Ben Nau
Posted On: 11/8/20 8:36 AM
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 (16-0 Greater Metro)
Key Returners: David Joplin
DavidJoplin6'6" | SFBrookfield Central | 2021State#54NationWI (23.2 ppg), Ben NauBenNau6'1" | PGBrookfield Central | 2021StateWI (12.5 ppg), Andrew RohdeAndrewRohde6'2" | SGBrookfield Central | 2022StateWI (8.5 ppg)
Notable Losses: Malid Abdul-Wahid, Eric Radisevic
EricRadisevic6'8" | PFBrookfield Central | 2020StateWI
DavidJoplin6'6" | SFBrookfield Central | 2021State#54NationWI
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 JoplinDavidJoplin6'6" | SFBrookfield Central | 2021State#54NationWI and St. Thomas commit Ben Nau
BenNau6'1" | PGBrookfield Central | 2021StateWI are a formidable 1-2 punch who have played in a ton of battles together. Junior shooting guard Andrew Rohde
AndrewRohde6'2" | SGBrookfield Central | 2022StateWI has looked very good this summer and established himself as a Division 1 caliber talent. Sophomore guard Drew EdmondDrewEdmond6'0" | PGBrookfield Central | 2023StateWI could be the x-factor for Central this season.
2. Sussex Hamilton
2019-20 Record/Finish: 22-3 (14-2 Greater
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 (16-0 Greater Metro)
Key Returners: David JoplinDavidJoplin6'6" | SFBrookfield Central | 2021State#54NationWI (23.2 ppg), Ben NauBenNau6'1" | PGBrookfield Central | 2021StateWI (12.5 ppg), Andrew RohdeAndrewRohde6'2" | SGBrookfield Central | 2022StateWI (8.5 ppg)
Notable Losses: Malid Abdul-Wahid, Eric RadisevicEricRadisevic6'8" | PFBrookfield Central | 2020StateWI
[player_tooltip player_id="804893" first="David" last="Joplin"]
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 JoplinDavidJoplin6'6" | SFBrookfield Central | 2021State#54NationWI and St. Thomas commit Ben NauBenNau6'1" | PGBrookfield Central | 2021StateWI are a formidable 1-2 punch who have played in a ton of battles together. Junior shooting guard Andrew RohdeAndrewRohde6'2" | SGBrookfield Central | 2022StateWI has looked very good this summer and established himself as a Division 1 caliber talent. Sophomore guard Drew EdmondDrewEdmond6'0" | PGBrookfield Central | 2023StateWI 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.PatrickBaldwin Jr.6'8" | SFSussex Hamilton | 2021State#2NationWI (24.3 ppg), Tanner ReschTannerResch5'11" | PGSussex Hamilton | 2021StateWI (14.1 ppg), Luther SmithLutherSmith5'10" | SGSussex Hamilton | 2023StateWI (3.1 ppg), Nolan Reider (4.2 ppg)
Notable Losses: Carson SmithCarsonSmith6'1" | CGSussex Hamilton | 2020StateWI (15.1 ppg), J.T. HoytinkJ.T.Hoytink6'0" | PGSussex Hamilton | 2020StateWI (9.1 ppg), Lucas FinnessyLucasFinnessy6'4" | PFSussex Hamilton | 2020StateWI (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 DoyleHaydenDoyle5'11" | CGBrookfield East | 2021StateWI (21.0 ppg)
[player_tooltip player_id="879993" first="Hayden" last="Doyle"]
Notable Losses: Sam McGathSamMcGath6'2" | PGBrookfield East | 2020StateWI (15.8 ppg), Michael PokerMichaelPoker6'0" | CGBrookfield East | 2020StateWI (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 DoyleHaydenDoyle5'11" | CGBrookfield East | 2021StateWI 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)
[player_tooltip player_id="865842" first="Jayquan" last="Hickles"]
