Sheboygan South's Evelyn Nienhuis Named 2026 Lakeshore Elite Player of the Year

The standout sophomore discusses her early varsity success and ambitious goals for the future.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 9:26am

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a girls' basketball game, with sharp planes of navy, red, and yellow conveying the sport's intensity.A rising star's rapid ascent to the top of the Lakeshore Elite basketball ranks is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration.Sheboygan Today

Evelyn Nienhuis, a sophomore at Sheboygan South High School, has been named the 2026 Lakeshore Elite Player of the Year after a breakout start to her varsity basketball career. Nienhuis and her coach, TJ Pitsch, discussed her rapid rise, impressive skills, and big aspirations for the remainder of her high school journey.

Why it matters

Nienhuis' early dominance on the court has made her one of the top young talents in the Lakeshore region, drawing attention from college scouts and elevating the profile of the Sheboygan South program. Her success highlights the strength of the local basketball community and the promising future of the sport in the area.

The details

In her first varsity season, Nienhuis has already established herself as a force to be reckoned with, showcasing a well-rounded game that includes deadly shooting, tenacious defense, and elite playmaking abilities. Pitsch praised her rapid development and ability to lead the team, even at her young age.

  • Nienhuis began her varsity career at Sheboygan South this school year (2025-2026).
  • She was named the 2026 Lakeshore Elite Player of the Year in April 2026.

The players

Evelyn Nienhuis

A sophomore basketball player at Sheboygan South High School who was named the 2026 Lakeshore Elite Player of the Year.

TJ Pitsch

The head coach of the Sheboygan South girls basketball team, who has overseen Nienhuis' rapid rise to stardom.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Evelyn has been a huge part of our success this season. She's a special talent who works hard every day to improve her game.”

— TJ Pitsch, Head Coach, Sheboygan South Girls Basketball

“My goal is to keep getting better and lead my team to a conference championship. I'm just getting started.”

— Evelyn Nienhuis

What’s next

Nienhuis and the Sheboygan South team will look to build on their strong start and compete for a conference title in the coming seasons.

The takeaway

Evelyn Nienhuis' rapid rise to stardom as a sophomore highlights the depth of basketball talent in the Lakeshore region and the promising future of the sport in the area. Her combination of skill, work ethic, and leadership has made her one of the top young players to watch in Wisconsin.