Wauwatosa West headlines Top 10 in loaded Division 2

Even with 6-foot-11 center [player_tooltip player_id='1240335' first='Kai' last='Rogers'] now playing on the Overtime Elite circuit, big things are expected during the 2024-25 season for the Wauwatosa West boys' basketball program. Rogers, ranked among the top 100 players in the nation, announced early in the summer he would forgo his senior campaign at Wauwatosa West to play Overtime Elite. Regardless, the laded Trojans have an exceptionally strong backcourt and begin the year as the No. 1-ranked Division 2 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.   Following is a look at the WBY Division 2 Preseason Top 10.   DIVISION 1 TOP 10 1. Wauwatosa West Head Coach: Christopher Newbauer, 5th season (63-49) 2023-24 Record: 18-9 2023-24 JV1 Record: 9-13 2023-24 JV2 Record: 2-20 Starters Lost (2): [player_tooltip player_id='1240335' first='Kai' last='Rogers'] (6-11, 20.0 ppg, 13.6 rpg, now playing on Overtime Elite circuit), Tyler Boesel (6-5, 5.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg). Starters Returning (3): [player_tooltip player_id='1240337' first='Jake' last='Hansen'] (6-1, Sr., 17.1 ppg, 2.8 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='1561869' first='Matthew' last='Kloskey'] (6-4, Jr., 11.9 ppg, 4.7 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2288469' first='Jalen' last='Brown'] (6-4, Soph., 14.2 ppg, 4.8 rpg). Other Returning Players (5): [player_tooltip player_id='2402461' first='Messiah' last='Chambers'] (6-1, Jr., 2.2 ppg), Braedyn Parker (5-10, Sr., 2.2 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='2627765' first='Roman' last='Long'] (5-11, Jr.), [player_tooltip player_id='1558479' first='DJ' last='Hennings'] (5-8, Jr.), Jake Ebertowski (6-2, Sr.). Newcomers (5): [player_tooltip player_id='2423561' first='Max' last='Gogin'] (5-8, Soph.), [player_tooltip player_id='2430679' first='Cayden' last='Parker'] (6-4, Jr.), Oskar Miroslaw (6-2, Jr.), Antonio Johnson (6-3, Jr.), Kason Magnum (6-4, Soph.). Comments from coach Newbauer: “Athleticism and attacking the rim are strengths. Rebounding, defending the perimeter and replacing [player_tooltip player_id='1240335' first='Kai' last='Rogers'] are among our concerns.” Mark Your Calendars: Dec. 10 Germantown Dec. 17 at Whitnall Dec. 28 De Pere at WBY Shootout Jan. 4 at Edgerton Feb. 21 Brookfield Central 2. Nicolet Head Coach: Terence Smith, 3rd year (48-10) 2023-24 Record: 24-5 2023-24 JV1 Record: 20-2 2023-24 JV2 Record: 20-2 Starters Lost (3): [player_tooltip player_id='1390443' first='Davion' last='Hannah'] (6-6, 19 ppg, 8.5 rpg, now playing at Link Academy in Missouri), Nas Beamon (6-4, 18 ppg, 4 rpg), Damon Landrum Jr. (6-2, 7 ppg, 2 rpg). Starters Returning (2): [player_tooltip player_id='1781157' first='Rashaad' last='Davis'] (5-8, Jr., 12 ppg, 3 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='1598239' first='David' last='Bolden'] (5-10, Sr., 12 ppg, 5 rpg, committed to NJIT). Newcomers (3): Edward Bullock (6-0, Soph.), Carter Zuithoff (6-4, Jr.), Truman Wetzel (6-6, Soph.). Comments from coach Smith: "Defense is our biggest strength. We will have good speed and quickness. Outside shooting also should be strong. Youth is our biggest concern." Mark Your Calendars: Dec. 13 Oshkosh North at 60Eight Tournament at Madison College Dec. 17 Cedarburg Dec. 28 West Allis Central at WBY Shootout Jan. 7 Slinger Feb. 27 at Homestead 3. Stoughton Head Coach: Nolan Weber, 9th year (126-61) 2023-24 Record: 24-4 2023-24 JV1 Record: 11-9 2023-24 JV2 Record: 6-14 Starters Lost (3): Ty Fernholz (6-2, 19.3 ppg, 3.9 rpg, now playing at MIchigan Tech), Sawyer Schipper (6-2, 13.2 ppg, 3.9 rpg, now playing at Platteville), Ben Harman (6-6, 7.9 ppg, 9.3 rpg, now playing football at Illinois State). Starters Returning (2): [player_tooltip player_id='1874959' first='Carter' last='Sullivan'] (6-6, Sr., 8.0 ppg, 5.1 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='1561944' first='Jacob' last='Hibner'] (6-3, Jr., 10.