De Pere once again sits atop preseason Top 10 in Division 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For the fourth consecutive season, De Pere's all-conquering Redbirds enter the high school basketball season as the No. 1-ranked Division 1 school in Wisconsin by the Wisconsin Basketball Yearbook. You can order the 40th edition of the 360-page WBY <a href="https://wbby.sportngin.com/register/form/851170666">here</a> and have it shipped to your home by the end of October. <br><br>As in the past, De Pere is loaded with talent, size and experience. With an 81-5 record over the past three seasons, including a 30-0 mark and the D1 state title in 2022-23, De Pere once again is the team to beat. Following is a look at the WBY Preseason Top 10 in D1:<br><br><strong>DIVISION 1 TOP 10<br><br>1. De Pere<br>Head Coach:</strong> Brian Winchester, 18th season (331-98)<br><strong>2023-24 Record</strong>: 26-2<br><strong>2023-24 JV1 Record:</strong> 24-0<br><strong>2023-24 JV2 Record:</strong> 20-1<br><strong>Starters Lost (2):</strong> Will Hornseth (6-8, 16.6 ppg, 6.6 rpg, now playing at Northern Iowa), Ben Willihnganz (6-7, 6.6 ppg, 4.6 rpg).<br><strong>Starters Returning (3):</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1351717' first='Zach' last='Kinziger'] (6-3, Sr., 19.9 ppg, 5.4 rpg, committed to Wisconsin), [player_tooltip player_id='1908410' first='Pryce' last='Gregoire'] (6-6, Sr., 10.4 ppg, 3.0 rpg, committed to Northern Michigan), [player_tooltip player_id='1428204' first='Roan' last='Demovsky'] (6-2, Sr., 7.0 ppg, 2.0 rpg).<br><strong>Other Returning Players (6):</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='2400106' first='Connor' last='Hutjens'] (6-2, Sr., 5.8 ppg), Nathan Bonfigt (6-4, Sr., 2.0 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='2400483' first='Jack' last='Bookter'] (5-11, Jr.), Bennett Wall (6-1, Sr.), Malachi Merriman (6-3, Sr.), Caden Krutz (6-2, Sr.).<br><strong>Newcomers (10): </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2400164' first='Bennett' last='Reimer'] (6-2, Jr.), Colton Setzer (5-10, Jr.), Cooper Eakin (6-4, Soph.), Eric Gichobi (6-3, Jr.), [player_tooltip player_id='2410669' first='Hudson' last='Greene'] (5-9, Jr.), [player_tooltip player_id='2576048' first='[player_tooltip player_id='2408715' first='[player_tooltip player_id='2402467' first='Isaac' last='']' last='']' last='Herlache'] (6-1, Jr.), [player_tooltip player_id='2400924' first='Noah' last='Maniscalco'] (6-0, Jr.), [player_tooltip player_id='1561949' first='Sam' last='Robb'] (6-2, Jr.), [player_tooltip player_id='2502918' first='Will' last='Krueger'] (6-4, Soph.), Zach Calewarts (6-0, Jr.).<br><strong>Comments from coach Winchester:</strong><br>"We have a very experienced and talented senior class that should provide sound leadership for our team. Shooting, overall team speed and athleticism, and perimeter play are strengths. We lose some size from last year with Hornseth and Willihnganz departing. Rebounding and and post defense are potential concerns."<br><strong>Mark Your Calendars:</strong><br>Dec. 7 West De Pere<br>Dec. 21 at Wisconsin Lutheran<br>Dec. 27 Milwaukee Academy of Science at WBY Shootout<br>Dec. 28 Wauwatosa West at WBY Shootout<br>Feb. 22 Pewaukee<br><br><strong>2. OSHKOSH NORTH<br>Head Coach:</strong> Brad Weber, 8th season (118-63)<br><strong>2023-24 Record</strong>: 20-6<br><strong>2023-24 JV1 Record:</strong> 20-2<br><strong>2023-24 JV2 Record:</strong> 10-10<br><strong>Starters Lost (2):</strong> Stevie Clark (6-6, 22.4 ppg, 6.1 rpg, now playing at Colgate), Carter Strange (6-2, 7.8 ppg, 3.2 rpg).<br><strong>Starters Returning (3):</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1282617' first='Xzavion' last='Mitchell'] (6-6, Sr., 25.7 ppg, 8.6 rpg, committed to Iowa State), [player_tooltip player_id='1973116' first='Bryce' last='Ott'] (6-6, Jr., 10.2 ppg, 4.5 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2784342' first='Jackson' last='Anderson'] (5-10, Jr., 2.3 ppg).