Way-Too-Early Top 10 For 2019-20: Division 2

<p>The 2018-19 season only came to an end days ago. While travel ball will steal the majority of the headlines for the next 4-5 months, Prep Hoops Wisconsin looks ahead to the race in Division 2 next season with our way-too-early top 10…</p> <p><strong>1. NICOLET</strong></p> <p>Back-to-back state championships are certainly within the realm of possibilities here. After running through the state last season, the Knights get <strong>Jalen Johnson</strong>, <strong>Jamari Sibley</strong>, <strong>Kobe Johnson</strong>, and <strong>James Graham</strong> back. Only two teams kept things within 10 points all season of this group in 2018-19. Now that they've been through the fire together, even bigger things could be in store next season.</p> <p><strong>2. MILWAUKEE WASHINGTON</strong></p> <p>Deontay Long will be gone, but if the state tournament taught us anything, Washington has some younger players who are ready to step up and could get them a third-straight trip to the state finals. <strong>Michael Foster</strong> and <strong>Tre White</strong> will be one of the best 1-2 punches in the state and if <strong>Chianti Clay</strong> can come along, expect the Purgolders to make it back to Madison.</p> <p><strong>3. LA CROSSE CENTRAL</strong></p> <p><strong>Johnny Davis</strong>, <strong>Jordan Davis</strong>, and <strong>Terrance Thompson</strong> are all back for the Red Raiders. They will have to cope with the losses of Noah Parcher and David Hayden, which could be a tougher pill to swallow than most think. Central  will be looking to reach the state tournament for the fifth consecutive season.</p> <p><strong>4. ONALASKA</strong></p> <p>Is this the year that Onalaska finally breaks through and knocks off Central? The Hilltoppers have had some really strong squads that haven't gotten their due, thanks to the shadow that the Red Raiders have cast over the Mississippi Valley Conference.  Next season, all five starters are back from a team that won 20 games, including <strong>Carson Arenz</strong> and <strong>Tyrell Stuttley</strong>, who very well could end Central's reign and four consecutive state tournament appearances.</p> <p><strong>5. RIVER FALLS</strong></p> <p>This was a team that arrived ahead of schedule. Despite a young core, River Falls won 16 games and took the Big Rivers Conference title.  Leading scorer <strong>Zac Johnson</strong> is back as well as a number of key running mates, making this a potential 20-win ball club in 2018-19.</p> <p><strong>6. MILWAUKEE LUTHERAN</strong></p> <p>This was a 20-4 ball club last season that reached the Division 2 regional finals.  The Knights have great guard play and will return their top two playmakers <strong>Jourdan Weddle</strong> and <strong>JaVeon Tolliver</strong>. </p> <p><strong>7. NEW BERLIN EISENHOWER</strong></p> <p>A team that could catch people by surprise, Eisenhower won 14 games last season and gets their top two players back. <strong>Zach Hietpas</strong> and  <strong>Ben Buechel</strong> should have the Lions in the running for the  always competitive Woodland West Conference title. </p> <p><strong>8. GRAFTON</strong></p> <p>Like Homestead was this season, Grafton could be the top challenger to Nicolet in the North Shore. <strong>Alex Huibregtse</strong> had a breakout season and <strong>J.P. Benzschawel</strong> and <strong>Bryson Clauge</strong> will  both be entering their junior years.  After winning 14 games last season, Grafton should be in store for a big year. </p> <p><strong>9. KAUKAUNA</strong></p> <p>Replacing Donovan Ivory won't be easy, but the Ghosts get enough back to stay relevant in the Division 2 picture. Their core of <strong>Keaton Ferris</strong>, <strong>Logan Jedwabny</strong>, and <strong>Jacob Newhouse</strong> will form a dangerous trio of seniors who are hungry to go out on top.</p> <p><strong>10. EAST TROY</strong></p> <p>After winning 21 games, East Troy was surprised by Elkhorn in the sectional semifinals.  The Trojans have some losses to atone for, but as long as <strong>A.J. Vukovich</strong> is still running things in the middle, they won't be an easy out in March. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Honorable Mention: Pewaukee, Monroe, Wauwautosa East, Reedsburg, Wausau East,  New London,  Seymour, Milwaukee Madison, Plymouth</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>