Five Teams Who Will Be Better Than Expected in 2023-24
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While these teams were hit hard by graduation, here’s a look at five teams across the state that won’t fall off as much as expected… WEST SALEM Are they a state championship contender, especially now that they’re moving up to…
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Continue ReadingWhile these teams were hit hard by graduation, here’s a look at five teams across the state that won’t fall off as much as expected…
WEST SALEM
Are they a state championship contender, especially now that they’re moving up to Division 2? No, but the two-time Division 3 runner-ups can still make a run. Coming off a 28-2 season, West Salem lost Carson Koepnick, Peter Lattos, Brett McConkey and others. With senior guard Tammarrein Henderson (10.7 ppg) back, he’s a guy that can get 16-18 a night. Junior Kyle Hehli Kyle Hehli 6'0" | CG West Salem | 2025 State WI (10.5 ppg) was also a double-figure scorer for the Panthers last season. Could see this group once again taking the Coulee Conference despite losing a big chunk of their core.
Highlights
MIDDLETON
Look for the Cardinals to finish in the top 2-3 of the Big Eight Conference this season. Do-it-all guard Gavyn Hurley is now at Winona State, but Middleton had a lot of young pieces who should take the next step. Junior center Will Garlock Will Garlock 6'11" | C Middleton | 2025 State #204 Nation WI (11.4 ppg) could be a walking double-double this winter. He’s also one of the top rim protectors in the state. The Cardinals need sophomore guard Isaiah Oliver Isaiah Oliver 6'0" | SG Middleton | 2026 State WI (3.8 ppg) and senior guard Avery Houden Avery Houden 6'5" | SF Middleton | 2024 State WI (2.2 ppg) to become more than role players this winter and tap into their potential.
ARROWHEAD
I still see the Warhawks as a formidable state title contender. Maybe not one of the two favorites as they were all last season, but a group that can get back to Madison with the right draw. One of the reasons this program is so tough, they’ve got football players on the interior who just set a tone. Leading the frontcourt this season will be Iowa State bound Jace Gilbert Jace Gilbert 6'5" | PF Arrowhead | 2024 State WI (11.0 ppg) and Penn State commit Garrett Sexton (4.4 ppg). The losses of Mac Wrecke (UW-Green Bay) and Austin Villareal (UW-Milwaukee) will be tough, but UW-Green Bay commit Bennett Basich Bennett Basich 6'3" | SG Arrowhead | 2024 State WI (15.9 ppg) is a bonafide No. 1 option. Look for freshman Trey Resch Trey Resch 6'2" | CG Arrowhead | 2027 State WI to also give this team a boost.
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SUSSEX HAMILTON
No Luther Smith (Southern Indiana) might suggest that the Chargers are no longer a force in the Greater Metro. I’d dispute that heavily. You’re going to see the best of senior guard Aidan Konop Aidan Konop 6'2" | SG Sussex Hamilton | 2024 State WI (10.3 ppg) this winter. Injured last season and never really able to get fully back to his old self, Konop has looked has good as he ever has during the travel season. Fellow senior Cooper Grams Cooper Grams 5'10" | PG Sussex Hamilton | 2024 State WI (8.0 ppg) is also one of the most improved players in the state, giving Hamilton a strong senior-led backcourt.
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MARSHFIELD
The Tigers lose a pair of double-digit scorers and three of their top four scorers overall from last season. However, when you have Brooks Hinson Brooks Hinson 6'1" | PG Marshfield | 2025 State #251 Nation WI (15.6 ppg) with the keys to the car, you’re gonna be alright. One of the top pure point guards in the state, Hinson can carry Marshfield to big things in 2023-24. Sophomore Chris Pohl Chris Pohl 6'6" | PF Marshfield | 2026 State WI (6.6 ppg) also emerged as one of the top players in this class over the summer. A stretch forward with budding versatility, the 6-foot-6 Pohl has a chance to be a real mismatch problem. These two together in the pick n’ roll could be deadly.