Central Wisconsin East Preview

2023-24 Final Standings 1. Bonduel 14-0 (26-2); 2. Weyauwega-Fremont 9-5 (14-12); 2. Wittenberg-Birnamwood 9-5 (13-13); 4. Shiocton 7-7 (13-13); 5. Manawa 6-8 (13-12); 6. Iola-Scandinavia 5-9 (13-13); 7. Amherst 4-10 (11-15); 8. Menominee Indian 2-12 (3-21). 2024-25 Picks 1. Bonduel -- The Bears lost two games last season, their opener to Saint Mary Catholic and in a WIAA Division 4 sectional final to Marathon. In between those setbacks, coach Duke Copps' squad won 26 consecutive contests. Two starters from that squad graduated, but three starters and some talented backups are back as Bonduel aims for back-to-back league championships. Leading the way is junior [player_tooltip player_id='2391085' first='Ryan' last='Westrich'], a 6-foot-7, 234-pound forward considered one of the state's top football prospects in the 2026 class. Westrich averaged 15.6 points and 8.8 rebounds as a sophomore. Backcourt standouts Cade Johnson (5-9, 9.4 ppg, 2.5 rpg) and [player_tooltip player_id='2542523' first='Race' last='Anvelink'] (6-0, 14.9 ppg, 3.7 rpg) joined Westrich in the starting rotation a year ago. Others who figure to make a big impact for Bonduel include senior Sam Roberts (6-3, 2.4 ppg, 4.3 rpg) and sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='2387960' first='Quinn' last='Wesenberg'] (6-3, 6.5 ppg) and [player_tooltip player_id='2386363' first='Carter' last='Moesch'] (6-2, 2.6 ppg). 2. Wittenberg-Birnamwood -- Led by strong guard play and the return of four starters, the Chargers hope to push Bonduel and Iola-Scandinavia for the league championship. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='2386279' first='Jett' last='Rogowski'] (6-0, 18.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg) was one of two unanimous all-league performers a year ago and might be the top backcourt performer in the league. Senior Jaden Clark (6-0, 4.8 ppg, 2.1 rpg) and juniors [player_tooltip player_id='2387566' first='Oliver' last='Fraaza'] (6-2, 6.3 ppg, 4.9 rpg) and Zandyr Barke (6-0, 3.1 ppg) also return to the starting lineup. Lack of size is a concern, but a competitive spirit could take Wittenberg-Birnamwood a long way in 2024-25. 3. Iola-Scandinavia -- The young talent in the Thunderbirds' program is impressive. Three freshmen and two sophomores played key roles a year ago when Iola-Scandinavia went 13-13. Now, veteran coach Sam Bertsch works with a squad that remains young, but has plenty of varsity experience. Sophomore forwards [player_tooltip player_id='2542526' first='Korz' last='Loken'] (6-5, 13.9 ppg, 10.1 rpg) and [player_tooltip player_id='2352817' first='Alex' last='Robbins'] (6-6, 13.8 ppg, 8.8 rpg) lead the way and form the best frontcout duo in the league. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='1859310' first='RJ' last='Opperman'] (6-2, 11.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg) is the third returning regular while sophomore Landon Fuhs (6-4, 2.5 ppg) and seniors Ryan Kamper (6-1, 1.4 ppg, 2.4 rpg) also return. 4. Shiocton -- After 26 seasons and 329 victories, Chad Schmidt stepped down as the head coach at Shiocton last spring. He is now serving as an assistant coach at Kimberly. Schmidt's replacement, Jon Berger, is no stranger to high school basketball as he was an assistant coach at Oshkosh North for several seasons. His initial team at Shiocton will be led by senior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2621699' first='Cody' last='Young'] (6-2, 12.4 ppg, 4.0 rpg), a returning second-team all-league performer. Young, senior Connor Bergsbakken (6-3, 9.0 ppg, 5.5 rpg), junior Coltan Dewar (5-9, 5.4 ppg) and sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='2381933' first='Brett' last='Singler'] (6-4, 3.6 ppg, 4.9 rpg) and Kyle Bergsbakken (6-0, 6.0 ppg) figure to form the nucleus for the Chiefs. 