Ranking the Top Quartets in Wisconsin For 2018-19
Looking ahead to the 2018-19 season, Prep Hoops Wisconsin ranks the top quartets in the state going into the 2018-19 campaign…
1. La Crosse Central
Not only does La Crosse Central have four players who are ranked among the top 25 in their respective classes, including three top 10 prospects, but they’ve all won big together. Jordan Davis (10.2 ppg), Jonathan Davis (22.8 ppg), Noah Parcher (12.1 ppg), and Terrance Thompson (11.9 ppg) all return for the Red Raiders, who reached the Division 2 state semifinals last season. Two years ago, the Davis twins and Parcher won it all. Central should be primed to reach the state tournament for the fourth consecutive season.
2. Sussex Hamilton
Patrick Baldwin Jr. (16.7 ppg), Lucas Finnessy (8.7 ppg), Tanner Resch (6.3 ppg), and Carson Smith (10.6 ppg) all return after helping lead Sussex Hamilton to the Division 1 state semifinals. A potential state championship squad this season, Hamilton has even more options we could plug into this group, including J.T. Hoytink (7.7 ppg) and Tyler Ellingson (7.6 ppg). After falling to eventual state champion Oshkosh North by just one point in the state semifinals, Hamilton reloads with sights set on winning it all in 2018-19.
3. Kimberly
The Papermakers may need to catch up in terms of chemistry, but talent-wise, this is a quartet that could reach the state tournament in Division 2. Levi Borchert (11.8 ppg) and Jake Buchanan (7.1 ppg) were a 1-2 punch, but promising 2021 forward Grant Asman and Marshfield transfer Reed Miller (12.0 ppg) will now join the fold in 2018-19. Finishing third in the loaded Fox Valley Association, behind two teams (Kaukauna and Oshkosh North) that won state titles last season, Kimberly could be the preseason conference favorite and a trendy pick to make it to Madison. Don’t count out sophomore Brett Perronne as a potential impact player for this team either.
4. Waukesha West
You could make a case for Waukesha West moving up to No. 2 on this list. A strong group of seniors, David Skogman (11.8 ppg) , Chris Bready (9.8 ppg), and Rocky Martinez (10.3 ppg), are all back, as is sophomore Cameron Palesse (9.4 ppg). One of the most balanced lineups in the state, West is a strong contender to shake up the race in Division 2 this season after winning 16 games in 2017-18.
5. Kaukauna
The Ghosts will lose their top three players from last season’s state championship squad, but some quality prospects who were waiting in the wings are ready to emerge. Keaton Ferris (9.9 ppg) and Donovan Ivory (7.6 ppg) showed over the summer that they’re two of the better prospects in their classes and still might even be well kept secrets as far as the rest of the state is concerned. Logan Jedwabny (5.8) will bring the toughness, while Brayden Ivory (4.4 ppg) will provide sharpshooting from the perimeter.
Honorable Mention
Brown Deer might surprise a lot of people this season. Yes, the Falcons lost their leading scorer and the heart and soul of their team in Jay Gentry, who had a phenomenal senior season. Still, the cupboard is far from bare. Jaylon Gentry (16.3 ppg) and Brooklyn Jagers (12.8 ppg) are established, veteran players who will keep Brown Deer relevant in the Woodland East, if not back on top. Sophomore Jeremiah Dotson is one of the top players in the 2021 class and and junior point guard Justin Greenlee might be ready to emerge as well.