<br><strong>Other Returning Players (5):</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='2397160' first='Stefan' last='Stojilovic'] (6-6, Sr., 3.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2408974' first='Max' last='Rohr'] (6-0, Jr., 2.1 ppg), Jon Coleman (6-1, Sr.), Devin Garland (6-3, Sr.), Fred Ware (6-3, Sr.).<br><strong>Newcomers (5): </strong>Jaykwon Jones (6-2, Sr.), [player_tooltip player_id='2498969' first='Owen' last='Weber'] (6-6, Jr.), Dalton Clark (6-3, Jr.), [player_tooltip player_id='2824968' first='Tylan' last='Lister'] (6-2, Jr.), Kallum Larson-Poeschel (6-6, Jr.).<br><strong>Comments from coach Weber:</strong><br>"Depth, chemistry, experience, shooting and a defensive dawg mentality are strengths. There are not enough minutes in a game to get every player the playing time they deserve."<br><strong>Mark Your Calendars:</strong><br>Dec. 6 Kaukauna<br>Dec. 13 Nicolet at 60Eight Showcase at Madison College<br>Dec. 26 West Allis Central at WBY Shootout<br>Dec. 27 Arrowhead at WBY Shootout<br>Feb. 4 at Appleton North<br><br><strong>3. WEST ALLIS CENTRAL<br>Head Coach:</strong> Dave Mlachnik, 14th season (188-135)<br><strong>2023-24 Record: </strong>16-12<br><strong>2023-24 JV1 Record: 5-15<br>2023-24 JV2 Record:</strong> 2-18<br><strong>Starters Lost (0): </strong><br><strong>Starters Returning (5):</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='2045256' first='Yusef' last='Gray Jr.'] (6-5, Jr., 19.6 ppg, 6.3 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2194435' first='Max' last='Jones'] (6-3, Soph., 15.5 ppg, 5.7 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2411140' first='Kevin' last='Pittman'] (6-10, Jr., 9.4 ppg, 8.8 rpg), Ewell Clinton (6-2, Sr., 9.9 ppg, 3.3 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='1561870' first='Kayden' last='Travis'] (5-7, Jr., 8.4 ppg, 3.0 rpg).<br><strong>Other Returning Players (2):</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='2141478' first='Isaiah' last='Fox'] (6-0, Soph., 7.5 ppg, 3.6 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2140893' first='Caiden' last='Davis'] (6-2, Soph., 3.3 ppg, 2.6 rpg).<br><strong>Newcomers (3):</strong> Marcues Lovy (6-0, Jr.), Trevor Hammernik (6-3, Jr.), [player_tooltip player_id='2424389' first='Omond' last='Moore'] (5-6, Sr.).<br><strong>Comments from coach Mlachnik</strong>: <br>"Athleticism, multiple playmakers, rebounding, shooting, depth and experience are all strengths. Defensive consistency is our biggest concern."<br><strong>Mark Your Calendars:</strong><br>Dec. 26 Oshkosh North at WBY Shootout<br>Dec. 28 Nicolet at WBY Shootout<br>Feb. 8 Totino-Grace, Minn., at River Falls High School (Wisconsin vs. Minnesota Border Battle)<br>Feb. 11 Wisconsin Lutheran<br>Feb. 21 Pewaukee<br><br><strong>4. VERONA<br>Head Coach:</strong> Curtrel Robinson, 4th season (30-21)<br><strong>2023-24 Record: </strong>15-11<br><strong>Starters Lost (2): </strong>Mason Sherry (6-6, 7 ppg, 5 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='1740863' first='Tre' last='Poteat'] (6-2, 22.2 ppg, 6.3 rpg, committed to Tennessee for football).<br><strong>Starters Returning (4):</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1156904' first='Drew' last='Murphy'] (6-6, Sr., 23 ppg, 3 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='1874957' first='Cameron' last='Williams'] (6-3, Sr., 14 ppg, 5 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='1544745' first='Bennett' last='Buss'] (5-8, Sr., 5 ppg, 4 apg), [player_tooltip player_id='1688319' first='Kamarr' last='Bridges-Miller'] (6-5, Sr., 8 ppg, 6 rpg).<br><strong>Other Returning Players (2):</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='2505503' first='Will' last='Stremlow'] (6-3, Soph., 3 ppg, 2 rpg), Amari Phillips (6-1, Sr., 2 ppg).