Natalie Kussow, a University of Minnesota signee, will look to lead Arrowhead to its second state championship in the last three seasons. (Photo: David Feyen)
Natalie Kussow of
Arrowhead has been named the 2026 Ms. Basketball award-winner by the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA).
Kussow is an athletic lefty guard who scores at all three levels. She's strong off the dribble and has deep range from the outside. Natalie is a high-IQ player who also impacts the game on defense and is also a very good rebounder.
"Kind of in shock, it's a big accomplishment and a bunch of other great players were in the running for the award," explained Kussow.
Natalie said she's excited and honored to be named Ms. Basketball and be on a list of great players from the state, including Amy Terrian of Pewaukee and Allie Ziebell of Neenah, whom she mentioned as players she looked up to.
Kussow also mentioned that her parents, coaches, and teammates all helped her to where she is today.
Kussow is averaging 26.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 3.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game with 66 three-pointers made for coach Ron Reichle and the Warhawks, which enter Friday's Division 1 state semifinal against Pewaukee with a 26-2 record. Natalie is shooting 49.4 percent from the floor and 85.8 percent from the free throw line.
Coach Reichle explained the impact that Natalie has made on Arrowhead's program.
"She fit in right away, is humble, and team-focused. As a freshman, she connected immediately with then-senior Bella Samz, and that has continued with younger players. Natalie's an ultra-competitive person who doesn't show nerves, always answers, and is always ready to go."
Coach Reichle added that while it might not be noticeable, Natalie has a little extra fire inside when she needs it, especially when being heckled by fans.
The 6-0 guard is fifth in girls basketball state history with 2,737 points. Kussow has also compiled 916 rebounds, 273 assists, 363 steals, and 99 blocks in her career.
Natalie entered the year as a two-time first-team WBCA all-state selection. She earned honorable mention honors as a freshman.
Kussow, who had a long list of scholarship offers, is signed to play at the University of Minnesota.
She has led the Warhawks to a 101-13 record and three WIAA state tournament appearances, including winning the Division 1 state championship in 2024.
The finalists for Ms. Basketball were Kussow, Giselle Janowski of Pewaukee, Ady Ketterhagen of Oostburg, Mikaia Litza of Wauwatosa East, and Adaline Sheplee of Rice Lake.