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg). Other Returning Players (8): [player_tooltip player_id='1331056' first='Jay' last='Johnson'] (6-3, Sr., 3.2 ppg, 2.3 rpg), LeShawn Brown (6-2, Sr., 3.5 ppg, 2.6 rpg), Mason Richter (6-4, Sr.), Ethan Zywicki (6-1, Jr., 3.4 ppg, 2.2 rpg), Ethan Strandlie (6-2, Sr.), Aiden Klawitter (5-9, Sr.), Kade Hustad (6-2, Sr.), Kellan Stokstad (6-0, Sr.). Newcomers (9): Andy Perkins (6-1, Jr.), Payton Danforth (5-9, Jr.), Parker Sellnow (5-10, Jr.), Chase Reott (6-1, Jr.), Quinn Poole (6-1, Jr.), [player_tooltip player_id='2404969' first='Moses' last='Harris'] (6-2, Jr.), Leo McClure (6-2, Jr.), Max Nelson (6-4, Jr.), [player_tooltip player_id='2508305' first='Jaren' last='Vale'] (6-0, Soph.). Comments from coach Weber: "We have five players who will be playing their third or fourth year of varsity basketball. We have a great inside/outside combination with Sullivan and Hibner. Hibner will take on a different role as a primary scorer and has the ability to be one of the best in the state. Sullivan has expanded his game in the off season. He is more versatile with the ability to score at all three levels. We also have some talented and athletic wings in [player_tooltip player_id='1331056' first='Jay' last='Johnson'], LeShawn Brown, Mason Richter and Ethan Zywicki. We did lose to of the best players in school history in Fernholz and Schipper. We need some of our returning guys to step into leadership positions and push their teammates day to day." Mark Your Calendars: Nov. 30 at Oregon Dec. 3 at Fort Atkinson Dec. 10 at Mount Horeb Feb. 1 Greenfield Feb. 11 Lakeside Lutheran 4. Whitnall Head Coach: Andrew Wojcik, 1st year 2023-24 Record: 19-7 Starters Lost (2): Brody Parkinson (6-6, 10.2 ppg, 9.6 rpg, now playing at Platteville), Nick Dalland (6-6, 9.4 ppg, 7.1 rpg). Starters Returning (3): [player_tooltip player_id='1300316' first='Myles' last='Herro'] (6-3, Sr., 13.5 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 6.4 apg), [player_tooltip player_id='1362736' first='Jack' last='Lutz'] (6-0, Sr., 23.5 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 3.0 apg, committed to South Florida for baseball), [player_tooltip player_id='1561921' first='Tyler' last='Michalak'] (6-0, Jr., 9.1 ppg, 2.6 rpg). Other Returning Players (7): [player_tooltip player_id='2510585' first='Cooper' last='Markee'] (6-2, Jr., 4.4 ppg), Evan Pluer (5-10, Sr., 2.9 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='2424003' first='Carter' last='Buss'] (5-9, Sr.), Luke Parkinson (6-2, Jr.), Nolan Miller (6-3, Sr., 2.5 ppg), Max Palmtag (6-2, Jr., 5.0 ppg, 4.3 rpg), Aden Burke (6-4, Sr.). Strengths: Guard play, play-making ability of Herro, scoring of Lutz. Questions: Size, rebounding, interior defense, depth. Mark Your Calendars Dec. 4 Racine St. Catherine's Dec. 13 Wisconsin Lutheran Dec. 17 Wauwatosa West Dec. 27 Kaukauna at WBY Shootout Jan. 31 at Pewaukee 5. Brookfield Central Head Coach: Dan Wandrey, 11th year (180-70) 2023-24 Record: 14-11 2023-24 JV1 Record: 16-6 2023-24 JV2 Record: 17-5 Starters Lost (3): Jack Daugherty (6-8, 19.3 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 2.6 apg, now playing at Illinois State), Charlie Geske (6-3, 13.8 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 2.1 rpg, now playing at St. Norbert), Jkien Forney (6-2, 9.8 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 2.0 apg). Starters Returning (2): [player_tooltip player_id='1272671' first='Anthony' last='Rise'] (6-0, Sr., 13.2 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.3 apg), [player_tooltip player_id='1561913' first='Henry' last='Gruetzmacher'] (6-8, Jr., 7.2 ppg, 5.4 rpg). Other Returning Players (3): [player_tooltip player_id='1258390' first='Evan' last='Prusko'] (6-2, Jr.), [player_tooltip player_id='2641639' first='Nasir' last='Avery'] (6-0, Soph.), Brendan Lange (5-10, Sr.). Newcomers (11): Brady Craddock (5-10, Jr.), [player_tooltip player_id='1561915' first='Matthew' last='James'] (6-2, Jr.), Ethan Koceja (6-0, Jr.), Derek Treis (6-2, Jr.), Jackson Glomski (5-9, Jr.), Will Sutton (6-4, Jr.), Devin Davis (5-9, Soph.), [player_tooltip player_id='2381962' first='Bennett' last='Harteau'] (6-4, Soph.), Sam Corragio (5-10, Frosh.), [player_tooltip player_id='2570804' first='Kellan' last='Larkin'] (6-2, Frosh.), [player_tooltip player_id='2614870' first='Efanyu' last='Nfor'] (6-4, Frosh.). Comments from coach Wandrey: "team defense and physical toughness are concerns. The return of [player_tooltip player_id='1272671' first='Anthony' last='Rise'], perimeter shooting and the improvement of Gruetzmacher are strengths." Mark Your Calendars: Dec. 3 at Wisconsin Lutheran Dec. 14 Marshfield Dec. 26 Appleton North at WBY Shootout Dec. 28 Sheboygan North at WBY Shootout Feb. 14 at Germantown 6. West De Pere Head Coach: Todd Deschane, 6th year (82-44) 2023-24 Record: 16-9 2023-24 JV1 Record: 17-4 2023-24 JV2 Record: 15-5 Starters Lost (0): None Starters Returning (5): [player_tooltip player_id='2616470' first='Easton' last='Deschane'] (6-4, Sr., 7.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2386198' first='Riley' last='Kraft'] (6-3, Sr., 10.1 ppg, 7.8 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='1598950' first='Bryce' last='Borowicz'] (6-1, Sr., 16.9 ppg, 2.6 rpg), Collin Jindra (6-1, Sr., 3.8 ppg, 2.0 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2140983' first='Tref' last='Rademaker'] (6-9, Soph., 13.8 ppg, 8.4 rpg). Other Returning Players (7): Patrick Greisen (6-1, Jr., 5.3 ppg, 2.6 rpg), Mason Werner (6-0, Jr., 3.5 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='2140897' first='Carson' last='Samson'] (6-0, Soph., 5.5 ppg, 2.1 rpg), Sam Suda (6-1, Sr.), Trevor Heck (6-1, Sr.), [player_tooltip player_id='2399057' first='Cooper' last='Borowicz'] (6-1, Soph., 3.2 ppg). Newcomers (6): Sam Schmidt (6-4, Soph.), [player_tooltip player_id='2386252' first='Griffin' last='Karchinski'] (6-2, Soph.), [player_tooltip player_id='2416189' first='Kainan' last='Strong'] (6-0, Soph.), Erik Bouchard (5-10, Jr.), Emerson Marsden (6-0, Jr.), [player_tooltip player_id='2381929' first='Jack' last='Wilichowski'] (6-4, Soph.). Comments from coach Deschane: "Size, experience and athleticism are strengths. Bench depth is a concern." Mark Your Calendars: Nov. 30 Lake Mills at Beaver Dam Dec. 7 at De Pere Dec. 20 at Seymour Feb. 8 Lake City, Minn., at River Falls in Wisconsin vs. Minnesota Border Battle Feb. 24 at Kimberly 7. Golda Meir Head Coach: Emmitt Colbert, 4th year (33-35) 2023-24 Record: 13-12 2023-24 JV1 Record: 14-5 Starters Lost (0): None Starters Returning (5): Amir Hayes (6-2, Jr., 9.3 ppg, 7.3 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2610565' first='Daniel' last='Spears'] (5-9, Jr., 7.5 ppg, 3.5 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='1289145' first='Ahmir' last='Woods'] (6-3, Sr., 