Preseason Top 10: Division 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Hoops Wisconsin reveals our preseason top 10 teams in Division 1 ahead of the 2023-24 season...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">1. De Pere</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2022-23 Record</strong>: 30-0</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>WIAA Playoff Finish: </strong>Won State Championship</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Returners</strong>: [player_tooltip player_id='1193234' first='Will' last='Hornseth'] (16.6 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1351717' first='Zach' last='Kinziger'] (15.4 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1908410' first='Pryce' last='Gregoire'] (6.2 ppg), Ben Willinhganz (5.7 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Notable Losses</strong>: Johnny Kinziger (18.8 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The reigning D1 champs have the pieces to repeat in 2023-24. While the Redbirds will have to move on from John Kinziger, now at Illinois State, De Pere still has one of the best inside-out duos in the state in Hornseth, a Northern Iowa commit, and [player_tooltip player_id='1351717' first='Zach' last='Kinziger'], a Wisconsin commit. Look for Gregoire to be one of the state's most improved players this winter. The 6-foot-6 wing has developed nicely in the off-season and will be a strong third scoring option. Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1598992' first='Roan' last='Demovsky'] will also be this team's x-factor as a hard-nosed defender who can also cut up a defense off the dribble.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1193234"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6527fd4becd9e"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2. Marquette</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2022-23 Record:</strong> 21-7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>WIAA Playoff Finish:</strong> Lost to De Pere in the Sectional Finals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Returners:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1203205' first='Nolan' last='Minessale'] (22.6 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1203206' first='T.J.' last='Adams'] (12.6 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1887198' first='Ryan' last='Meehan'] (11.3 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1418518' first='Jeremiah' last='Johnson'] (6.2 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Notable Losses: </strong>N/A</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the state's most improved teams a year ago, Marquette went from 11 wins in 2021-22 to 21 victories the following season. The Hilltoppers also won a share of the Greater Metro Conference, consistently one of the best 2-3 leagues in the state. Just about everything is back, including the high-flying, high-energy wing Minessale, who will take his talents to St. Thomas after his high school career. Senior guards Adams and Meehan are more than capable of carrying Marquette on an off night as well. Johnson provides some added outside shooting ability, lock down defense, and high-IQ point guard play. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1203206"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6527fd4bece0d"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3. Arrowhead</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2022-23 Record:</strong> 27-3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>WIAA Playoff Finish:</strong> Lost to De Pere in the state championship game</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Returners:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1142119' first='Bennett' last='Basich'] (15.9 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1364523' first='Jace' last='Gilbert'] (11.0 ppg), </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Notable Losses: </strong>Mac Wrecke (18.0 ppg), Austin Villareal (17.4 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Is this the same Arrowhead team that won the Classic Eight and finished runner-up in Division 1? Probably not. Is it still an extremely tough opponent that's going to give the opposite sideline fits? Absolutely. The Warhawks might be without Wrecke, now at UW-Green Bay, and Villareal, but they've still got firepower in the form of Basich, who is also headed to play for the Phoenix. The front line of Gilbert, an Iowa State football commit, and Garrett Sexton, a Penn State football commit, will be no joke to score against inside. Keep an eye on incoming freshman guard [player_tooltip player_id='2138537' first='Trey' last='Resch'], who appears varsity ready.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1142119"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6527fd4bece59"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">4. Oshkosh North</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2022-23 Record:</strong> 16-9</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>WIAA Playoff Finish:</strong> Lost to Appleton West in regionals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Returners:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1089684' first='Stevie' last='Clark'] (23.6 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1282617' first='Xzavion' last='Mitchell'] (22.4 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Notable Losses: </strong>Ari Giannopouos (6.3 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clark, a Colgate commit, and Mitchell are as good of a 1-2 punch as there is in this state. Not only are they high-powered scorers, but each contains versatility and the ability to be effective at every level of the floor, which makes it a struggle for opponents to really take one or both out of the game. Depth will continue to be a question mark here. Sophomore forward [player_tooltip player_id='1973116' first='Bryce' last='Ott'] (4.3 ppg) could be the answer. A promising sophomore, Ott and others will need to be able to take some of the pressure of North's stud duo. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1089684"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6527fd4becea4"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">5. Homestead</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2022-23 Record:</strong> 21-6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>WIAA Playoff Finish:</strong> Lost to De Pere in the sectional semifinals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Returners:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1142121' first='Tim' last='Franks'] (15.1 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1435902' first='Trevor' last='Polite'] (11.2 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Notable Losses: </strong>Solomon Garrison (16.2 ppg), Chris Djurasovic (11.1 ppg), Anthony Chung (8.1 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Highlanders have been knocking on the door step for the last several seasons. The reigning North Shore Conference champions will look to break through behind a pair of wings in Franks, a St. Thomas commit, and Polite, a high-upside prospect that's starting to turn the corner and could be ready to emerge this winter. A lot is expected of incoming freshman Mike Rodgers, who should help fill the void left behind by Garrison, one of the program's