5. Weyauwega-Fremont -- Coach Kyle Laughrin says his club will need to rely on rebounding and defense in order to win games in the Central Wisconsin East. Coming off a 14-13 campaign, the Indians return just one starter in senior Chris Gunst (6-0, 10.8 ppg, 4.3 rpg). However, juniors [player_tooltip player_id='2621694' first='Ethan' last='Koplein'] (6-6, 6.6 ppg, 7.0 rpg) and Broc Billington (6-0, 4.4 ppg, 2.3 rpg) earned extensive playing time as sophomores and figure to move into the starting lineup. 6. Amherst -- The Falcons enter the season with a new coach in Jarrett Davidson. His first team at the school appears to possess good quickness in the backcourt and some talented younger players. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='2386278' first='Sully' last='Perkins'] (6-1, 8.9 ppg, 3.5 rpg) is the top returning player for the Falcons and was joined in the starting rotation on last year's 11-15 squad by seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2400902' first='Parker' last='Soulsby'] (6-1, 5.2 ppg) and Jack Seeger (6-4, 5.4 ppg, 5.6 rpg). Juniors Colton Vander Laan (6-0, 2.7 ppg, 2.0 rpg) and Michael Glodowski (5-10) along with sophomores Taylan McCormick (5-10, 3.0 ppg) and Ayden Herdahl (5-11) also figure to earn spots in the playing rotation. 7. Manawa -- Despite the significant loss of forward Nathan Gorman (6-5, 22.7 ppg, 13.1 rpg), the Wolves figure to remain competitive under coach Rick Zemple as two double-figure scorers are back in senior Brady Jaeckle (6-0, 10.8 ppg, 4.6 rpg) and sophomore Vincente Time (10.0 ppg, 4.2 rpg). 8. Menominee Indian -- Scoring punch could be an asset for second-year coach Richard Nacotee's squad at Menominee Indian. Barron Waupoose (5-11, 11.4 ppg, 5.6 rpg), Kenew Awonohopay (6-0, 8.9 ppg, 6.3 rpg), Anikohsaeh Corn (6-3, 7.8 ppg, 5.7 rpg) and King Lyons (6-3, 6.2 ppg, 3.9 rpg) all return. Top Returning Scorers [player_tooltip player_id='2386279' first='Jett' last='Rogowski'], Wittenberg-Birnamwood (18.6 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2391085' first='Ryan' last='Westrich'], Bonduel (15.6 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2542523' first='Race' last='Anvelink'], Bonduel (14.9 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2542526' first='Korz' last='Loken'], Iola-Scandinavia (13.9 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2352817' first='Alex' last='Robbins'], Iola-Scandinavia (13.8 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2621699' first='Cody' last='Young'], Shiocton (12.4 ppg) Barron Waupoose, Menominee Indian (11.4 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='1859310' first='RJ' last='Opperman'], Iola-Scandinavia (11.2 ppg) Brady Jaeckle, Manawa (10.8 ppg) Chris Gunst, Weyauwega-Fremont (10.8 ppg) Vincente Timm, Manawa (10.0 ppg) Projected All-Conference Teams First Team [player_tooltip player_id='2391085' first='Ryan' last='Westrich'], 6-6, Jr., Bonduel [player_tooltip player_id='2542523' first='Race' last='Anvelink'], 6-0, Sr., Bonduel [player_tooltip player_id='2542526' first='Korz' last='Loken'], 6-5, Soph., Iola-Scandinavia [player_tooltip player_id='2621699' first='Cody' last='Young'], 6-2, Sr., Shiocton [player_tooltip player_id='2386279' first='Jett' last='Rogowski'], 6-0, Sr., Wittenberg-Birnamwood Second Team [player_tooltip player_id='2386278' first='Sully' last='Perkins'], 6-1, Jr. Amherst Cade Johnson, 5-9, Sr., Bonduel [player_tooltip player_id='2352817' first='Alex' last='Robbins'], 6-6, Soph., Iola-Scandinavia Brady Jaeckle, 6-0, Sr., Manawa Chris Gunst, 6-0, Sr., Weyauwega-Fremont The Big Five Best Shooter: [player_tooltip player_id='2542523' first='Race' last='Anvelink'], Bonduel Best Rebounder: [player_tooltip player_id='2391085' first='Ryan' last='Westrich'], Bonduel Best Defender: [player_tooltip player_id='2621694' first='Ethan' last='Koplein'], Weyauwega-Fremont Best Collegiate Prospect: [player_tooltip player_id='2352817' first='Alex' last='Robbins'], Iola-Scandinavia Most Improved Player: [player_tooltip player_id='2387960' first='Quinn' last='Wesenberg'], Bonduel