18.8 ppg, 5.5 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2224501' first='Ameer' last='Anderson'] (6-4, Sr., 12.1 ppg, 10.1 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2496089' first='Kaleb' last='Colbert'] (6-0, Jr., 16.6 ppg, 5.0 rpg). Other Returning Players (5): [player_tooltip player_id='2431192' first='Brandon' last='Gardner'] (6-5, Sr.), A'Mare Bowes (6-0, Sr.), Isaiah Kerns (5-10, Sr.), [player_tooltip player_id='2426390' first='Justin' last='Heard'] (5-11, Sr.), Trey Gaulien Smith III (6-3, Jr.). Comments from coach Colbert: "Golda Meir is poised to field the most talented team in school history for the 2024-25 season. We are loaded with experience and depth. Leading the charge is one of the most explosive and underrated backcourts in the state, featuring [player_tooltip player_id='2496089' first='Kaleb' last='Colbert'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1289145' first='Ahmir' last='Woods']. Both players bring dynamic playmaking and scoring abilities to the floor. [player_tooltip player_id='2224501' first='Ameer' last='Anderson'] averaged a double/double last year and has the potential to complete a formidable 'big three' for the Owls. Managaing our talent and determining the best lineups and minutes will be a challenge for the coaching staff. Finding the right balance will be key. We need to stay focused on valuing every possession." Mark Your Calendars: Nov. 27 at Carmen Northwest Dec 17 Milwaukee South Division Dec. 21 Beloit Memorial at Milwaukee Bradley Tech in Win Parkinson Invitational Feb. 8 at Madison Memorial Feb. 18 Audubon Technology 8. Milwaukee Bradley Tech Head Coach: Shon Haralson, 9th year (75-94) 2023-24 Record: 19-9 Starters Lost (1): Demeir Hogans-Harris (6-2, 15.1 ppg, 10.3 rpg, 2.0 spg). Starters Returning (4): [player_tooltip player_id='1749722' first='Jakari' last='Smith'] (6-5, Jr., 14.0 ppg, 10.0 rpg, 2.5 spg), [player_tooltip player_id='2435115' first='Rashad' last='Fenner'] (6-2, Sr., 12.0 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 2.6 spg, 5.0 apg), Arvell Lockhart (5-8, Sr., 10.0 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.3 spg), [player_tooltip player_id='2394366' first='Jabari' last=''] Lee (6-7, Sr., 10.0 ppg, 8.2 rpg). Other Returning Players (3): Tristen McCloud (6-2, Sr.), [player_tooltip player_id='2224521' first='Lajalin' last='Overton'] (6-7, Jr., 3.0 ppg, 2.6 rpg), Joseph Gross (5-10, Sr.). Newcomers (6): Grayson McCain (6-5, Sr.), Caden Robinson (6-4, Sr.), Semaj Grandberry (5-8, Frosh.), Tremaine Johnson (6-7, Jr.), Antonio Curran-Rhodes (6-8, Jr.), Bryce Ingram (6-1, Soph.). Comments from coach Haralson: "Height, quickness, rebounding, leadership, depth, scoring, culture and experience are strengths. Three-point shooting and accountability are question marks." Mark Your Calendars: Dec. 12 at Brookfield East Jan. 2 Milwaukee King Jan. 23 Carmen Northwest Feb. 4 Milwaukee Hamilton Feb. 7 Milwaukee Juneau 9. Onalaska Head Coach: Craig Kowal, 17th year (307-89) 2023-24 Record: 18-7 2023-24 JV1 Record: 13-5 2023-24 JV2 Record: 10-11 Starters Lost (3): Evan Anderson (6-4, 23.5 ppg, 5.9 rpg, now playing at South Dakota), [player_tooltip player_id='2408715' first='[player_tooltip player_id='2402467' first='Isaac' last='']' last=''] Skemp (6-5, 14.6 ppg, 5.9 rpg), Adam Skifton (6-2, 8.1 ppg, 4.5 rpg). Starters Returning (2): [player_tooltip player_id='2117026' first='Ian' last='Kowal'] (6-3, Jr., 7.