2020-21 Preseason Rankings: Division 1
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The 2020-21 season will get underway later this month with actual competition kicking off on Dec. 1. Prep Hoops Wisconsin breaks down the race in Division 1 with our preseason top 10 teams… 1. Brookfield Central 2019-20 Record: 24-1…
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Continue ReadingThe 2020-21 season will get underway later this month with actual competition kicking off on Dec. 1. Prep Hoops Wisconsin breaks down the race in Division 1 with our preseason top 10 teams…
1. Brookfield Central
2019-20 Record: 24-1 (16-0 Greater Metro)
Key Returners: David Joplin David Joplin 6'8" | SF Brookfield | 2021 State #54 Nation WI (23.2 ppg), Ben Nau Ben Nau 6'1" | PG Brookfield Central | 2021 State WI (12.5 ppg), Andrew Rohde Andrew Rohde 6'6" | SG Brookfield Central | 2022 State WI (8.5 ppg)
Notable Losses: Malid Abdul-Wahid, Eric Radisevic Eric Radisevic 6'8" | PF Brookfield Central | 2020 State WI
This group may not be as talented or as deep as the 2019-20 squad, which appeared primed to win the Division 1 state championship prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the Lancers are still the team to beat on paper. Texas commit David Joplin David Joplin 6'8" | SF Brookfield | 2021 State #54 Nation WI and St. Thomas commit Ben Nau Ben Nau 6'1" | PG Brookfield Central | 2021 State WI are a formidable 1-2 punch who have played in a ton of battles together. Junior shooting guard Andrew Rohde Andrew Rohde 6'6" | SG Brookfield Central | 2022 State WI has looked very good this summer and established himself as a Division 1 caliber talent. Sophomore guard Drew Edmond Drew Edmond 6'0" | PG Brookfield Central | 2023 State WI could be the x-factor for Central this season.
2. Sussex Hamilton
2019-20 Record/Finish: 22-3 (14-2 Greater Metro Conference)
Key Returners: Patrick Baldwin Jr. Patrick Baldwin Jr. 6'9" | SF Sussex Hamilton | 2021 State #2 Nation WI (24.3 ppg), Tanner Resch Tanner Resch 6'0" | PG Hamilton | 2021 State WI (14.1 ppg), Luther Smith Luther Smith 6'1" | SG Sussex Hamilton | 2023 State WI (3.1 ppg), Nolan Reider (4.2 ppg)
Notable Losses: Carson Smith Carson Smith 6'1" | CG Sussex Hamilton | 2020 State WI (15.1 ppg), J.T. Hoytink J.T. Hoytink 6'0" | PG Sussex Hamilton | 2020 State WI (9.1 ppg), Lucas Finnessy Lucas Finnessy 6'4" | PF Sussex Hamilton | 2020 State WI (6.7 ppg)
Baldwin is the preseason favorite for Mr. Basketball in the state of Wisconsin. Not to put the cart in front of the horse, but the 6-foot-10, sweet-shooting wing is likely on his way to being a lottery pick within the next two years. The losses of Hoytink, Smith, and Finnessy might be tough to overcome. Those three gave the Chargers a noticeable edge in toughness and reliability down the stretch of games. However, it could allow players such as Reider and Smith to emerge. Hamilton can also rely on the shooting and playmaking of Resch, who’s ready for a big senior season.
3. Brookfield East
2019-20 Record/Finish: 20-5 (12-4 Greater Metro)
Key Returners: Hayden Doyle Hayden Doyle 6'0" | CG Brookfield East | 2021 State WI (21.0 ppg)
Notable Losses: Sam McGath Sam McGath 6'2" | PG Brookfield East | 2020 State WI (15.8 ppg), Michael Poker Michael Poker 6'0" | CG Brookfield East | 2020 State WI (13.5 ppg)
Are the top three teams in the state all from the Greater Metro? The Spartans constantly get overlooked because of how strong Central and Hamilton have been, but make no mistake, neither one of those teams looks forward to playing East. One of the most consistent programs in the state over the last five seasons or so, the Spartans have been pumping out wins no matter who’s on the roster. Leading scorer and Washington University (St. Louis) Hayden Doyle Hayden Doyle 6'0" | CG Brookfield East | 2021 State WI is back for his senior season. While the Spartans have to replace a few key pieces, Doyle will be playing in the backcourt with arguably the No. 1 player in the country in 2024, freshman Tayshawn Bridges.