<br><strong>Comments from coach Robinson: </strong><br>"Experience, size, athleticism, quickness, scoring and transition basketball are among our strengths. A true inside presence on both offense and defense is a concern. The willingness to defend and rebound at a high consistent level is another question mark."<br><strong>Mark Your Calendars:</strong><br>Dec. 14 Appleton North at 60Eight Tournament at Madison College<br>Dec. 21 Madison Memorial<br>Dec. 28 at Oregon<br>Feb. 1 Homestead<br>Feb. 21 Sun Prairie East<br><br><strong>5. APPLETON NORTH<br>Head Coach:</strong> Christopher Kellett, 7th season (76-76)<br><strong>2023-24 Record</strong>: 19-6<br><strong>2023-24 JV1 Record:</strong> 5-17<br><strong>2023-24 JV2 Record:</strong> 15-7<br><strong>Starters Lost (1):</strong> Will Guilbeault (6-2, 3 ppg, 3 rpg).<br><strong>Starters Returning (5):</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1561908' first='Grant' last='Hardy'] (6-3, Jr., 11 ppg, 5 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='1561874' first='Nathan' last='Ramus'] (6-1, Jr., 10 ppg, 5 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='1494698' first='Abraham' last='Tomori'] (6-2, Jr., 13 ppg, 5 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='1561879' first='Will' last='Sweeney'] (5-9, Jr., 14 ppg, 4 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='1561876' first='Ben' last='Zdzieblowski'] (6-5, Jr., 5 ppg, 2 rpg).<br><strong>Other Returning Players (4):</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1289047' first='Sean' last='Hansen'] (6-0, Sr., 6 ppg, 3 rpg), Daniel Garrigan (6-2, Sr., 3 ppg), Ben Wenzel (6-3, Sr.), Thomas Carew (5-10, Sr.).<br><strong>Newcomers (6): </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2508302' first='Sam' last='Kuehl'] (6-2, Soph.), [player_tooltip player_id='2413819' first='Will' last='Baumgart'] (6-2, Soph.), Howie Guilbeault (6-2, Jr.), Vaughn Yingling (6-0, Jr.), [player_tooltip player_id='2447771' first='Ethan' last='Arft'] (6-4, Frosh.), [player_tooltip player_id='2447768' first='Matt' last='Rosplochowski'] (5-10, Frosh.).<br><strong>Comments from coach Kellett:</strong><br>"We are an experienced team with multiple players starting for their third straight season. We return all of our scoring, rebounding and assist leaders from last year's team. We have a lot of basketball skill returning. Team cohesiveness, defense and rebounding are areas of improvement. We lost our top two defenders from last year's team and we lack overall size."<br><strong>Mark Your Calendars:</strong><br>Dec. 14 Verona at Wisconsin Dells<br>Dec. 20 at Oshkosh North <br>Dec. 26 Brookfield Central at WBY Shootout<br>Dec. 27 Eau Claire Memorial at WBY Shootout<br>Jan. 17 Neenah<br><br><strong>6. MARSHFIELD</strong><br><strong>Head Coach:</strong> Chris Fischer, 5th year (64-33)<br><strong>2023-24 Record: </strong>25-3<br><strong>2023-24 JV1 Record:</strong> 12-10<br><strong>2023-24 JV2 Record:</strong> 13-9<br><strong>Starters Lost (1):</strong> Brant Freis (6-1, 4.1 ppg, 2.9 rpg).<br><strong>Starters Returning (4):</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1244808' first='Brooks' last='Hinson'] (6-2, Sr., 16.8 ppg, 4.4 rpg, committed to Northern Michigan), [player_tooltip player_id='2426092' first='Landon' last='Lee'] (5-11, Sr., 11.9 ppg, 2.8 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2426214' first='Ethan' last='Knecht'] (6-5, Sr., 5.5 ppg, 3.9 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='1973149' first='Chris' last='Pohl'] (6-7, Jr., 14.6 ppg, 6.5 rpg).<br><strong>Other Returning Players (6): </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2425973' first='Joey' last='Ketterer'] (6-2, Sr., 2.2 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='2381688' first='Valin' last='Ramberg'] (6-6, Jr., 5.6 ppg, 2.5 rpg), Magnus Machtan (6-6, Sr.), Afton Hamill (5-6, Sr.), Jack Sternitzky (6-2, Sr.), JJ Steinbach (6-2, Sr.).