Classic Eight Preview

2023-24 Final Standings 1. Arrowhead 15-1 (27-3); 2. Kettle Moraine 14-2 (25-4); 3. Muskego 13-3 (19-6); 4. Oconomowoc 8-8 (14-11); 5. Catholic Memorial 7-9 (12-14); 6. Mukwonago 6-10 (11-14); 7. Waukesha South 4-12 (10-16); 8. Waukesha North 3-13 (9-16); 9. Waukesha West 2-14 (8-18). 2024-25 Picks 1. Kettle Moraine -- The Lasers won 25 games a year ago and competed in the WIAA Division 1 State Tournament for the second year in a row. Additional success appears forthcoming in 2024-25 as coach Brian Richert returns a solid core led by seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2610611' first='Roman' last='Thompson'] (6-4, 11.7 ppg, 4.1 rpg) and [player_tooltip player_id='1544760' first='Ben' last='Bestor'] (6-0, 9.1 ppg, 2.2 rpg). Thompson is one of the elite players in the league and a player who can hurt opponents off the dribble, from the perimeter and from the foul line. Bestor is one of the league's top three-point shooters and a gritty defender as well. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='2606542' first='Zach' last='Froemming'] (6-4, 3.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg) might be the most improved player in the Classic Eight as he had a very strong spring/summer for the MTXE club program. Seniors Teig Kowalski (6-5, 3.5 ppg, 3.7 rpg) and Jack Barker (6-0, 2.1 ppg), along with junior [player_tooltip player_id='2499897' first='Charlie' last='Dunham'] (5-10, 3.0 ppg) also return for Kettle Moraine. 2. Arrowhead -- The Warhawks seek their third consecutive league championship with a rather young and inexperienced roster. But never count out one the state's best programs as coach Craig Haase had guided Arrowhead to a combined 54-6 record with a pair of runner-up finishes in the WIAA Division 1 State Tournament the past two seasons. Now in his 25th season as head coach at Arrowhead, Haase has one of the league's most improved players in senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='2388792' first='AJ' last='Ohrmundt'] (6-7, 8.0 ppg, 4.4 rpg). Ohrumundt is the lone returning starter, but sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='2138537' first='Trey' last='Resch'] (6-1, 8 ppg) and [player_tooltip player_id='2351196' first='Blake' last='Basich'] (5-10, 5 ppg) both played big minutes off the bench as freshmen and rank among the better class of 2027 prospects in the state. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2610615' first='Tristan' last='Marvelli'] (6-1), John Kubisch (6-2) and Mason Waterfield (6-2) also return while newcomers from a 20-2 JV1 squad also figure to contend for playing time. 3. Mukwonago -- Mukwonago returns more experience than any other team in the Classic Eight and boasts a very strong and deep senior class. Back from last year's starting rotation are seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2382142' first='Caleb' last='Poling'] (6-5, 15.1 ppg, 7.5 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2493687' first='Peyton' last='Pollnow'] (6-1, 10.8 ppg, 2.9 rpg), Josh Hayden (6-3, 9.7 ppg, 4.3 rpg) and Jack Karrels (5-10, 5.7 ppg, 3.1 rpg). That group helped the Indians to an 11-14 record. Coach Steve Pollnow also welcomes back seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2765141' first='Jake' last='Brunsch'] (6-3, 5.3 ppg, 2.4 rpg) and Tanner Buth (5-10, 2.5 ppg) along with juniors [player_tooltip player_id='2499899' first='Luka' last='Tess'] (6-5, 4.9 ppg, 5.1 rpg) and Carson Greuel (6-4, 4.8 ppg, 2.9 rpg). Overall size, depth and balanced scoring are all assets. 4. Oconomowoc -- A deep senior class figures to help Oconomowoc finish in the upper half of the Classic Eight. Seniors Santino Conigliaro (5-10, 9.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2622478' first='Kashton' last='Allen'] (6-4, 11.8 ppg, 3.9 rpg) and Ben Jimenez (6-3, 5.3 ppg, 2.7 rpg) started on last year's 14-11 squad. Conigilaro is a four-year varsity performer and one of the best defenders in the league while Allen figures to be the best offensive option for the Coons. Seniors Colton Boldt (6-7), [player_tooltip player_id='2424130' first='Birch' last='Gunja'] (6-6), Ethan Scheltz (5-10) and Markus Duddeck (6-5) will contend for starting roles as coach Jay Benish has a hard-working team with good quickness. 5. Catholic Memorial -- Despite the loss of two strong performers in Sean Ladwig (6-3, 15.4 ppg, now playing at La Crosse) and John Giricz (6-1, 8.0 ppg, now running cross country at St. Louis), Catholic Memorial returns a wealth of experience and a solid blend of young talent and senior physicality. Sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='2505474' first='Dusty' last='Roach'] (6-3, 10.1 ppg, 7.2 rpg) and [player_tooltip player_id='2140928' first='Jackson' last='Albee'] (6-0, 3.0 ppg) are promising young players while seniorsJake Berkholtz (6-5, 9.1 ppg, 5.0 rpg) and Evan Kaye (6-4, 4.