A Historic Honor
The latest reader poll conducted by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has crowned Sonja Henning as the most impactful player in Wisconsin high school girls basketball history, a testament to a career that reshaped the state’s basketball narrative.
Henning captured 608 votes, translating to 2,236 points scored during her four‑year tenure at Racine Horlick. Her total eclipsed previous records and positioned her as the all‑time leading scorer in Wisconsin girls basketball by 1987.
A two‑time first‑team all‑state selection and the 1987 Ms. Basketball award winner, Henning also earned Parade All‑America honors that same year, cementing her status as the state’s top prospect before college.
At Stanford University she helped the Cardinal secure the 1990 national championship and garnered All‑America recognition as a senior, showcasing a seamless transition from high school phenom to collegiate powerhouse.
Professionally, Henning’s journey took her through several leagues before she found a home in the WNBA, where she contributed to the Houston Comets’ 1999 league title and later spent three seasons with the Seattle Storm before concluding her career with the Indiana Fever in 2003.
Other Notable Voices
The poll also highlighted a constellation of talent from across the state, with Heidi Bunek of Milwaukee Pius XI receiving 390 votes, Anna DeForge of Niagara 337 votes, and Arike Ogunbowale of Divine Savior Holy Angels 143 votes, underscoring the depth of Wisconsin’s basketball heritage.
Their stories, alongside Henning’s, reflect a broader ecosystem where high school success often foreshadows collegiate and professional achievement, inspiring a new generation of athletes to pursue excellence on and off the court.