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2493670' first='Noah' last='Chenault'] (6-2, Sr., 6.8 ppg, 3.9 rpg). Other Returning Players (9): [player_tooltip player_id='2635698' first='Jack' last='Smith'] (6-4, Sr., 6.0 ppg, 2.5 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2430394' first='Broden' last='Steiner'] (6-4, Sr., 4.1 ppg, 2.0 rpg), Tyson Hughes (5-10, Sr., injured in 2023-24), [player_tooltip player_id='2405019' first='Tristan' last='Molling'] (6-2, Jr.), [player_tooltip player_id='2430366' first='Pierce' last='Sommerfield'] (6-2, Jr.), [player_tooltip player_id='2389934' first='Brendan' last='Chenault'] (6-2, Soph.), Clayton Stouvenel (5-10, Sr.), [player_tooltip player_id='1922187' first='Carson' last='Campbell'] (6-2, Jr.), Antwon Felten (6-3, Jr.). Newcomers (4): [player_tooltip player_id='2392274' first='Rowan' last='McGrath'] (6-7, Jr.), [player_tooltip player_id='2405092' first='Trent' last='Oyen'] (5-9, Jr.), [player_tooltip player_id='2405197' first='Tyler' last='Kowal'] (6-0, Frosh.), [player_tooltip player_id='2411250' first='Bradyn' last='DeLong'] (5-8, Frosh.). Comments from coach Kowal: "This group should be very balanced offensively with a number of guys able to lead the team in scoring on any given night. This team will also possess decent size across the board despite not having a true back-to-the-basket post player. Strength and physicality will be concerns." Mark Your Calendars: Dec. 12 Caledonia, Minn. Dec. 27-28 at Waunakee Tournament Jan. 18 Lake Mills at La Crosse Center in Midwest Players Classic) Feb. 4 at Aquinas Feb. 20 La Crosse Central 10. Fort Atkinson Head Coach: Mike Hintz, 16th year (134-218) 2023-24 Record: 10-15 2023-24 JV1 Record: 12-10 2023-24 JV2 Record: 12-10 Starters Lost (0): None Starters Returning (5): [player_tooltip player_id='2493675' first='Owen' last='Geiger'] (6-0, Sr., 14.3 ppg, 5.6 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2492727' first='Brennan' last='Dempsey'] (6-5, Sr., 14.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='1598976' first='Lakyn' last='Hintz'] (6-0, Sr., 9.3 ppg), Braeden Hoth (5-10, Sr., 2.3 ppg)< Caleb Enger (6-2, Sr., 6.1 ppg, 2.3 rpg). Other Returning Players (7): Jack Kammer (5-11, Sr., 2.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg), Jaren Strasburg (6-4, Sr., 2.3 ppg), Ben Evans (6-7, Sr., 2.7 ppg, 3.5 rpg), Dalton Leetzow (6-0, Sr.), Kellen Jacobson (5-11, Sr.), Johnny Urbina Cervantes (5-8, Sr.), Gilberto Garcia (5-8, Sr.). Newcomers (3): [player_tooltip player_id='2508477' first='Graeson' last='Geiger'] (6-0, Soph.), [player_tooltip player_id='2508476' first='Oliver' last='Evans'] (6-8, Soph.), [player_tooltip player_id='2390204' first='Carter' last='Klopcic'] (6-3, Frosh.). Comments from coach Hintz: "Experience, inside scoring, outside shooting, aggressiveness and depth are strengths. Ball security, rebounding and finishing games are concerns." Mark Your Calendars: Nov. 29 Hortonville at Oshkosh West Dec. 3 Stoughton Dec. 21 Stevens Point Feb. 8 at Lake Mills Feb. 18 Waunakee

Even with 6-foot-11 center Kai Rogers Kai Rogers 6'10" | C Overtime Elite | 2025 #41 Nation WI now playing on the Overtime Elite circuit, big things are expected during the 2024-25 season for the Wauwatosa West boys' basketball program.

Rogers, ranked among the top 100 players in the nation, announced early in the summer he would forgo his senior campaign at Wauwatosa West to play Overtime Elite.

Regardless, the laded Trojans have an exceptionally strong backcourt and begin the year as the No. 1-ranked Division 2 school in Wisconsin by the Wisconsin Basketball Yearbook. You can order the 40th edition of the 360-page WBY here and have it shipped to your home by the end of October.