2022-23 Preseason Top 10: Division 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the 2022-23 WIAA boys basketball season on the horizon, Prep Hoops Wisconsin reveals our preseason top 10 teams in Division 1.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1. De Pere</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>2021-22 Record:</em> 25-3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>WIAA State Tournament Finish:</em> Lost to Menomonee Falls in the Sectional Finals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Key Returners:</em> [player_tooltip player_id='953943' first='John' last='Kinziger'] (21.0 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1193234' first='Will' last='Hornseth'] (17.7 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1351717' first='Zach' last='Kinziger'] (8.2 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Undoubtedly, De Pere is the preseason No. 1 team in the state. This group was probably capable of winning a gold ball last season as well. The Redbirds return all but one of their key players, including Mr. Basketball candidate and Illinois State commit Kinziger. De Pere has a ton of players ready to take a big step forward as well, including Hornseth, [player_tooltip player_id='1351717' first='Zach' last='Kinziger'], [player_tooltip player_id='1176560' first='Hogan' last='Demovsky'], and Ben Willinghanz. In terms of size, 3-point shooting ability, and team chemistry, there's not a tougher team to match up with in Division 1.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6335f6ec74c2b","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["953943"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. Arrowhead</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>2021-22 Record:</em> 19-7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>WIAA State Tournament Finish:</em> Lost to Middleton in the Regional Finals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Key Returners:</em> [player_tooltip player_id='953945' first='Mac' last='Wrecke'] (20.7 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1142119' first='Bennett' last='Basich'] (15.4 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1141628' first='Austin' last='Villareal'] (14.5 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1364523' first='Jace' last='Gilbert'] (8.9 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Warhawks were sent home early in the postseason after dealing with some injuries. If their summer was any indication, Arrowhead is primed for a big 2022-23 campaign. Wrecke, a UW-Green Bay commit, is back for his senior season. His supporting cast of Basich and Villareal are both capable of being primary scoring options on any given night. Gilbert, a power-five football prospect, sets the tone on the inside. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6335f70274c2c","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["953945"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. Homestead</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>2021-22 Record:</em> 24-3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>WIAA State Tournament Finish:</em> Lost to De Pere in the Sectional Semifinals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Key Returners:</em> [player_tooltip player_id='1142121' first='Tim' last='Franks'] (19.3 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1141642' first='Solomon' last='Garrison'] (12.9 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1012674' first='Chris' last='Djurasovic'] (11.2 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1435902' first='Trevor' last='Polite'] (5.0 ppg).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Highlanders have quietly been one of the most consistent programs in the state over the last several seasons. Their roster may not blow anybody away on paper, but they just flat out win. They've also been the victims of some very tough draws in tournament play and 2022-23 will be no exception. However, this could be the roster that finally gets them to Madison.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6335f70f74c2d","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1142121"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. Oshkosh North</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>2021-22 Record:</em> 19-8</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>WIAA State Tournament Finish:</em> Lost to Ashwaubenon in the Sectional Semifinals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Key Returners:</em> [player_tooltip player_id='1282617' first='Xzavion' last='Mitchell'] (21.8 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='1089684' first='Stevie' last='Clark'] (19.6 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Spartans are back in Division 1. Featuring one of the best 1-2 punches in the state, Clark and Mitchell both had monster seasons as underclassmen. A pair of D1 prospects, Clark and Mitchell will need to get some help as there are certainly some depth questions about this roster as North lost a number of players who gave them hustle, effort, and energy plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6335f71d74c2e","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1282617"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5. Bay Port</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>2021-22 Record:</em> 14-12</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>WIAA State Tournament Finish:</em> Lost to Menomonee Falls in the Regional Finals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Key Returners:</em> [player_tooltip player_id='1024443' first='A.J.' last='Lieuwen'] (17.1 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1139642' first='Vincent' last='Vandervest'] (14.6 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1551765' first='Jayden' last='Hackett'] (8.8 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bay Port could be one of the most improved teams in the state. Led by Lieuwen, the Pirates return four of their top five scorers. Vandervest continues to be one of the best-kept secrets in teh state, while Hackett is also coming off a breakout summer in which he turned a lot of heads. While Bay Port was just above .500 last season, they lost a whopping seven games by six points or less, including two games that went right down to the wire against Ashwaubenon, who went onto to reach the state tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6335f81a74c2f","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1024443"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6. Neenah</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>2021-22 Record:</em> 29-1</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>WIAA State Tournament Finish:</em> Defeated Brookfield Central in State Championship</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Key Returners:</em> [player_tooltip player_id='963148' first='Cal' last='Klesmit'] (N/A), [player_tooltip player_id='1203253' first='Brady' last='Corso'] (10.0 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Rockets were the best team in the state last season, across all divisions. There's a bit of a rebuild in store this winter as Neenah must replace their top three scorers, Chevalier Emery, Carter Thomas, and J.J. Paider. Missing his entire junior season following a torn ACL, [player_tooltip player_id='963148' first='Cal' last='Klesmit'] is back and a likely first-team All-State caliber player. [player_tooltip player_id='1203253' first='Brady' last='Corso'] quietly had a strong season for the Rockets as well and will pair with Klesmit to form one of the top backcourts in the state. Look for [player_tooltip player_id='1023721' first='Sam' last='Coulthard'] (1.7 ppg) to make a jump this season as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6335f82d74c30","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["963148"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>7. Milwaukee King</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>2021-22 Record:</em> 14-7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>WIAA State Tournament Finish:</em> Lost to Green Bay East in the Regional Finals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Key Returners:</em> [player_tooltip player_id='1021576' first='William' last='Whorton'] (15.7 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1039291' first='Mauryon' last='Turner'] (11.7 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both Turner and Whorton were first-team All-Milwaukee City Conference performers as a junior. The Generals won a share of the league crown last season. Jayquan Hickles will be one of the more underrated losses across the state, but King had a relatively young roster last winter that should be ready to be a dangerous challenger in Division 1.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6335f83d74c31","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1021576"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>8. Middleton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>2021-22 Record:</em> 17-10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>WIAA State Tournament Finish:</em> Lost to Brookfield Central in the Sectional Semifinals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Key Returners:</em> [player_tooltip player_id='1141638' first='Gavyn' last='Hurley'] (15.7 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='986200' first='Kaden' last='Fosdick'] (7.2 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1447229' first='Will' last='Garlock'] (.4 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cardinals were quite streaky last season, but should get some stability from Hurley, a Winona State commit that was one of the fastest-rising players in the 2023 class over the last year. A do-it-all point guard, Hurley can not only stuff a stat sheet, but put Middleton on his back. If Garlock, one of the top players in the 2025 class, makes a big jump, the Cardinals can win the Big Eight and go deep into March.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6335f84974c32","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1141638"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9. Madison La Follette</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>2021-22 Record:</em> 19-5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>WIAA State Tournament Finish:</em> Lost to Sun Prairie in the Sectional Semifinals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Key Returners:</em> [player_tooltip player_id='1028255' first='Arhman' last='Lewis'] (14.2 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1089686' first='Quinton' last='Lomack'] (13.2 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1200582' first='Reak' last='Riak'] (6.7 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Few programs in the state consistently churn out guards like the Lancers and they've got a couple more good ones in Lewis, an Augustana commit, and Lomack, a Division 1 recruit. La Follette won the Big Eight Conference by three games last season. A couple of key seniors are gone, but [player_tooltip player_id='1151841' first='Mason' last='Kleinsmith'] and incoming freshman [player_tooltip player_id='1561953' first='Thian' last='Riak'] can keep this group right at the top of the league, if not at the top. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6335f85874c33","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1028255"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10. Waukesha South</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>2021-22 Record:</em> 22-6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>WIAA State Tournament Finish:</em> Lost to Racine Case in the Sectional Finals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Key Returners:</em> [player_tooltip player_id='1115915' first='Tyran' last='Cook'] (22.5 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1026710' first='Daniel' last='Robinson'] (13.0 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Maybe the biggest surprise in the state last season, the Blackshirts ripped off 13 wins in 14 games to win the Classic Eight Conference. Cook has since emerged as a top 10-15 prospect in the senior class after his monster 2021-22 campaign. His running mate, Robinson, is also a top 50 prospect in 2023. There are some tough losses to overcome, mainly Marshawn Robinson, now at St. Leo, but South figures to be one of the top contenders in the Classic Eight, and should benefit from a weak sectional.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6335f86874c34","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1115915"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Honorable Mention:</strong> Appleton East, D.C. Everest, Marshfield, Brookfield Central, Brookfield East, Sussex Hamilton, Milwaukee Hamilton, Oregon, Verona, Franklin, Madison Memorial</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->