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg) provide some size and strength near the basket. Junior sharpshooter [player_tooltip player_id='2496343' first='Jake' last='Pfister'] (6-1, 7.7 ppg) also returns for the Crusaders. 6. Waukesha South -- The Blackshirts have a deep roster with plenty of quickness and scoring ability. Starters back from a 10-16 squad include the talented senior trio of [player_tooltip player_id='2417474' first='Yovani' last='Perea'] (6-4, 13 ppg, 6 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2622482' first='Zayus' last='Dewalt'] (5-11, 11 ppg, 3 rpg) and Max Henes (6-3, 6 ppg, 4 rpg). Seniors Joey Kost (6-1), Morgan Swartz (6-1) and Tyson Tiegs (6-6) along with sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='2140941' first='Jordan' last='Garcia'] (6-0) and [player_tooltip player_id='2508314' first='Keegan' last='DeGeorge'] (5-11) will contend for starting spots. 7. Muskego -- Muskego normally ranks among the elite in the Classic Eight as coach Kam Cerroni has built a strong program at a school best-known for its stellar football program. But the loss of so many key players from last year's 19-6 squad will be a big hurdle to overcome in 2024-25. Still, the Warriors have three solid senior guards back in Devin Schroeder (5-11, 4.0 ppg, 2.2 rpg), Jack Serkowski (5-11) and Luke Steinhoff (5-11). Muskego also figures to get plenty of help from players on last year's JV1 and JV2 tems that went a combined 38-6. 8. Waukesha West -- Paced by the return of the league's top scorer in junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='1561956' first='Tyler' last='Evenson'] (6-3, 15.5 ppg, 2.7 rpg), the Wolverines look to avoid finishing in the cellar for the second straight season. Evenson can score in different ways and definitely is one of the more dynamic players in the Classic Eight. Joining Evenson as a returning starter is vastly improved senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='2488541' first='Aiden' last='Owusu Asiedu'] (6-6, 9.2 ppg, 7.5 rpg). Coach Don LaValle will need to round out Waukesha West's rotation with largely untested players at the varsity level, but there is talent among that large group of prospects. 9. Waukesha North -- The Northstars won nine of 25 games last winter after winning a combined five games in the two previous seasons. Four starters have graduated, leaving coach Brandon Redman with plenty of holes to fill. Senior guard Cooper Haas (5-10, 8.3 ppg) and junior forward Henry Koopmeiner (6-4, 3.4 ppg) are the top returning players for Waukesha North. Top Returning Scorers [player_tooltip player_id='1561956' first='Tyler' last='Evenson'], Waukesha West (15.5 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2382142' first='Caleb' last='Poling'], Mukwonago (15.1 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2622478' first='Kashton' last='Allen'], Oconomowoc (11.8 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2610611' first='Roman' last='Thompson'], Kettle Moraine (11.7 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2622482' first='Zayus' last='Dewalt'], Waukesha South (11.0 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2493687' first='Peyton' last='Pollnow'], Mukwonago (10.8 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2505474' first='Dusty' last='Roach'], Catholic Memorial (10.1 ppg) Projected All-Conference Teams First Team [player_tooltip player_id='2388792' first='AJ' last='Ohrmundt'], 6-7, Sr., Arrowhead [player_tooltip player_id='2138537' first='Trey' last='Resch'], 6-1, Soph., Arrowhead [player_tooltip player_id='2610611' first='Roman' last='Thompson'], 6-4, Sr., Kettle Moraine [player_tooltip player_id='2382142' first='Caleb' last='Poling'], 6-5, Sr., Mukwonago [player_tooltip player_id='2622478' first='Kashton' last='Allen'], 6-4, Sr., Oconomowoc Second Team [player_tooltip player_id='2505474' first='Dusty' last='Roach'], 6-3, Soph., Catholic Memorial [player_tooltip player_id='2606542' first='Zach' last='Froemming'], 6-4, Sr., Kettle Moraine [player_tooltip player_id='2493687' first='Peyton' last='Pollnow'], 6-1, Sr., Mukwonago [player_tooltip player_id='2417474' first='Yovani' last='Perea'], 6-4, Sr., Waukesha South [player_tooltip player_id='1561956' first='Tyler' last='Evenson'], 6-3, Jr., Waukesha West The Big Five Best Shooter: [player_tooltip player_id='1544760' first='Ben' last='Bestor'], Kettle Moraine Best Rebounder: [player_tooltip player_id='2382142' first='Caleb' last='Poling'], Mukwonago Best Defender: [player_tooltip player_id='2138537' first='Trey' last='Resch'], Arrowhead Best Collegiate Prospect: [player_tooltip player_id='2138537' first='Trey' last='Resch'], Arrowhead Most Improved Player: [player_tooltip player_id='2388792' first='AJ' last='Ohrmundt'], Arrowhead