2023-24 Final Standings

1. Bonduel 14-0 (26-2); 2. Weyauwega-Fremont 9-5 (14-12); 2. Wittenberg-Birnamwood 9-5 (13-13); 4. Shiocton 7-7 (13-13); 5. Manawa 6-8 (13-12); 6. Iola-Scandinavia 5-9 (13-13); 7. Amherst 4-10 (11-15); 8. Menominee Indian 2-12 (3-21).

2024-25 Picks

1. Bonduel -- The Bears lost two games last season, their opener to Saint Mary Catholic and in a WIAA Division 4 sectional final to Marathon. In between those setbacks, coach Duke Copps' squad won 26 consecutive contests. Two starters from that squad graduated, but three starters and some talented backups are back as Bonduel aims for back-to-back league championships. Leading the way is junior Ryan Westrich Ryan Westrich 6'6" | PF Bonduel | 2026 State WI , a 6-foot-7, 234-pound forward considered one of the state's top football prospects in the 2026 class. Westrich averaged 15.6 points and 8.8 rebounds as a sophomore. Backcourt standouts Cade Johnson (5-9, 9.4 ppg, 2.5 rpg) and Race Anvelink Race Anvelink 6'0" | CG Bonduel | 2025 State WI (6-0, 14.9 ppg, 3.7 rpg) joined Westrich in the starting rotation a year ago. Others who figure to make a big impact for Bonduel include senior Sam Roberts (6-3, 2.4 ppg, 4.3 rpg) and sophomores Quinn Wesenberg Quinn Wesenberg 6'3" | CG Bonduel | 2027 State WI (6-3, 6.5 ppg) and Carter Moesch Carter Moesch 6'2" | SF/SG Bonduel | 2027 State WI (6-2, 2.6 ppg).

2. Wittenberg-Birnamwood -- Led by strong guard play and the return of four starters, the Chargers hope to push Bonduel and Iola-Scandinavia for the league championship. Senior Jett Rogowski Jett Rogowski 6'0" | PG Wittenberg-Birnamwood | 2025 State WI (6-0, 18.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg) was one of two unanimous all-league performers a year ago and might be the top backcourt performer in the league. Senior Jaden Clark (6-0, 4.8 ppg, 2.1 rpg) and juniors Oliver Fraaza Oliver Fraaza 6'3" | SF Wittenberg Birnamwood | 2026 WI (6-2, 6.3 ppg, 4.9 rpg) and Zandyr Barke (6-0, 3.1 ppg) also return to the starting lineup. Lack of size is a concern, but a competitive spirit could take Wittenberg-Birnamwood a long way in 2024-25.

3. Iola-Scandinavia -- The young talent in the Thunderbirds' program is impressive. Three freshmen and two sophomores played key roles a year ago when Iola-Scandinavia went 13-13. Now, veteran coach Sam Bertsch works with a squad that remains young, but has plenty of varsity experience. Sophomore forwards Korz Loken Korz Loken 6'5" | PF Iola-Scandinavia | 2027 State WI (6-5, 13.9 ppg, 10.1 rpg) and Alex Robbins Alex Robbins 6'6" | SF Iola-Scandinavia | 2027 State WI (6-6, 13.8 ppg, 8.8 rpg) lead the way and form the best frontcout duo in the league. Junior RJ Opperman RJ Opperman 6'1" | SG Iola-Scandinavia | 2026 WI (6-2, 11.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg) is the third returning regular while sophomore Landon Fuhs (6-4, 2.5 ppg) and seniors Ryan Kamper (6-1, 1.4 ppg, 2.4 rpg) also return.

4. Shiocton -- After 26 seasons and 329 victories, Chad Schmidt stepped down as the head coach at Shiocton last spring. He is now serving as an assistant coach at Kimberly. Schmidt's replacement, Jon Berger, is no stranger to high school basketball as he was an assistant coach at Oshkosh North for several seasons. His initial team at Shiocton will be led by senior point guard Cody Young Cody Young 6'2" | PG Shiocton | 2025 WI (6-2, 12.4 ppg, 4.0 rpg), a returning second-team all-league performer. Young, senior Connor Bergsbakken (6-3, 9.0 ppg, 5.5 rpg), junior Coltan Dewar (5-9, 5.4 ppg) and sophomores Brett Singler Brett Singler 6'4" | PF Shiocton | 2027 WI (6-4, 3.6 ppg, 4.9 rpg) and Kyle Bergsbakken (6-0, 6.0 ppg) figure to form the nucleus for the Chiefs.

5. Weyauwega-Fremont -- Coach Kyle Laughrin says his club will need to rely on rebounding and defense in order to win games in the Central Wisconsin East. Coming off a 14-13 campaign, the Indians return just one starter in senior Chris Gunst (6-0, 10.8 ppg, 4.3 rpg). However, juniors Ethan Koplein Ethan Koplein 6'6" | PF Weyauwega-Fremont | 2026 State WI (6-6, 6.6 ppg, 7.0 rpg) and Broc Billington (6-0, 4.4 ppg, 2.3 rpg) earned extensive playing time as sophomores and figure to move into the starting lineup.