<br><strong>Newcomers (10):</strong> Nick Hansen (5-9, Jr.), Ben Jordan (6-3, Jr.), Vedder Mac Taggart (6-5, Jr.), Bryce Schade (6-0, Jr.), Jackson Wernberg (5-10, Jr.), [player_tooltip player_id='2389647' first='Camden' last='Kolstad'] (6-2, Soph.), [player_tooltip player_id='2386502' first='Trevyn' last='Freis'] (6-0, Soph.), Derek Stroetz (6-2, Soph.), [player_tooltip player_id='2388279' first='Will' last='Ketterer'] (6-4, Soph.).<br><strong>Comments from coach Fischer:</strong><br>"Experience, competitiveness and cohesion are strengths. Defense, quickness and consistency are concerns as he enter the season."<br><strong>Mark Your Calendars:</strong><br>Dec. 27-30 at Orlando, Florida Tournament<br>Jan. 10 Stevens Point<br>Jan. 18 Waunakee at La Crosse Center<br>Jan. 21 at Neenah<br>Feb. 22 Eau Claire Memorial<br><br><strong>7. EAU CLAIRE MEMORIAL<br>Head Coach: </strong>Chad Brieske, 8th year (105-61)<br><strong>2023-24 Record: </strong>18-7<br><strong>2023-24 JV1 Record:</strong> 15-6<br><strong>2023-24 JV2 Record: </strong>18-3<br><strong>Starters Lost (2):</strong> Elliott Heit (6-5, 4.6 ppg, 4.4 rpg), Owen Gibson (6-4, 1.6 ppg, 2.4 rpg).<br><strong>Starters Returning (4): </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1481178' first='Cooper' last='Jesperson'] (6-3, Sr., 20.3 ppg, 4.5 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2022565' first='Wesley' last='Mboga'] (6-4, Sr., 13.7 ppg, 6.0 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='1962213' first='Julius' last='Clark'] (6-0, Sr., 13.0 ppg, 3.2 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2677211' first='Bryce' last='Hedtke'] (6-2, Sr., 7.8 ppg, 2.2 rpg).<br><strong>Other Returning Players (6):</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='2499886' first='Ian' last='Bauer'] (6-2, Jr., 6.2 ppg, 2.8 rpg), Brodee Neff (5-11, Sr., 2.2 ppg), Shimar Simmons (6-1, Sr., 4.0 rpg), Caleb Yates (6-4, Sr.), Ben Fesenmaier (6-6, Sr.), Henry Fesenmaier (6-2, Sr.).<br><strong>Newcomers (5):</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='2391028' first='Caleb' last='Moessner'] (6-2, Jr.), RJ Perine (6-2, Sr.), Caelob Johnson (5-9, Jr.), Josh Lortscher (6-5, Sr.), James Radabaugh (6-3, Soph.).<br><strong>Comments from coach Brieske:</strong><br>"Hudson, River Falls, New Richmond, Rice Lake and others in the Big Rivers will be strong. We need to improve our interior defense and consistency. Our experience, scoring ability, cohesion and competitive fire are all strengths."<br><strong>Mark Your Calendars:</strong><br>Dec. 17 Stevens Point<br>Dec. 26 Milwaukee Academy of Science at WBY Shootout<br>Dec. 27 Appleton North at WBY Shootout<br>Jan. 18 Linn-Mar, Iowa at La Crosse Center<br>Feb. 8 Breck, Minn. at River Falls in Wisconsin vs. Minnesota Border Battle<br><br><strong>8. KETTLE MORAINE</strong><br><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Brian Richert, 2nd year (25-4)<br><strong>2023-24 Record:</strong> 25-4<br><strong>2023-24 JV1 Record:</strong> 21-3<br><strong>2023-24 JV2 Record:</strong> 15-7<br><strong>Starters Lost (3):</strong> Will Stuckey (6-1, 17.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg, now playing at St. Norbert), Nathan Vuillaume (6-3, 11.2 ppg, 5.5 rpg), Jack McSorley (6-4, 6.2 ppg, 4.9 rpg).<br><strong>Starters Returning (2): </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1611623' first='Roman' last='Thompson'] (6-4, Sr., 11.7 ppg, 4.1 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='1544760' first='Ben' last='Bestor'] (6-0, Sr., 9.1 ppg, 2.2 rpg).<br><strong>Other Returning Players (4): </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2606542' first='Zach' last='Froemming'] (6-4, Sr., 3.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg), Teig Kowalski (6-5, Sr., 3.5 ppg, 3.7 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2499897' first='Charlie' last='Dunham'] (5-10, Jr., 3.0 ppg), Jack Barker (6-0, Sr., 2.1 ppg), Tanek Wankowski (5-10, Sr., 2.0 ppg), Luke Targos (6-7, Sr., 2.2 rpg).