Top Returners in the Classic Eight

The Classic Eight is always one of the toughest conferences in the state. Known for their defense and multi-sport athletes, each year teams are loaded with talent. Last season the Classic Eight was led by Arrowhead who finished 15-1 in conference play with one loss being to Kettle Moraine who finished 4th in conference.    The Classic Eight consists of Arrowhead, Catholic Memorial, Muskego, Kettle Moraine, Waukesha South, Mukwonago, Waukesha West, Oconomowoc, and Waukesha North. We are bound to have some new faces as these schools have impressive youth programs but let's dive into the Varsity experience players we have returning who are poised to make an impact this season in the Classic Eight.    Below are just some of the need-to-know returners in the conference.    Bennett Baisch | Arrowhead    Baisch earned First Team All-Conference last year as a junior. He was just one of two athletes in the Junior class to earn the honor. Baisch led his team in rebounding last season with 9 rebounds per game. The 6'4 guard is extremely crafty, he makes things happen effortlessly offensively and is gritty on defense. His ability to find his shooting pockets while also being able to get to the rim makes him a difficult cover. Basich is committed to UW Green Bay.   Carter La Valle | Waukesha West    La Valle was selected for Honorable Mention following his junior season. The 6'3 junior finished with 10 points per game. He's a versatile player, he is extremely productive inside the lane but made some big-time buckets from behind the arc last season. La Valle is certainly one of the players who will make you pay if you take him lightly.    [player_tooltip player_id='1115917' first='Drew' last='Wagner'] | Kettle Moraine   Wagner is the epitome of the Classic Eight conference. A versatile player who checks all of the boxes athletically. One of the top football players in his class, Wagner turns heads on the basketball court as well. He's crazy competitive, no plays off for Wagner.  The 5'10 guard led Kettle Moraine in scoring last season with 18 ppg. In a game against Waukesha South, he dropped a season-high 36 points. He was a First Team all-conference selection following his junior season.    AJ Curtis | Waukesha North   Curtis is a player to keep an eye on this season. He's the leader for Waukesha North and had an impact in his junior campaign. He led his team in scoring with nearly 14 points per game and earned Honorable Mention. He was a consistent offensive threat last season. Curtis dropped a season-high 27 points against West Allis Central.   [player_tooltip player_id='1364523' first='Jace' last='Gilbert'] | Arrowhead   Gilbert is another player who will play a huge role in the success of Arrowhead this season. A Second Team All-Conference selection as a junior, Jace brings size to this team. An Iowa State football commit, look for Gilbert to continue to cause chaos in the lane. He's a consistent mismatch on both ends of the floor and plays with an extremely high motor. He averaged nearly 8 rebounds per game during his junior season.    [player_tooltip player_id='1489811' first='Aiden' last='Krause'] | Muskego    Krause earned Second Team All-Conference following his junior season. Another football prospect who makes noise on the basketball court as well. Krause played his role incredibly well last season, look for him to shine with more responsibility during his senior season. Krause averaged 16 points per game last season. The 6'4 forward is impressive near the rim and makes scoring inside look easy.    [player_tooltip player_id='2350015' first='Will' last='Stuckey'] | Kettle Moraine   Stuckey should be one of the “go-to” guys for Kettle Moraine this season. Last season he dominated for Kettle Moraine, earning him a spot on Second team All-Conference as a junior. He finished second on his team in scoring with 12 points per game. Stuckey proved his dominance when he dropped 29 points, a season-high, against top-ranked Arrowhead.    [player_tooltip player_id='1258491' first='Carter' last='Combs'] | Waukesha West   Combs, a 6'0 junior guard was one of the main guys for Waukesha West last season. Combs averaged 9 points. 6 rebounds and 4 assists per game. He made an impact on both ends of the floor consistently for his team.  An all-around prospect who put up impressive numbers. Combs was an Honorable Mention selection following his junior season.    [player_tooltip player_id='1598977' first='Lukas' last='Hoffman'] | Oconomowoc   Arndt will be one of the keys to the success of Oconomowoc this season. Arndt showed last season that his ceiling is high and he is just scratching the surface. Look for him to lean into a leadership role this season and for the numbers to match. As a junior, the 6'3 guard averaged nearly 8  points per game. Hoffman had some games with limited minutes playing behind a talented senior class so look for him to step up during his final season.

The Classic Eight is always one of the toughest conferences in the state. Known for their defense and multi-sport athletes, each year teams are loaded with talent. Last season the Classic Eight was led by Arrowhead who finished 15-1 in conference play with one loss being to Kettle Moraine who finished 4th in conference.