2023-24 Final Standings

1. Arrowhead 15-1 (27-3); 2. Kettle Moraine 14-2 (25-4); 3. Muskego 13-3 (19-6); 4. Oconomowoc 8-8 (14-11); 5. Catholic Memorial 7-9 (12-14); 6. Mukwonago 6-10 (11-14); 7. Waukesha South 4-12 (10-16); 8. Waukesha North 3-13 (9-16); 9. Waukesha West 2-14 (8-18).

2024-25 Picks

1. Kettle Moraine -- The Lasers won 25 games a year ago and competed in the WIAA Division 1 State Tournament for the second year in a row. Additional success appears forthcoming in 2024-25 as coach Brian Richert returns a solid core led by seniors Roman Thompson (6-4, 11.7 ppg, 4.1 rpg) and Ben Bestor Ben Bestor 6'1" | SG Kettle Moraine | 2025 State WI (6-0, 9.1 ppg, 2.2 rpg). Thompson is one of the elite players in the league and a player who can hurt opponents off the dribble, from the perimeter and from the foul line. Bestor is one of the league's top three-point shooters and a gritty defender as well. Senior Zach Froemming Zach Froemming 6'4" | PF/SF Kettle Moraine | 2025 State WI (6-4, 3.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg) might be the most improved player in the Classic Eight as he had a very strong spring/summer for the MTXE club program. Seniors Teig Kowalski (6-5, 3.5 ppg, 3.7 rpg) and Jack Barker (6-0, 2.1 ppg), along with junior Charlie Dunham Charlie Dunham 5'10" | PG Kettle Moraine | 2026 State WI (5-10, 3.0 ppg) also return for Kettle Moraine.

2. Arrowhead -- The Warhawks seek their third consecutive league championship with a rather young and inexperienced roster. But never count out one the state's best programs as coach Craig Haase had guided Arrowhead to a combined 54-6 record with a pair of runner-up finishes in the WIAA Division 1 State Tournament the past two seasons. Now in his 25th season as head coach at Arrowhead, Haase has one of the league's most improved players in senior forward AJ Ohrmundt AJ Ohrmundt 6'8" | PF/SF Arrowhead | 2025 State WI (6-7, 8.0 ppg, 4.4 rpg). Ohrumundt is the lone returning starter, but sophomores Trey Resch Trey Resch 6'2" | CG/PG Arrowhead | 2027 State WI (6-1, 8 ppg) and Blake Basich Blake Basich 5'10" | PG Arrowhead | 2027 State WI (5-10, 5 ppg) both played big minutes off the bench as freshmen and rank among the better class of 2027 prospects in the state. Seniors Tristan Marvelli (6-1), John Kubisch (6-2) and Mason Waterfield (6-2) also return while newcomers from a 20-2 JV1 squad also figure to contend for playing time.

