Preseason Top 10: Division 2

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Looking ahead to the 2022-23 season, Prep Hoops Wisconsin reveals our preseason rankings in Division 2...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1. PEWAUKEE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>2021-22 Record:</em> 27-3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WIAA Tournament Finish: Defeated La Crosse Central in the State Championship</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Returners: [player_tooltip player_id='1089682' first='Nick' last='Janowski'] (16.7 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='953944' first='Milan' last='Momcilovic'] (18.1 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>To be the best, you've gotta beat the best. That's why Pewaukee retains its spot atop the rankings. There's no doubt the Pirates won't be as deep nor as talented as the last two teams that won the state title, but behind Janowski and Momcilovic, the best duo in the state, it's not off the table. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1412882' first='Luka' last='Momcilovic'] might be the key if he can develop as a third scorer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_633b30725ef52","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["953944"],"_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. WISCONSIN LUTHERAN</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>2021-22 Record:</em> 25-3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WIAA Tournament Finish: Lost to Pewaukee in the Sectional Finals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Returners: [player_tooltip player_id='1142123' first='Kon' last='Knueppel'] (14.1 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1012675' first='Jamiir' last='Allen'] (13.7 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='951467' first='Prentice' last='Young'] (8.0 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1605196' first='Josh' last='Knueppel'] (7.5 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='963145' first='Landon' last='Key'] (7.5 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A lot of people forget the Vikings split the Woodland West title with Pewaukee last season. Still, the Pirates continue to be a thorn in their side and a tough hurdle to climb. With the No. 1 ranked junior, Knueppel, leading the charge, and a strong supporting cast, particularly at the guard spots, this might be Lutheran's year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_633b31805ef54","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1142123"],"_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. WAUWATOSA WEST</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>2021-22 Record:</em> 16-11</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>WIAA Tournament Finish:</em> Lost to Wisconsin Lutheran in the Sectional Semifinals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Key Returners:</em> [player_tooltip player_id='1089681' first='Cole' last='Hansen'] (13.1 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1240335' first='Kai' last='Rogers'] (10.4 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1240337' first='Jake' last='Hansen'] (5.0 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Might be a little high given their youth, but this group has now been together through the grind of the Greater Metro Conference. Going 9-7 in that league is no joke. Replacing Colin Hardrick, last season's leading scorer, will be tough, but opponents are going to see a whole new version of [player_tooltip player_id='1240337' first='Jake' last='Hansen'] and Rogers, who each had great summers. Along with [player_tooltip player_id='1089681' first='Cole' last='Hansen'], the Trojans have three different players who can lead them in scoring every night. When you've got an athletic, imposing force like Rogers in the middle, West starts with an advantage over every team in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_633b316d5ef53","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1089681"],"_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. BURLINGTON</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>2021-22 Record:</em> 17-9</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>WIAA Tournament Finish</em>: Lost to Milton in the Regional Finals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Key Returners:</em> [player_tooltip player_id='1200578' first='J.R.' last='Lukenbill'] (16.9 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1182503' first='Connor' last='Roffers'] (12.9 ppg), Tommy Teberg (7.1 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1366343' first='Karsen' last='Skiles'] (5.1 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Burlington reloads with its top five leading scorers from last season. The Demons had a fairly young group in 2021-22, but still won 17 games and were a possession or two away from reaching sectionals. Roffers and Lukenbill are two dangerous scorers who can put the ball in the hoop in a variety of ways and cause a lot of problems for opponents this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_633b34b45ef57","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1200578"],"_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. WHITNALL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>2021-22 Record</em>: 23-4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>WIAA Tournament Finish</em>: Lost to Pewaukee in the sectional semifinals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Key Returners:</em> [player_tooltip player_id='1362736' first='Jack' last='Lutz'] (7.3 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='981028' first='Ethan' last='Thomas'] (5.7 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='963147' first='Austin' last='Herro'] (5.2 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1300316' first='Myles' last='Herro'] (3.7 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Don't anticipate Whitnall having to rebuild as much as most think. Yes, Danilo Jovanovich and John Pitta are irreplaceable, but the Falcons have a number of players who are ready to take on more responsibility. Lutz was fantastic as a freshman while [player_tooltip player_id='1300316' first='Myles' last='Herro'] also got his feet wet and has emerged as arguably the best pure point guard in Wisconsin's 2025 class over the summer. With a healthy Thomas and [player_tooltip player_id='963147' first='Austin' last='Herro'], this squad has a strong starting lineup that could surprise. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_633b337f5ef56","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["981028"],"_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. MILWAUKEE LUTHERAN</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>2021-22 Record</em><strong>:</strong> 12-14</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>WIAA Tournament Finish</em>: Lost to Wauwatosa West in the Regional Finals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Key Returners:</em> [player_tooltip player_id='1519571' first='Devin' last='Davenport'] (20.2 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1214393' first='Isaiah' last='Allen'] (15.0 ppg), Donald Chapman (10.2 ppg), Xavion Greer (8.6 ppg), Kanden Davis (8.2 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A sleeper team that could catch a lot of people by surprise. The Knights return their top five leading scorers from last season and have a lot of seniors leading the charge. Both Davenport and Allen are bonafide scorers that lead a high-octane, but relatively balanced attack for Lutheran. This group took some lumps early in the 2021-22 season, but got better as time wore on, ending the season by winning five of seven, breaking out of a six-game losing streak at one point.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_633b32ab5ef55","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1519571"],"_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. NOTRE DAME</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>2021-22 Record</em>: 20-6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WIAA Tournament Finish: Lost to Oshkosh North in the Regional Finals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Returners: [player_tooltip player_id='1043749' first='Emmett' last='Lawton'] (13.9 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1043748' first='Ethan' last='Wall-Atim'] (7.5 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1412884' first='Andrew' last='Rader'] (1.6 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Notre Dame lost a few key seniors, but they will return Lawton, the fastest-rising prospect in the state over the month of the July. The senior sharpshooter has the potential for a crazy 2022-23 campaign. The Tritons also have one of the best x-factors in the state with Wall-Atim, a player who will do any role asked of him and make game-changing hustle plays. Rader is a very promising young big who should take a leap as a sophomore.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_633b36575ef58","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1043749"],"_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. GRAFTON</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>2021-22 Record:</em> 10-16</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WIAA Tournament Finish: Lost to Beaver Dam in the Regional Finals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Key Returners:</em> [player_tooltip player_id='1142122' first='Michael' last='Mcnabb'] (24.3 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1371733' first='Juan' last='Guerrero Hernandez'] (11.5 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Having seen this group over the summer, they're going to be one of the most improved teams in the state. They were led by youth all year in 2021-22. Now that McNabb and Guerrero Hernandez have been in it together for a year, they'll form one of the most prolific duos in the state. The Blackhawks also have a strong defensive squad that's not afraid to pick up full court, get after people, and cause havoc. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_633b36645ef59","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1142122"],"_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. NICOLET</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>2021-22 Record</em>: 22-5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>WIAA Tournament Finish:</em> Lost to Ashwaubenon in the Sectional Finals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Returners: [player_tooltip player_id='1598239' first='David' last='Bolden'] (11.1 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1041690' first='Miles' last='Nation'] (11.0 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1390443' first='Davion' last='Hannah'] (N/A)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nicolet quietly won 22 games last season and now they're going to add Hannah, arguably the top sophomore in the state, to the mix. The Knights weren't able to hang in a lot of their marquee games, but perhaps the addition of Hannah, who comes over from Milwaukee Academy of Science, makes Nicolet a contender to get to Madison. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_633b37a45ef5a","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1390443"],"_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. MARTIN LUTHER</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>2021-22 Record:</em> 10-17</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WIAA Tournament Finish: Lost to Big Foot in the Regional Finals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Key Returners:</em> [player_tooltip player_id='1023258' first='Jalen' last='Haynes'] (13.3 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='981038' first='Demerius' last='Shakur'] (12.6 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1412883' first='Perry' last='Dorris'] (8.4 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='981021' first='Ashe' last='Oglesby'] (N/A)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oglesby transferred in after three strong years with The Prairie School. The versatile, 6-foot-7 forward should compliment Martin Luther's guard play very well. Shakur is one of the best pure point guards in the state with an excellent feel for the game. Haynes, an instant offense guard, and Dorris, who's coming off a strong freshman season, round out a talented Spartans' starting unit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_633b38705ef5b","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["981038"],"_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>Honorable Mention: Onalaska, La Crosse Central, Rice Lake, McFarland, Milton, Stoughton, South Milwaukee, Ashwaubenon, Medford, West De Pere, Greendale</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->