Five Teams That Will Be Better Than Expected in 2022-23
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Looking ahead to the 2022-23 season, Prep Hoops Wisconsin breaks down five teams that won’t have as big of a dropoff as many expect, despite the challenge of replacing key players… MILWAUKEE ACADEMY OF SCIENCE 2021-22 Record: 23-6 Key Losses:…
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Continue ReadingLooking ahead to the 2022-23 season, Prep Hoops Wisconsin breaks down five teams that won’t have as big of a dropoff as many expect, despite the challenge of replacing key players…
MILWAUKEE ACADEMY OF SCIENCE
2021-22 Record: 23-6
Key Losses: Davion Hannah Davion Hannah 6'5" | SF Nicolet | 2025 State #33 Nation WI , Tayshawn Bridges, Nacir Beamon Nacir Beamon 6'2" | SG Nicolet | 2024 State WI
The Novas are another year away from getting back to Madison, but even though they suffered three tough transfers, there’s plenty in the cupboard for Agape Keys. MAS moves up to Division 3 with a very young roster, but features some of the top sophomores in the state, including Devin Brown Devin Brown 6'7" | PF Milwaukee Academy Of Science | 2025 State #196 Nation WI (7.3 ppg), Jamarion Batemon Jamarion Batemon 6'3" | CG Milwaukee Academy of Science | 2025 State #174 Nation WI (7.8 ppg), Agape Keys Jr. (6.4 ppg), and Amare Jackson Amare Jackson 6'4" | SF Milwaukee Academy of Science | 2025 State WI (5.8 ppg). This is a youthful, but explosive and fun group to watch. Even against a really tough schedule, think the Novas can win 20 games again. That foursome plays AAU together. There’s a cohesion and trust that should transfer over to the high school season.
MILTON
2021-22 Record: 21-6
Key Losses: Jack Campion (16.8 ppg)
Campion was at the top of every scouting report for Milton’s opponents and was so dangerous with the ball in his hands. While the Southern Indiana guard isn’t replaceable, most of Campion’s supporting cast returns in 2022-23, including Brogam McIntyre (13.6 ppg), Ayden Goll (10.5 ppg), and Matthew Kirk (9.1 ppg). This trio has been following Campion’s lead for years. They know how to win. They also shouldered a lot more of the load last winter and took quite a bit of pressure off Campion at times, who didn’t have to be as ball dominant.
LA CROSSE CENTRAL
2021-22 Record: 28-2
Key Losses: Devon Fielding (15.2 ppg), Noah Compan (12.8 ppg), Colin Adams (10.2 ppg)
Central lost a lot of seniors and their top four scorers. However, Nic Williams Nic Williams 6'1" | PG La Crosse Central | 2023 State WI (9.3 ppg) was one of the more undervalued players in the state last season. The Riverhawks relied on Wiliams a lot in key moments and he’s taken that experience and run with it. Central should have a dangerous 1-2 punch as well with Bennett Fried Bennett Fried 6'6" | SF La Crosse Central | 2023 State WI (7.0 ppg) likely emerging. A high-upside prospect that’s always shown a lot of flashes, Fried should be in store for a breakout season. An athletic, 6-foot-7 wing, Fried just has measurables and leaping ability that most teams on the western part of the state can’t match up with.
NEENAH
2021-22 Record: 29-1
Key Losses: Chevalier Emery (18.3 ppg), Carter Thomas (14.9 ppg), J.J. Paider (11.7 ppg)
The Fox Valley Association isn’t as deep as usual, which will help, but when you have Cal Klesmit Cal Klesmit 6'2" | CG Neenah | 2023 State #235 Nation WI , you have a chance. The UW-Green Bay commit missed his entire junior season after suffering a torn ACL last fall. Klesmit has been back and should be better than ever based on the summer he had. The reigning Division 1 champs lost a ton of college talent, but don’t sleep on junior guard Brady Corso Brady Corso 6'2" | SG Neenah | 2024 State WI either, who quietly averaged 10 points per game on a loaded lineup. Both Corso and Klesmit may not have a ton of help, but they can shoot Neenah into a lot of games.
BROOKFIELD CENTRAL
2021-22 Record: 24-6
Key Losses: Andrew Rohde (28.5 ppg), Bennett Murray (7.7 ppg)
Listen, I don’t think anyone expects the Lancers to get back to the Division 1 state title game, let alone the tournament, but few thought they’d reach those heights last season. Still, there’s reason for optimism in Brookfield. Dan Wandrey has a program that just refuses to fall off no matter who they lose. Rhode, now a guard for St. Thomas, hands the torch to Jack Daugherty Jack Daugherty 6'8" | PF Brookfield Central | 2024 State #311 Nation WI (13.3 ppg), who has sky-high confidence and is playing the best ball of his life. Players like Drew Edmond Drew Edmond 6'0" | PG Brookfield Central | 2023 State WI (5.8 ppg) and Anthony Rise Anthony Rise 6'0" | CG Brookfield Central | 2025 State WI (2.0 ppg) were both thrown into big spots last season and will benefit from it.