3. Mukwonago -- Mukwonago returns more experience than any other team in the Classic Eight and boasts a very strong and deep senior class. Back from last year's starting rotation are seniors Caleb Poling (6-5, 15.1 ppg, 7.5 rpg), Peyton Pollnow Peyton Pollnow 6'1" | CG Mukwonago | 2025 State WI (6-1, 10.8 ppg, 2.9 rpg), Josh Hayden (6-3, 9.7 ppg, 4.3 rpg) and Jack Karrels (5-10, 5.7 ppg, 3.1 rpg). That group helped the Indians to an 11-14 record. Coach Steve Pollnow also welcomes back seniors Jake Brunsch Jake Brunsch 6'3" | SG Mukwonago | 2025 WI (6-3, 5.3 ppg, 2.4 rpg) and Tanner Buth (5-10, 2.5 ppg) along with juniors Luka Tess Luka Tess 6'5" | PF Mukwonago | 2026 State WI (6-5, 4.9 ppg, 5.1 rpg) and Carson Greuel (6-4, 4.8 ppg, 2.9 rpg). Overall size, depth and balanced scoring are all assets.

4. Oconomowoc -- A deep senior class figures to help Oconomowoc finish in the upper half of the Classic Eight. Seniors Santino Conigliaro (5-10, 9.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg), Kashton Allen Kashton Allen 6'4" | SF Oconomowoc | 2025 State WI (6-4, 11.8 ppg, 3.9 rpg) and Ben Jimenez (6-3, 5.3 ppg, 2.7 rpg) started on last year's 14-11 squad. Conigilaro is a four-year varsity performer and one of the best defenders in the league while Allen figures to be the best offensive option for the Coons. Seniors Colton Boldt (6-7), Birch Gunja Birch Gunja 6'6" | PF Oconomowoc | 2025 WI (6-6), Ethan Scheltz (5-10) and Markus Duddeck (6-5) will contend for starting roles as coach Jay Benish has a hard-working team with good quickness.

5. Catholic Memorial -- Despite the loss of two strong performers in Sean Ladwig (6-3, 15.4 ppg, now playing at La Crosse) and John Giricz (6-1, 8.0 ppg, now running cross country at St. Louis), Catholic Memorial returns a wealth of experience and a solid blend of young talent and senior physicality. Sophomores Dusty Roach Dusty Roach 6'3" | CG Catholic Memorial | 2027 State WI (6-3, 10.1 ppg, 7.2 rpg) and Jackson Albee Jackson Albee 6'0" | PG Catholic Memorial | 2027 State WI (6-0, 3.0 ppg) are promising young players while seniorsJake Berkholtz (6-5, 9.1 ppg, 5.0 rpg) and Evan Kaye (6-4, 4.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg) provide some size and strength near the basket. Junior sharpshooter Jake Pfister Jake Pfister 6'1" | SG Catholic Memorial | 2026 State WI (6-1, 7.7 ppg) also returns for the Crusaders.

6. Waukesha South -- The Blackshirts have a deep roster with plenty of quickness and scoring ability. Starters back from a 10-16 squad include the talented senior trio of Yovani Perea Yovani Perea 6'5" | SF Waukesha South | 2025 State WI (6-4, 13 ppg, 6 rpg), Zayus Dewalt Zayus Dewalt 5'10" | PG Waukesha South | 2025 WI (5-11, 11 ppg, 3 rpg) and Max Henes (6-3, 6 ppg, 4 rpg). Seniors Joey Kost (6-1), Morgan Swartz (6-1) and Tyson Tiegs (6-6) along with sophomores Jordan Garcia Jordan Garcia 6'0" | PG Waukesha South | 2027 State WI (6-0) and Keegan DeGeorge (5-11) will contend for starting spots.

7. Muskego -- Muskego normally ranks among the elite in the Classic Eight as coach Kam Cerroni has built a strong program at a school best-known for its stellar football program. But the loss of so many key players from last year's 19-6 squad will be a big hurdle to overcome in 2024-25. Still, the Warriors have three solid senior guards back in Devin Schroeder (5-11, 4.0 ppg, 2.2 rpg), Jack Serkowski (5-11) and Luke Steinhoff (5-11). Muskego also figures to get plenty of help from players on last year's JV1 and JV2 tems that went a combined 38-6.