Key Returners: Quinton MurrellQuintonMurrell6'5" | SGMilwaukee King | 2021StateWI (18.0 ppg), Mohamed NiangMohamedNiang6'3" | SGMilwaukee King | 2021StateWI (7.2 ppg), Jayquan HicklesJayquanHickles6'5" | PFMilwaukee King | 2022StateWI (5.8 ppg)
Notable Losses: Rickey Bradley (11.7 ppg), Elijah Horton (10.7 ppg), Kai BulioxKaiBuliox6'0" | PGMilwaukee King | 2020StateWI (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 MurrellQuintonMurrell6'5" | SGMilwaukee King | 2021StateWI is back for his senior season and is one of the top scoring guards in the state. Mohamed NiangMohamedNiang6'3" | SGMilwaukee King | 2021StateWI was a huge stock booster over the summer and ready to break out in 2020-21. Jayquan HicklesJayquanHickles6'5" | PFMilwaukee King | 2022StateWI 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 ThompsonJakobeThompson6'1" | PGRacine Case | 2021StateWI (19.3 ppg), Terryon BrumbyTerryonBrumby6'0" | PGRacine Case | 2022StateWI (14.5 ppg), Amari JedkinsAmariJedkins6'7" | PFRacine Case | 2022StateWI (8.6 ppg)
Notable Losses: Jonathan Rankins (10.7 ppg), Nick FugiascoNickFugiasco6'3" | SGRacine Case | 2020StateWI (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 ThompsonJakobeThompson6'1" | PGRacine Case | 2021StateWI and Terryon BrumbyTerryonBrumby6'0" | PGRacine Case | 2022StateWI form one of the best and most electrifying backcourts in the state. Amari JedkinsAmariJedkins6'7" | PFRacine Case | 2022StateWI 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)
Jackson Pavaletzke
Key Returners: Jackson Pavaletzke (12.0 ppg), Grant AsmanGrantAsman6'9" | PFKimberly | 2021StateWI (8.0 ppg), Jackson DudekJacksonDudek6'7" | PFKimberly | 2021StateWI (1.5 ppg)
Notable Losses: Jake BuchananJakeBuchanan5'11" | PGKimberly | 2020StateWI (18.4 ppg), Logan PearsonLoganPearson6'2" | SGKimberly | 2020StateWI (13.6 ppg)
Think Kimberly will ultimately end up reloading more than rebuilding, but Jake BuchananJakeBuchanan5'11" | PGKimberly | 2020StateWI 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 AsmanGrantAsman6'9" | PFKimberly | 2021StateWI 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 DudekJacksonDudek6'7" | PFKimberly | 2021StateWI up front. Head coach Lucky Wurtz also has a pair of secret weapons in junior wing Owen PawlikowskiOwenPawlikowski6'3" | SFKimberly | 2022StateWI and sophomore wing Seth MironSethMiron6'4" | SFKimberly | 2023StateWI, 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 DietzJacobDietz6'3" | SGNeenah | 2021StateWI (12.8 ppg), Carter ThomasCarterThomas6'5" | PFNeenah | 2022StateWI (11.6 ppg), Chevalier EmeryChevalierEmery5'10" | PGNeenah | 2022StateWI (6.1 ppg)
Notable Losses: Max KlesmitMaxKlesmit6'2" | SGNeenah | 2020State#407NationWI (23.5 ppg)
It could be another tight race at the top in the Fox Valley Association. Max KlesmitMaxKlesmit6'2" | SGNeenah | 2020State#407NationWI is gone, but the Rockets are still a deep and talented group. Neenah has three reliable weapons in senior wing Jacob DietzJacobDietz6'3" | SGNeenah | 2021StateWI, junior forward Carter ThomasCarterThomas6'5" | PFNeenah | 2022StateWI, and junior guard Chevalier EmeryChevalierEmery5'10" | PGNeenah | 2022StateWI, 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 KlesmitCalKlesmit6'1" | CGNeenah | 2023StateWI, a top 10 player in the 2023 class.
