Badger South Conference Preview
Looking ahead to the 2018-19 season, Prep Hoops Wisconsin breaks down the race in the Badger South Conference…
PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH
1. Monona Grove
2. Stoughton
3. Oregon
4. Monroe
5. Watertown
6. Madison Edgewood
7. Milton
8. Fort Atkinson
FAVORITE: Monona Grove
The loss of Jake Schroeckenthaler is tough, but the Silver Eagles still have some of the best talent returning within the conference. Caden Nelson and Sam Hepp are two potential first-team picks. Max Nelson and Jimmy Thome are also tough losses, but Monona Grove has enough size and scoring ability to potential repeat as Badger South champions. After going 24-2 and not making the state tournament last season, this group likely has a bad taste in its mouth as well.
Dark Horse: Stoughton
The Vikings lose their top three scorers, but this a well-coached program that’s won at least 16 games in six of the last seven seasons. Junior forward Adam Hobson as the leader and provide an all-around presence on the floor.
Surprise Team: Oregon
This team went 6-8 in conference play last season, but they were young and perhaps have the biggest potential for an upswing within the conference. Leading scorer and senior guard Ethan Victorson (14.4 ppg) is back. Second-leading scorer Erik Victorson also returns and averaged just under nine points per game as a sophomore. Despite being 9-14 a year ago, the Panthers could be in the top 3-4 of the conference this season.
FIRST-TEAM ALL-CONFERENCE PICKS
G Caden Nelson (Monona Grove)
G Ethan Victorson (Oregon)
G Michael Merrigioli (Edgewood)
F Sam Hepp (Monona Grove)
F Kade King (Monroe)
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Caden Nelson
Nelson averaged better than 16 points per game as a junior, while playing alongside last season’s conference player of the year.
BREAKOUT Player: Erik Victorson
As a freshman, Victorson averaged 9.1 points per game for Oregon. In 23 games, he connected on 42 3-pointers.
SURPRISE PLAYER: Cael McGee
Most of the conference might not know his name yet, but they will. McGee split time between the varsity and junior varsity last season. Over the summer and into the fall, McGee has blossomed into a big scoring threat and could lead Stoughton in 2018-19.