8. Waukesha West -- Paced by the return of the league's top scorer in junior wing Tyler Evenson Tyler Evenson 6'4" | SG/CG Waukesha West | 2026 State WI (6-3, 15.5 ppg, 2.7 rpg), the Wolverines look to avoid finishing in the cellar for the second straight season. Evenson can score in different ways and definitely is one of the more dynamic players in the Classic Eight. Joining Evenson as a returning starter is vastly improved senior forward Aiden Owusu Asiedu Aiden Owusu Asiedu 6'6" | PF Waukesha West | 2026 State WI (6-6, 9.2 ppg, 7.5 rpg). Coach Don LaValle will need to round out Waukesha West's rotation with largely untested players at the varsity level, but there is talent among that large group of prospects.

9. Waukesha North -- The Northstars won nine of 25 games last winter after winning a combined five games in the two previous seasons. Four starters have graduated, leaving coach Brandon Redman with plenty of holes to fill. Senior guard Cooper Haas (5-10, 8.3 ppg) and junior forward Henry Koopmeiner (6-4, 3.4 ppg) are the top returning players for Waukesha North.

Top Returning Scorers

Tyler Evenson Tyler Evenson 6'4" | SG/CG Waukesha West | 2026 State WI , Waukesha West (15.5 ppg)
Caleb Poling, Mukwonago (15.1 ppg)
Kashton Allen Kashton Allen 6'4" | SF Oconomowoc | 2025 State WI , Oconomowoc (11.8 ppg)
Roman Thompson, Kettle Moraine (11.7 ppg)
Zayus Dewalt Zayus Dewalt 5'10" | PG Waukesha South | 2025 WI , Waukesha South (11.0 ppg)
Peyton Pollnow Peyton Pollnow 6'1" | CG Mukwonago | 2025 State WI , Mukwonago (10.8 ppg)
Dusty Roach Dusty Roach 6'3" | CG Catholic Memorial | 2027 State WI , Catholic Memorial (10.1 ppg)

Projected All-Conference Teams
First Team
AJ Ohrmundt AJ Ohrmundt 6'8" | PF/SF Arrowhead | 2025 State WI , 6-7, Sr., Arrowhead
Trey Resch Trey Resch 6'2" | CG/PG Arrowhead | 2027 State WI , 6-1, Soph., Arrowhead
Roman Thompson, 6-4, Sr., Kettle Moraine
Caleb Poling, 6-5, Sr., Mukwonago
Kashton Allen Kashton Allen 6'4" | SF Oconomowoc | 2025 State WI , 6-4, Sr., Oconomowoc

Second Team
Dusty Roach Dusty Roach 6'3" | CG Catholic Memorial | 2027 State WI , 6-3, Soph., Catholic Memorial
Zach Froemming Zach Froemming 6'4" | PF/SF Kettle Moraine | 2025 State WI , 6-4, Sr., Kettle Moraine
Peyton Pollnow Peyton Pollnow 6'1" | CG Mukwonago | 2025 State WI , 6-1, Sr., Mukwonago
Yovani Perea Yovani Perea 6'5" | SF Waukesha South | 2025 State WI , 6-4, Sr., Waukesha South
Tyler Evenson Tyler Evenson 6'4" | SG/CG Waukesha West | 2026 State WI , 6-3, Jr., Waukesha West

The Big Five

Best Shooter: Ben Bestor Ben Bestor 6'1" | SG Kettle Moraine | 2025 State WI , Kettle Moraine
Best Rebounder: Caleb Poling, Mukwonago
Best Defender: Trey Resch Trey Resch 6'2" | CG/PG Arrowhead | 2027 State WI , Arrowhead
Best Collegiate Prospect: Trey Resch Trey Resch 6'2" | CG/PG Arrowhead | 2027 State WI , Arrowhead
Most Improved Player: AJ Ohrmundt AJ Ohrmundt 6'8" | PF/SF Arrowhead | 2025 State WI , Arrowhead