8. Wauwatosa East
2019-20 Record/Finish: 12-11 (7-9 Greater Metro)
Key Returners: Brian ParzychBrianParzych5'10" | CGWauwatosa East | 2021StateWI (12.0 ppg), Leon BondLeonBond6'5" | PFWauwatosa East | 2022StateWI (11.8 ppg), Alex SingletonAlexSingleton6'4" | PFWauwatosa East | 2021StateWI (9.3 ppg), Jay HinsonJayHinson6'3" | CGWauwatosa East | 2021StateWI (6.4 ppg), Parker ThompsonParkerThompson6'5" | SFWauwatosa East | 2022StateWI (5.4 ppg), Marcus MbowMarcusMbow6'5" | PFWauwatosa East | 2021StateWI (4.7 ppg)
[player_tooltip player_id="761404" first="Leon" last="Bond"]
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 LovelaceJohnLovelace6'4" | SFBrown Deer | 2021StateWI, who transferred to Brown Deer mid-season, East gets everything back. Northern Michigan commit Brian ParzychBrianParzych5'10" | CGWauwatosa East | 2021StateWI and junior forward Leon BondLeonBond6'5" | PFWauwatosa East | 2022StateWI, the No. 2 ranked player in 2022, will lead the way. However, seniors Alex SingletonAlexSingleton6'4" | PFWauwatosa East | 2021StateWI, Jay HinsonJayHinson6'3" | CGWauwatosa East | 2021StateWI, and Marcus MbowMarcusMbow6'5" | PFWauwatosa East | 2021StateWI 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 HytinenSamHytinen6'3" | SFArrowhead | 2021StateWI (12.1 ppg), Mac WreckeMacWrecke6'3" | SGArrowhead | 2023StateWI (11.6 ppg), Blake EwerBlakeEwer6'5" | PFArrowhead | 2021StateWI (4.4 ppg)
Notable Losses: Carter GilmoreCarterGilmore6'7" | SFArrowhead | 2020State#250NationWI (26.8 ppg), Chris Burg (9.8 ppg)
Carter GilmoreCarterGilmore6'7" | SFArrowhead | 2020State#250NationWI 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 HytinenSamHytinen6'3" | SFArrowhead | 2021StateWI, an athletic wing who can also space the floor, and sophomore Mac WreckeMacWrecke6'3" | SGArrowhead | 2023StateWI, 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)
[player_tooltip player_id="761421" first="Andrew" last="Keller"]
Key Returners: Andrew KellerAndrewKeller6'5" | PFWaunakee | 2022StateWI (12.1 ppg), Caden NelsonCadenNelson6'4" | SFWaunakee | 2021StateWI (10.4 ppg), Jaxson ZibellJaxsonZibell6'1" | SGWaunakee | 2021StateWI (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 KellerAndrewKeller6'5" | PFWaunakee | 2022StateWI is a difficult matchup problem for opponents. Seniors Caden NelsonCadenNelson6'4" | SFWaunakee | 2021StateWI 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
DavidJoplin6'6" | SFBrookfield Central | 2021State#54NationWI (23.2 ppg), Ben NauBenNau6'1" | PGBrookfield Central | 2021StateWI (12.5 ppg), Andrew RohdeAndrewRohde6'2" | SGBrookfield Central | 2022StateWI (8.5 ppg)
Notable Losses: Malid Abdul-Wahid, Eric RadisevicEricRadisevic6'8" | PFBrookfield Central | 2020StateWI
[player_tooltip player_id="804893" first="David" last="Joplin"]
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 JoplinDavidJoplin6'6" | SFBrookfield Central | 2021State#54NationWI and St. Thomas commit Ben NauBenNau6'1" | PGBrookfield Central | 2021StateWI are a formidable 1-2 punch who have played in a ton of battles together. Junior shooting guard Andrew RohdeAndrewRohde6'2" | SGBrookfield Central | 2022StateWI has looked very good this summer and established himself as a Division 1 caliber talent. Sophomore guard Drew EdmondDrewEdmond6'0" | PGBrookfield Central | 2023StateWI 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.
