Preseason Top 10: Division 3

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Hoops Wisconsin reveals our preseason top 10 in Division 3 ahead of the 2023-24 season...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">1. MILWAUKEE ACADEMY OF SCIENCE</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2022-23 Record:</strong> 18-7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>WIAA Playoff Finish</strong>: Lost to West Salem in the state semifinals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Returners:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1390441' first='Devin' last='Brown'] (21.6 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1447228' first='Jamarion' last='Batemon'] (20.5 ppg), Agape Keys. Jr. (11.2 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1983770' first='Elijah' last='Thornton'] (6.6 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1481181' first='Amare' last='Jackson'] (4.7 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Notable Losses:</strong> Deshawn Webb (4.9 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Novas have reached back-to-back state tournaments as very young teams. Now with some experience, MAS is the runaway favorite in Division 3 behind their two-headed monster of Brown and Batemon. The Novas also added sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='1501903' first='Deuce' last='Burkes'], a transfer from Oak Creek, and one of the top players in the 2026 class. There's a lot of good role players on this roster too -- Keys Jr, Thornton, and Jackson -- who can carry them on off nights.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1390441"],"_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-65300d697fb20"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2. SAINT THOMAS MORE</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2022-23 Record:</strong> 23-5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>WIAA Playoff Finish</strong>: Lost to Milwaukee Academy of Science in the sectional finals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Returners:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1142118' first='Amari' last='McCottry'] (23.4 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1203602' first='Sekou' last='Konneh'] (16.6 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1893314' first='Evan' last='Oleson'] (11.8 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1544732' first='Kenari' last='Parr'] (6.1 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Notable Losses:</strong> N/A</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>STM gets its top five scorers back and features arguably the best frontcourt in Wisconsin via McCottry and Konneh, a pair of Division 1 prospects. The Cavaliers lost a heartbreaker to Milwaukee Academy of Science in last season's sectional final. They'll likely meet in this season's regionals. If STM is going to get back to Madison for the second time in three seasons, look for Parr to potentially make a nice jump.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1142118"],"_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-65300d697fb83"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3. DOMINICAN</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2022-23 Record:</strong> 17-9</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>WIAA Playoff Finish</strong>: Lost to Milwaukee Academy of Science in sectionals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Returners:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1351718' first='Aaron' last='Womack'] (19.3 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1725680' first='Markel' last='Webb'] (17.6 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1254365' first='Jaiden' last='Martin'] (16.4 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1142141' first='Derrick' last='Johnson'] (14.6 ppg), Kingston Caldwell (8.4 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Notable Losses:</strong> N/A</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Just about everything is back for the Knights in 2023-24. Dominican returns its top 10 leading scorers from last season. This group has been together a very long time and is a real sleeper pick to emerge from Sectional 4. Unfortunately, this is yet another season in which we won't see the best four teams at the Kohl Center as Dominican would have to go through Carmen NW, St. Thomas More or Milwaukee Academy of Science. With their style of organized chaos combined with a lot of 3's, Dominican can beat anybody on any given night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1351718"],"_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-65300d697fbd6"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">4. CARMEN NORTHWEST</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2022-23 Record:</strong> 20-4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>WIAA Playoff Finish</strong>: Lost to Dominican in regionals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Returners:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1142120' first='Dupree' last='Fletcher Jr.'] (22.7 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1412880' first='Javantae' last='Edwards'] (13.8 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Notable Losses:</strong> Ta'Quorion Tribune (20.2 ppg), Amaree Posey (16.6 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Edwards and Fletcher are an explosive backcourt duo that can absolutely fill it up offensively. Both players are extremely dynamic and can eat defenses alive with the ball in their hands. The reigning Milwaukee City Gold champs lose some key pieces, but this will still be a very difficult team to beat in March. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1142120"],"_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-65300d697fc25"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">5. LAKE MILLS</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2022-23 Record:</strong> 16-10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>WIAA Playoff Finish</strong>: Lost to Lakeside Lutheran in regionals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Returners:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1412881' first='A.J.' last='Bender'] (22.1 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1745860' first='Brady' last='Benish'] (11.7 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='2253829' first='Ryan' last='Horkan'] (9.2 ppg), Matthew Stenbroten (9.0 ppg),</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Notable Losses:</strong> Liam Carrigan (7.4 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ignore the 16-10 record. The L-Cats played in a very tough conference last season, sharing the Capitol North league crown with two other teams. A young group last season, Lake Mills also started the year 6-6 before turning a corner in mid-January. Bender is one of the most explosive guards in the state and a do-it-all player who can put a team on his back. However, with the L-Cats returning their top four scorers from 2022-23, not sure there's many nights he'll have to do that.