leaders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1435902"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6527fd4beceee"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">6. Kaukauna</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2022-23 Record:</strong> 16-11</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>WIAA Playoff Finish:</strong> Lost to Marquette in the sectional semifinals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Returners:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1139306' first='Carson' last='Awe'] (14.3 ppg), Jonathan O'Neil (12.8 ppg), Finley Doriot (12.5 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1289073' first='Keegan' last='Van Kauwenberg'] (10.1 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1139771' first='Carson' last='Van Dinter'] (8.5 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1561925' first='Andrew' last='Jensen'] (4.0 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Notable Losses:</strong> N/A</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Ghosts may not have a ton of star power, but they're as deep as it gets in this state. Kaukauna reloads with just about everything back from last season's 16-11 group. This group has a handful of players who have gotten a lot better too. Van Kauwenberg emerged as one of the state's top snipers during the travel season. O'Neil is one of the most athletic big men this state has to offer. Meanwhile, Jensen is in the conversation of being the No. 1 prospect in the class of 2026. Add all that together with some solid senior guard play, the Ghosts could be a sleeper pick to reach the Kohl Center in March.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1289073"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6527fd4becf37"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">7. Brookfield Central</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2022-23 Record:</strong> 15-10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>WIAA Playoff Finish:</strong> Lost to Madison Memorial in regionals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Returners:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1142131' first='Jack' last='Daugherty'] (17.4 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1463408' first='Charlie' last='Geske'] (15.0 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1272671' first='Anthony' last='Rise'] (13.2 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Notable Losses:</strong> Drew Edmond (6.8 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last season was a bit of an adjustment year for the Lancers, who had a transition between the balance of power on their roster and a few younger, less experienced players forced into major roles. As a result, Central rode the roller coaster and flamed out around late January. With the growing pains perhaps behind them, the Lancers get their top three scorers back, including Daugherty, an Illinois State commit, that's a big mismatch problem. Also keep an eye on sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1561913' first='Henry' last='Gruetzmacher'], who got his feet wet a bit on varsity last season and is one of the most promising prospects in the sophomore class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1142131"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6527fd4becf81"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">8. Sun Prairie West</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2022-23 Record:</strong> 15-8</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>WIAA Playoff Finish:</strong> Lost to Madison LaFollette in regionals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Returners:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1481180' first='Chris' last='Davis Jr.'] (24.1 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1481177' first='Tyler' last='Haney'] (9.6 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Notable Losses:</strong> Darius Chestnut (14.4 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Transfers may end up pushing West a lot higher on this list when all is said and done. The Wolves added former Madison East star [player_tooltip player_id='1274622' first='Clevon' last='Easton'], who did not play last season, and Sun Prairie East's leading scorer [player_tooltip player_id='1193219' first='Theo' last='Schofield'] (12.3 ppg). Davis is coming off a monster sophomore season and looked just as good, if not better in AAU ball. There's a case for this group being a top five team, but want to see it all together before we put our foot on the gas pedal. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1481180"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6527fd4becfca"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">9. Kettle Moraine</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2022-23 Record:</strong> 18-11</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>WIAA Playoff Finish:</strong> Lost to De Pere in the state semifinals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Returners:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1115917' first='Drew' last='Wagner'] (18.4 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='2350015' first='Will' last='Stuckey'] (12.2 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Notable Losses:</strong> Joah Bodden (9.6 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lasers were a bit of a surprise to reach the state tournament last season and gave eventual champion De Pere a nice battle in the semifinals. Wagner, the team's leading scorer, and a top 25 guard in this state is back for his senior season as is his running mate, Stuckey. The Lasers return four of their top five scorers overall and have proven to be a well connected unit that plays off each other very well based on some fall league action. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1115917"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6527fd4bed013"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">10. Westosha Central</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2022-23 Record:</strong> 23-3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>WIAA Playoff Finish:</strong> Lost to Whitnall in the Division 2 sectionals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Returners:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1289064' first='Elijah' last='Griffin'] (14.2 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1853679' first='Liam' last='Lubkeman'] (7.3 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Notable Losses:</strong> John Kinzler (10.9 ppg), Alex Sippy (9.8 ppg), Wyatt Anderson (8.3 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Making the jump to Division 1, Westosha Central looks to get back to the state tournament, reaching the Kohl Center twice since 2018. The Falcons will get behind junior guard Griffin, one of the state's top facilitators at 7.2 assists per game. Central will also need their 6-foot-8 center Lubkeman to take a step forward. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1203035' first='Quinn' last='Burns'] (6.8 ppg) is also a promising, skilled guard that's flown under the radar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1289064"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6527fd4bed05c"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Honorable Mention: Eau Claire Memorial, Marshfield, Middleton, Muskego, Kenosha Indian Trail, Franklin</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->