4. Milwaukee King
2019-20 Record/Finish: 22-1 (12-0 Milwaukee City)
Key Returners: Quinton Murrell Quinton Murrell 6'5" | SG Milwaukee King | 2021 State WI (18.0 ppg), Mohamed Niang Mohamed Niang 6'3" | SG Milwaukee King | 2021 State WI (7.2 ppg), Jayquan Hickles Jayquan Hickles 6'5" | PF Milwaukee King | 2022 State WI (5.8 ppg)
Notable Losses: Rickey Bradley (11.7 ppg), Elijah Horton (10.7 ppg), Kai Buliox Kai Buliox 6'0" | PG Milwaukee King | 2020 State WI (4.8 ppg), Leonte Scott (7.1 ppg), Cameron Tolefree (7.0 ppg)
The Generals have some question marks and lost a lot of depth, but they’re still good enough to be a top five team in the state. Rickey Bradley, who transferred to Arizona for his senior season, will probably impact the long-term upside of this team in March. Fortunately for King, Quinton Murrell Quinton Murrell 6'5" | SG Milwaukee King | 2021 State WI is back for his senior season and is one of the top scoring guards in the state. Mohamed Niang Mohamed Niang 6'3" | SG Milwaukee King | 2021 State WI was a huge stock booster over the summer and ready to break out in 2020-21. Jayquan Hickles Jayquan Hickles 6'5" | PF Milwaukee King | 2022 State WI is a big x-factor as someone who loves to do the dirty work around the rim and one of the best teammates you can ask for.
5. Racine Case
2019-20 Record/Finish: 21-4 (12-2 Southeast Conference)
Key Returners: Jakobe Thompson Jakobe Thompson 6'1" | PG Racine Case | 2021 State WI (19.3 ppg), Terryon Brumby Terryon Brumby 6'0" | PG Racine Case | 2022 State WI (14.5 ppg), Amari Jedkins Amari Jedkins 6'7" | PF Racine Case | 2022 State WI (8.6 ppg)
Notable Losses: Jonathan Rankins (10.7 ppg), Nick Fugiasco Nick Fugiasco 6'3" | SG Racine Case | 2020 State WI (8.6 ppg)
This was a team capable of making the state tournament last season. While the Eagles were denied that opportunity, they return most of their top weapons from a season ago. Jakobe Thompson Jakobe Thompson 6'1" | PG Racine Case | 2021 State WI and Terryon Brumby Terryon Brumby 6'0" | PG Racine Case | 2022 State WI form one of the best and most electrifying backcourts in the state. Amari Jedkins Amari Jedkins 6'7" | PF Racine Case | 2022 State WI is coming off a fine summer and the high-upside forward can make game-changing plays on both ends of the floor.
6. Kimberly
2019-20 Record/Finish: 22-3 (17-1 Fox Valley Association)
Key Returners: Jackson Pavaletzke (12.0 ppg), Grant Asman Grant Asman 6'11" | PF Kimberly | 2021 State WI (8.0 ppg), Jackson Dudek Jackson Dudek 6'7" | PF Kimberly | 2021 State WI (1.5 ppg)
Notable Losses: Jake Buchanan Jake Buchanan 5'11" | PG Kimberly | 2020 State WI (18.4 ppg), Logan Pearson Logan Pearson 6'2" | SG Kimberly | 2020 State WI (13.6 ppg)
Think Kimberly will ultimately end up reloading more than rebuilding, but Jake Buchanan Jake Buchanan 5'11" | PG Kimberly | 2020 State WI was so instrumental in what they did over the last two seasons, there’s probably a feeling out process that will take place. Junior guard Jackson Pavaletzke is going to emerge as one of the state’s most lethal scorers. Lipscomb commit Grant Asman Grant Asman 6'11" | PF Kimberly | 2021 State WI is a late bloomer that just continues to get better and better and will be a versatile weapon in the post. The Papermakers will also feature Northern Michigan commit Jackson Dudek Jackson Dudek 6'7" | PF Kimberly | 2021 State WI up front. Head coach Lucky Wurtz also has a pair of secret weapons in junior wing Owen Pawlikowski Owen Pawlikowski 6'3" | SG Kimberly | 2022 State WI and sophomore wing Seth Miron Seth Miron 6'4" | SF Kimberly | 2023 State WI , two players who weren’t on varsity last season, but emerged as two of the better players in their respective classes after strong showings over the summer.
7. Neenah
2019-20 Record/Finish: 23-2 (16-2 Fox Valley Association)
Key Returners: Jacob Dietz Jacob Dietz 6'3" | SG Neenah | 2021 State WI (12.8 ppg), Carter Thomas Carter Thomas 6'5" | PF Neenah | 2022 State WI (11.6 ppg), Chevalier Emery Jr Chevalier Emery Jr 6'1" | PG Neenah | 2022 State WI (6.1 ppg)
Notable Losses: Max Klesmit Max Klesmit 6'2" | SG Neenah | 2020 State #407 Nation WI (23.5 ppg)
It could be another tight race at the top in the Fox Valley Association. Max Klesmit Max Klesmit 6'2" | SG Neenah | 2020 State #407 Nation WI is gone, but the Rockets are still a deep and talented group. Neenah has three reliable weapons in senior wing Jacob Dietz Jacob Dietz 6'3" | SG Neenah | 2021 State WI , junior forward Carter Thomas Carter Thomas 6'5" | PF Neenah | 2022 State WI , and junior guard Chevalier Emery Jr Chevalier Emery Jr 6'1" | PG Neenah | 2022 State WI , a trio that will produce on both ends of the floor. The question for Neenah, do they have a star who can take over games and bail them out on off-nights? That player may have to be sophomore Cal Klesmit Cal Klesmit 6'2" | CG Neenah | 2023 State #235 Nation WI , a top 10 player in the 2023 class.