6. Amherst -- The Falcons enter the season with a new coach in Jarrett Davidson. His first team at the school appears to possess good quickness in the backcourt and some talented younger players. Junior Sully Perkins Sully Perkins 6'1" | SG Amherst Highschool | 2026 WI (6-1, 8.9 ppg, 3.5 rpg) is the top returning player for the Falcons and was joined in the starting rotation on last year's 11-15 squad by seniors Parker Soulsby Parker Soulsby 6'0" | SG Amherst | 2025 WI (6-1, 5.2 ppg) and Jack Seeger (6-4, 5.4 ppg, 5.6 rpg). Juniors Colton Vander Laan (6-0, 2.7 ppg, 2.0 rpg) and Michael Glodowski (5-10) along with sophomores Taylan McCormick (5-10, 3.0 ppg) and Ayden Herdahl (5-11) also figure to earn spots in the playing rotation.

7. Manawa -- Despite the significant loss of forward Nathan Gorman (6-5, 22.7 ppg, 13.1 rpg), the Wolves figure to remain competitive under coach Rick Zemple as two double-figure scorers are back in senior Brady Jaeckle (6-0, 10.8 ppg, 4.6 rpg) and sophomore Vincente Time (10.0 ppg, 4.2 rpg).

8. Menominee Indian -- Scoring punch could be an asset for second-year coach Richard Nacotee's squad at Menominee Indian. Barron Waupoose (5-11, 11.4 ppg, 5.6 rpg), Kenew Awonohopay (6-0, 8.9 ppg, 6.3 rpg), Anikohsaeh Corn (6-3, 7.8 ppg, 5.7 rpg) and King Lyons (6-3, 6.2 ppg, 3.9 rpg) all return.

Top Returning Scorers

Jett Rogowski Jett Rogowski 6'0" | PG Wittenberg-Birnamwood | 2025 State WI , Wittenberg-Birnamwood (18.6 ppg)
Ryan Westrich Ryan Westrich 6'6" | PF Bonduel | 2026 State WI , Bonduel (15.6 ppg)
Race Anvelink Race Anvelink 6'0" | CG Bonduel | 2025 State WI , Bonduel (14.9 ppg)
Korz Loken Korz Loken 6'5" | PF Iola-Scandinavia | 2027 State WI , Iola-Scandinavia (13.9 ppg)
Alex Robbins Alex Robbins 6'6" | SF Iola-Scandinavia | 2027 State WI , Iola-Scandinavia (13.8 ppg)
Cody Young Cody Young 6'2" | PG Shiocton | 2025 WI , Shiocton (12.4 ppg)
Barron Waupoose, Menominee Indian (11.4 ppg)
RJ Opperman RJ Opperman 6'1" | SG Iola-Scandinavia | 2026 WI , Iola-Scandinavia (11.2 ppg)
Brady Jaeckle, Manawa (10.8 ppg)
Chris Gunst, Weyauwega-Fremont (10.8 ppg)
Vincente Timm, Manawa (10.0 ppg)

Projected All-Conference Teams
First Team
Ryan Westrich Ryan Westrich 6'6" | PF Bonduel | 2026 State WI , 6-6, Jr., Bonduel
Race Anvelink Race Anvelink 6'0" | CG Bonduel | 2025 State WI , 6-0, Sr., Bonduel
Korz Loken Korz Loken 6'5" | PF Iola-Scandinavia | 2027 State WI , 6-5, Soph., Iola-Scandinavia
Cody Young Cody Young 6'2" | PG Shiocton | 2025 WI , 6-2, Sr., Shiocton
Jett Rogowski Jett Rogowski 6'0" | PG Wittenberg-Birnamwood | 2025 State WI , 6-0, Sr., Wittenberg-Birnamwood

Second Team
Sully Perkins Sully Perkins 6'1" | SG Amherst Highschool | 2026 WI , 6-1, Jr. Amherst
Cade Johnson, 5-9, Sr., Bonduel
Alex Robbins Alex Robbins 6'6" | SF Iola-Scandinavia | 2027 State WI , 6-6, Soph., Iola-Scandinavia
Brady Jaeckle, 6-0, Sr., Manawa
Chris Gunst, 6-0, Sr., Weyauwega-Fremont

The Big Five

Best Shooter: Race Anvelink Race Anvelink 6'0" | CG Bonduel | 2025 State WI , Bonduel
Best Rebounder: Ryan Westrich Ryan Westrich 6'6" | PF Bonduel | 2026 State WI , Bonduel
Best Defender: Ethan Koplein Ethan Koplein 6'6" | PF Weyauwega-Fremont | 2026 State WI , Weyauwega-Fremont
Best Collegiate Prospect: Alex Robbins Alex Robbins 6'6" | SF Iola-Scandinavia | 2027 State WI , Iola-Scandinavia
Most Improved Player: Quinn Wesenberg Quinn Wesenberg 6'3" | CG Bonduel | 2027 State WI , Bonduel