-time leading scorer with 2,312 points. She was named 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, Anderson played professionally for 17 years in Europe and international leagues.
Mistie Bass, from Janesville Parker, graduated in 2002 and is known as the only Wisconsin girls high school player to be named Ms. Basketball three times. This record is set to remain unbroken.
After her third award, the WBCA limited the Ms. Basketball honor to seniors. Bass scored 1,906 career points, and her team had a record of 75-3 over her final three seasons.