PatrickBaldwin Jr.6'8" | SFSussex Hamilton | 2021State#2NationWI (24.3 ppg), Tanner Resch
TannerResch5'11" | PGSussex Hamilton | 2021StateWI (14.1 ppg), Luther SmithLutherSmith5'10" | SGSussex Hamilton | 2023StateWI (3.1 ppg), Nolan Reider (4.2 ppg)
Notable Losses: Carson SmithCarsonSmith6'1" | CGSussex Hamilton | 2020StateWI (15.1 ppg), J.T. HoytinkJ.T.Hoytink6'0" | PGSussex Hamilton | 2020StateWI (9.1 ppg), Lucas FinnessyLucasFinnessy6'4" | PFSussex Hamilton | 2020StateWI (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
HaydenDoyle5'11" | CGBrookfield East | 2021StateWI (21.0 ppg)
[player_tooltip player_id="879993" first="Hayden" last="Doyle"]
Notable Losses: Sam McGathSamMcGath6'2" | PGBrookfield East | 2020StateWI (15.8 ppg), Michael PokerMichaelPoker6'0" | CGBrookfield East | 2020StateWI (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 DoyleHaydenDoyle5'11" | CGBrookfield East | 2021StateWI 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)
[player_tooltip player_id="865842" first="Jayquan" last="Hickles"]
Key Returners: Quinton Murrell
QuintonMurrell6'5" | SGMilwaukee King | 2021StateWI (18.0 ppg), Mohamed Niang
MohamedNiang6'3" | SGMilwaukee King | 2021StateWI (7.2 ppg), Jayquan Hickles
JayquanHickles6'5" | PFMilwaukee King | 2022StateWI (5.8 ppg)
Notable Losses: Rickey Bradley (11.7 ppg), Elijah Horton (10.7 ppg), Kai BulioxKaiBuliox6'0" | PGMilwaukee King | 2020StateWI (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 MurrellQuintonMurrell6'5" | SGMilwaukee King | 2021StateWI is back for his senior season and is one of the top scoring guards in the state. Mohamed NiangMohamedNiang6'3" | SGMilwaukee King | 2021StateWI was a huge stock booster over the summer and ready to break out in 2020-21. Jayquan HicklesJayquanHickles6'5" | PFMilwaukee King | 2022StateWI 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 ThompsonJakobeThompson6'1" | PGRacine Case | 2021StateWI (19.3 ppg), Terryon Brumby
TerryonBrumby6'0" | PGRacine Case | 2022StateWI (14.5 ppg), Amari JedkinsAmariJedkins6'7" | PFRacine Case | 2022StateWI (8.6 ppg)
Notable Losses: Jonathan Rankins (10.7 ppg), Nick FugiascoNickFugiasco6'3" | SGRacine Case | 2020StateWI (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 ThompsonJakobeThompson6'1" | PGRacine Case | 2021StateWI and Terryon BrumbyTerryonBrumby6'0" | PGRacine Case | 2022StateWI form one of the best and most electrifying backcourts in the state. Amari JedkinsAmariJedkins6'7" | PFRacine Case | 2022StateWI 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)
Jackson Pavaletzke
Key Returners: Jackson Pavaletzke (12.0 ppg), Grant Asman
GrantAsman6'9" | PFKimberly | 2021StateWI (8.0 ppg), Jackson DudekJacksonDudek6'7" | PFKimberly | 2021StateWI (1.5 ppg)
Notable Losses: Jake BuchananJakeBuchanan5'11" | PGKimberly | 2020StateWI (18.4 ppg), Logan PearsonLoganPearson6'2" | SGKimberly | 2020StateWI (13.6 ppg)
Think Kimberly will ultimately end up reloading more than rebuilding, but Jake BuchananJakeBuchanan5'11" | PGKimberly | 2020StateWI 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 AsmanGrantAsman6'9" | PFKimberly | 2021StateWI 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 DudekJacksonDudek6'7" | PFKimberly | 2021StateWI up front. Head coach Lucky Wurtz also has a pair of secret weapons in junior wing Owen PawlikowskiOwenPawlikowski6'3" | SFKimberly | 2022StateWI and sophomore wing Seth Miron