8. Wauwatosa East
2019-20 Record/Finish: 12-11 (7-9 Greater Metro)
Key Returners: Brian Parzych Brian Parzych 6'2" | PG Wauwautosa East | 2021 State WI (12.0 ppg), Leon Bond Leon Bond 6'5" | SF Wauwatosa East | 2022 State #62 Nation WI (11.8 ppg), Alex Singleton Alex Singleton 6'4" | PF Wauwatosa East | 2021 State WI (9.3 ppg), Jay Hinson Jay Hinson 6'3" | CG Wauwatosa East | 2021 State WI (6.4 ppg), Parker Thompson Parker Thompson 6'5" | SF Wauwatosa East | 2022 State WI (5.4 ppg), Marcus Mbow Marcus Mbow 6'5" | PF Wauwatosa East | 2021 State WI (4.7 ppg)
Notable Losses: N/A
Wauwatosa East somewhat underperformed last season, but dealt with some internal struggles and were better than their record indicated due to playing in a loaded Greater Metro Conference. Regardless, we knew this team was still a year away heading into last season. Moving up to Division 1, the Red Raiders may have a tougher path to Madison. If you don’t include John Lovelace John Lovelace 6'4" | SF Brown Deer | 2021 State WI , who transferred to Brown Deer mid-season, East gets everything back. Northern Michigan commit Brian Parzych Brian Parzych 6'2" | PG Wauwautosa East | 2021 State WI and junior forward Leon Bond Leon Bond 6'5" | SF Wauwatosa East | 2022 State #62 Nation WI , the No. 2 ranked player in 2022, will lead the way. However, seniors Alex Singleton Alex Singleton 6'4" | PF Wauwatosa East | 2021 State WI , Jay Hinson Jay Hinson 6'3" | CG Wauwatosa East | 2021 State WI , and Marcus Mbow Marcus Mbow 6'5" | PF Wauwatosa East | 2021 State WI are seniors who will show up night in and night out as well.
9. Arrowhead
2019-20 Record/Finish: 23-2 (16-0 Classic Eight)
Key Returners: Sam Hytinen Sam Hytinen 6'3" | SF Arrowhead | 2021 State WI (12.1 ppg), Mac Wrecke Mac Wrecke 6'5" | SG Arrowhead | 2023 State #272 Nation WI (11.6 ppg), Blake Ewer Blake Ewer 6'5" | PF Keller | 2021 State WI (4.4 ppg)
Notable Losses: Carter Gilmore Carter Gilmore 6'7" | SF Arrowhead | 2020 State #250 Nation WI (26.8 ppg), Chris Burg (9.8 ppg)
Carter Gilmore Carter Gilmore 6'7" | SF Arrowhead | 2020 State #250 Nation WI led the Warhawks in just about every major statistical category last season. Chris Burg is also an underrated loss from the point guard position. Arrowhead can still turn to senior Sam Hytinen Sam Hytinen 6'3" | SF Arrowhead | 2021 State WI , an athletic wing who can also space the floor, and sophomore Mac Wrecke Mac Wrecke 6'5" | SG Arrowhead | 2023 State #272 Nation WI , a top-five prospect in the 2023 class who gained valuable experience as a starter last season.
10. Waunakee
2019-20 Record/Finish: 19-6 (12-2 Badger North)
Key Returners: Andrew Keller Andrew Keller 6'5" | PF Waunakee | 2022 State WI (12.1 ppg), Caden Nelson Caden Nelson 6'3" | SF Waunakee | 2021 State WI (10.4 ppg), Jaxson Zibell Jaxson Zibell 6'1" | SG Waunakee | 2021 State WI (9.5 ppg)
Notable Losses: Caden Hough (9.0 ppg)
You look up and down this roster and there’s nothing that really jumps out at you from an individual standpoint. That’s also in part what makes Waunakee so good…balance. The Warriors space the floor with shooters, share the ball, and make it tough for opponents to really hone in on one or two particular players. Junior forward Andrew Keller Andrew Keller 6'5" | PF Waunakee | 2022 State WI is a difficult matchup problem for opponents. Seniors Caden Nelson Caden Nelson 6'3" | SF Waunakee | 2021 State WI and Jaxson Zibbel are also important pieces to the puzzle, but it can be anyone on any night for Waunakee leading the charge. The Warriors will also be one of the better defensive teams in the state in 2020-21, which should carry them into March.
Honorable Mention: Franklin, Bay Port, De Pere, Sun Prairie, Menomonee Falls, West Allis Central, Madison Memorial, Oak Creek, Hudson, Chippewa Falls, Janesville Craig, Madison La Follette