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1412881"],"_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-65300d697fc74"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">6. KIEL</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2022-23 Record:</strong> 21-5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>WIAA Playoff Finish</strong>: Lost to Brillion in regionals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Returners:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1144596' first='Pierce' last='Arenz'] (18.9 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1509262' first='Grant' last='Manz'] (12.2 ppg), Jack Heckmann (11.2 ppg), Braden April (10.5 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Notable Losses:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thought this team was overlooked all season. In the same conference as Brillion, the eventual D3 state champs, Kiel was handed three of their five losses in that matchup alone. Aside from a hiccup against Chilton, the Raiders were very consistent. This group now gets its top six scorers back, including Arenz, who is one of the best guards in the state. Manz is also one of the most improved players in Wisconsin and is coming off a fantastic AAU season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">7. OOSTBURG</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2022-23 Record:</strong> 18-7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>WIAA Playoff Finish</strong>: Lost to Campbellsport in regionals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Returners:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='2117025' first='Jamison' last='Zavatchin'] (20.2 ppg), Cade Dirske (11.6 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Notable Losses:</strong> Lucas Stewart (8.8 ppg), Liam Stewart (7.3 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oostburg won the Big East - South last season and was led by freshmen. With both Zavatchin and Dirske back and each having gone through a full season on varsity, the Flying Dutchmen could build on last season's 18-7 record, despite losing a good chunk of their core.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1144596"],"_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-65300d697fcc5"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">8. PRESCOTT</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 Osceola in sectionals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Returners:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1142143' first='Dallas' last='Wallin'] (19.7 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Notable Losses:</strong> Jordan Malmov (23.9 ppg), Brandon Stuart (11.5 ppg), Brady Block (8.1 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Yes, Prescott lost a lot from last season's squad, which fell short of expectations. Malmov was one of the state's top scorers. The Cardinals lost three of their top four leaders in that department as well. But, when you have a do-it-all player like Wallin, who's capable of controlling the game as a point-wing and contributing across the board, you're going to be okay. Prescott has also won a minimum of 21 games in each of the last three seasons. This group knows how to win and will find some pieces.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1142143"],"_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-65300d697fd15"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">9. BROOKFIELD ACADEMY</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2022-23 Record:</strong> 18-7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>WIAA Playoff Finish:</strong> Lost to Brown Deer in regionals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Returners:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1258490' first='Anthony' last='Przybilla'] (18.4 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1436412' first='Nolan' last='Demski'] (12.0 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1455315' first='Trent' last='Rayborn'] (11.8 ppg), Davis Arnold (9.9 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Notable Losses:</strong> Maliq Crawford (7.2 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Crawford, the team's point guard, might be a sneaky tough loss to overcome, but this Brookfield Academy squad is deep, experienced, and talented. Led by Przybilla, one of the state's consistently most improved players, the Blue Knights return their top four leading scorers. Playing in the Midwest Classic Conference, where they earned a share of the title in 2022-23, you know Brookfield Academy is going to be battle tested for March. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1258490"],"_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-65300d697fd63"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">10. EDGERTON</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2022-23 Record:</strong> 17-9</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>WIAA Playoff Finish:</strong> Lost to Turner in regionals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Returners:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1729222' first='Olin' last='Zellmer'] (16.0 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='2381095' first='Leyton' last='McKillips'] (15.9 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='1193220' first='Preston' last='Schaffner'] (12.0 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='2346660' first='Jack' last='Fox'] (8.1 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Notable Losses:</strong> Will Schuman (5.0 ppg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Rock Valley was absolutely loaded last season. Edgerton still found a way to finish third in a league that had five really good teams. The Crimson now reload with their top four scorers and feature a very balanced squad with a number of players who can lead them in scoring on any given night. Case in point, when a player like Schaffner is your third leading scorer, that's a nice luxury to have.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1193220"],"_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-65300d697fdb1"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Honorable Mention: Northwestern, Somerset, Freedom, Southern Door, Edgewood, Lake Country Lutheran, Elk Mound, Gale Ettrick-Trempealeau, Wautoma, Kettle Moraine Lutheran, Brillion, Turner, Racine St. Catherine's, Xavier, Platteville</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->