SethMiron6'4" | SFKimberly | 2023StateWI, 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
JacobDietz6'3" | SGNeenah | 2021StateWI (12.8 ppg), Carter Thomas
CarterThomas6'5" | PFNeenah | 2022StateWI (11.6 ppg), Chevalier Emery
ChevalierEmery5'10" | PGNeenah | 2022StateWI (6.1 ppg)
Notable Losses: Max KlesmitMaxKlesmit6'2" | SGNeenah | 2020State#407NationWI (23.5 ppg)
It could be another tight race at the top in the Fox Valley Association. Max KlesmitMaxKlesmit6'2" | SGNeenah | 2020State#407NationWI is gone, but the Rockets are still a deep and talented group. Neenah has three reliable weapons in senior wing Jacob DietzJacobDietz6'3" | SGNeenah | 2021StateWI, junior forward Carter ThomasCarterThomas6'5" | PFNeenah | 2022StateWI, and junior guard Chevalier EmeryChevalierEmery5'10" | PGNeenah | 2022StateWI, 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
CalKlesmit6'1" | CGNeenah | 2023StateWI, 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
BrianParzych5'10" | CGWauwatosa East | 2021StateWI (12.0 ppg), Leon Bond
LeonBond6'5" | PFWauwatosa East | 2022StateWI (11.8 ppg), Alex Singleton
AlexSingleton6'4" | PFWauwatosa East | 2021StateWI (9.3 ppg), Jay Hinson
JayHinson6'3" | CGWauwatosa East | 2021StateWI (6.4 ppg), Parker ThompsonParkerThompson6'5" | SFWauwatosa East | 2022StateWI (5.4 ppg), Marcus MbowMarcusMbow6'5" | PFWauwatosa East | 2021StateWI (4.7 ppg)
[player_tooltip player_id="761404" first="Leon" last="Bond"]
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 LovelaceJohnLovelace6'4" | SFBrown Deer | 2021StateWI, who transferred to Brown Deer mid-season, East gets everything back. Northern Michigan commit Brian ParzychBrianParzych5'10" | CGWauwatosa East | 2021StateWI and junior forward Leon BondLeonBond6'5" | PFWauwatosa East | 2022StateWI, the No. 2 ranked player in 2022, will lead the way. However, seniors Alex SingletonAlexSingleton6'4" | PFWauwatosa East | 2021StateWI, Jay HinsonJayHinson6'3" | CGWauwatosa East | 2021StateWI, and Marcus MbowMarcusMbow6'5" | PFWauwatosa East | 2021StateWI 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
SamHytinen6'3" | SFArrowhead | 2021StateWI (12.1 ppg), Mac Wrecke
MacWrecke6'3" | SGArrowhead | 2023StateWI (11.6 ppg), Blake EwerBlakeEwer6'5" | PFArrowhead | 2021StateWI (4.4 ppg)
Notable Losses: Carter GilmoreCarterGilmore6'7" | SFArrowhead | 2020State#250NationWI (26.8 ppg), Chris Burg (9.8 ppg)
Carter GilmoreCarterGilmore6'7" | SFArrowhead | 2020State#250NationWI 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 HytinenSamHytinen6'3" | SFArrowhead | 2021StateWI, an athletic wing who can also space the floor, and sophomore Mac WreckeMacWrecke6'3" | SGArrowhead | 2023StateWI, 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)
[player_tooltip player_id="761421" first="Andrew" last="Keller"]
Key Returners: Andrew Keller
AndrewKeller6'5" | PFWaunakee | 2022StateWI (12.1 ppg), Caden NelsonCadenNelson6'4" | SFWaunakee | 2021StateWI (10.4 ppg), Jaxson Zibell
JaxsonZibell6'1" | SGWaunakee | 2021StateWI (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 KellerAndrewKeller6'5" | PFWaunakee | 2022StateWI is a difficult matchup problem for opponents. Seniors Caden NelsonCadenNelson6'4" | SFWaunakee | 2021StateWI 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
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