Nicolet National Bank Senior Spotlight

Braeden Leist, Algoma High School, basketball and baseball

Leist

Posted Thursday, March 26, 2026 6:00 am

Parent’s names: Tim “Ernie” and Missy Leist
Siblings: Carson Leist
Position: Basketball – point guard, baseball – shortstop/outfield, pitcher
Career highlight: Being named Packerland All Conference in baseball my first three years

At what age did you start playing your sport(s)?

Five years old.

Who introduced you to your sport(s)?
My parents.

What is your favorite sport?
Basketball.

How has balancing academics and athletics been different for you from your freshman year to your senior year?
My freshman year was challenging but my teachers really helped me push through and over the next few years until my senior year I learned to balance my school and sports schedule.

What is your favorite part about your sport(s)? What about it has caused you to stick with it for this long?
I gained lifelong friends by playing sports. My favorite part about sports is trying to get better each day and putting the time in after practice is done to be the best I can be at any sport I compete in.

Is there a professional athlete you look up to? If so, who?

Kobe Bryant and Kon Knueppel.

What would you say is your biggest asset on the court/field?
I like being the point guard, running the offense and setting up my teammates to score and be successful.

What has been your most memorable experience in high school sports so far?
Hitting three triples in one game vs. Southern Door and getting two dunks in basketball this year vs. Two Rivers.

How does it feel as a senior, to look back throughout high school and see your growth (as a person and athlete)?
I’m really proud of how I’ve grown to become a role model for the younger athletes that look up to me, and I hope they see how much work it takes outside of practice to be successful.

Do you have any pre-game rituals/routines/superstitions?
Listen to music and try to eat scrambled eggs.

Do you take any extra steps to prepare for a big game, outside of regular training?

I try to watch a lot of films on my opponents.

What has been your favorite experience with being a senior this year?
Going out west with my classmates this past summer and competing in sports with my friends since fourth grade.

Any memorable coaches or teammates you’d like to give a shout out to?
My brother Carson and my basketball coach Zach Wery.

Any hobbies outside of sports?
Video games.

Favorite food?
Mozzarella sticks.

Favorite movie/TV show?

“The Greatest Showman.”

Future plans? (college, major, career, etc.)
I plan on attending Lakeland University for business and sports management and to play basketball.