<br><strong>Newcomers (7): </strong>Nicholas Garvey (5-10, Jr.), Caden Jurci (6-0, Jr.), [player_tooltip player_id='2823199' first='Bryce' last='Bestor'] (6-1, Jr.), Laim Hughes (6-2, Jr.), Lew Stuckey (6-0, Jr.), Sebastian Bodden (6-2, Jr.), [player_tooltip player_id='2962557' first='Joey' last='LoDuca'] (6-0, Jr.).<br><strong>Comments from coach Richert:</strong><br>"Winning experience and team defense are our strong points. Point-guard play is a concern with the graduation of Will Stuckey."<br><strong>Mark Your Calendars:</strong><br>Nov. 30 Whitnall at Catholic Memorial<br>Dec. 3 Arrowhead<br>Dec. 27-28 Kettle Moraine Tournament<br>Jan. 18 Marquette at Brookfield Central<br>Jan. 28 at Arrowhead<br><br><strong>9. ARROWHEAD<br>Head Coach:</strong> Craig Haase, 25th year (433-163)<br><strong>2023-24 Record:</strong> 27-3<br><strong>2023-24 JV1 Record:</strong> 14-8<br><strong>2023-24 JV2 Record: </strong>20-2<br><strong>Starters Lost (4):</strong> Bennett Basich (6-4, 20.2 ppg, 6.4 rpg, now playing at Green Bay), Jace Gilbert (6-5, 17.6 ppg, 11.7 rpg, now playing football at Iowa State), Sam Leoni (6-2, 10.0 ppg, 2.5 rpg, now playing at Ripon), Jay Haase (5-11, 3.1 ppg).<br><strong>Starters Returning (1):</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='2388792' first='AJ' last='Ohrmundt'] (6-7, Sr., 8.0 ppg, 4.4 rpg).<br><strong>Other Returning Players (5):</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='2138537' first='Trey' last='Resch'] (6-1, Soph., 8.1 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='2351196' first='Blake' last='Basich'] (5-10, Soph., 5.3 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='2224534' first='Tristan' last='Marvelli'] (6-1, Sr.), John Kubisch (6-2, Sr.), Mason Waterfield (6-2, Sr.).<br><strong>Newcomers (6): </strong>Brady Thimmesch (6-0, Jr.), Will Hamer (6-0, Jr.), [player_tooltip player_id='2429155' first='Kal' last='Hamer'] (6-0, Jr.), Jason Trunk (6-0, Jr.), Dominic Rasberry (6-8, Jr.), [player_tooltip player_id='2412856' first='Theo' last='Toepel'] (6-3, Soph.).<br><strong>Comments from coach Haase:</strong><br>"Shooting, speed and quickness are strengths for this group. Rebounding and half-court defense are question marks."<br><strong>Mark Your Calendars:</strong><br>Dec. 10 Wisconsin Lutheran<br>Dec. 21 at Waunakee<br>Dec. 27 Oshkosh North at WBY Shootout<br>Jan. 4 Homestead<br>Feb. 25 at Milwaukee Academy of Science<br><br><strong>10. STEVENS POINT</strong><br><strong>Head Coach:</strong> Jon Krull, 7th year<br><strong>2023-24 Record:</strong> 23-4<br><strong>2023-24 JV1 Record:</strong> 14-8<br><strong>2023-24 JV2 Record:</strong> 18-4<br><strong>Starters lost (4): </strong>Amon Konopacki (6-1, 8.0 ppg, 4.5 rpg), Carter Combs (6-0, 8.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg), Noah Marschke (6-3, 4.8 ppg, 3.0 rpg), Nick Fox (6-5, 5.4 ppg).<br><strong>Starters Returning (2): </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2316806' first='Grant' last='Chandonais'] (6-3, Sr., 16.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='1289062' first='Baraka' last='Makalin'] (6-1, Sr., 10.7 ppg, 2.3 rpg).<br><strong>Other Returning Players (5): </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2493644' first='Jerrin' last='Suehs'] (6-2, Sr., 9.6 ppg, 2.1 rpg), Cole Miller (5-9, Sr.), Jon Ananiadis (5-11, Jr.), [player_tooltip player_id='2910425' first='Reed' last='Zastava'] (6-1, Jr.), Sivan Dinga (6-1, Jr.).<br><strong>Newcomers (2):</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1500914' first='Jaydon' last='Awe'] (6-9, Sr., transfer from Pacelli), [player_tooltip player_id='2473025' first='Jackson' last='Bouressa'] (6-6, Soph.).<br><strong>Comments from coach Krull:</strong><br>"Guard play is our primary concern while depth, balanced scoring, size and post play are strengths." <br>Mark Your Calendars:<br>Dec. 3 Kimberly<br>Dec. 17 at Eau Claire Memorial<br>Jan. 10 at Marshfield<br>Jan. 17 Mankato East, Minn. at La Crosse Center<br>Feb. 13 Marshfield</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->