Eastern Wisconsin Preview

2023-24 Final Standings 1. Kiel 14-0 (28-1); 2. Brillion 12-2 (21-5); 3. Valders 9-5 (13-13); 4. Roncalli 6-8 (15-13); 5. Two Rivers 5-9 (11-15); 5. Sheboygan Falls 5-9 (9-17); 7. Chilton 3-11 (10-15); 8. New Holstein 2-12 (5-20). 2024-25 Picks 1. Roncalli -- After winning legue championships in 2020-21 and 2021-22, the Jets slipped to 6-8 league finishes in each of the past two season. Roncalli appears to perhaps have its title form back in 2024-25 as five starters and a key reserve as back from last year's 15-13 squad. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2625360' first='Matthew' last='Bonin'] (6-1, 14.4 ppg, 3.7 rpg) and [player_tooltip player_id='2548143' first='Landon' last='Chalupny'] (6-1, 10.4 ppg, 4.3 rpg) along with juniors [player_tooltip player_id='1561958' first='Donovan' last='Cowley'] (6-3, 15.2 ppg, 7.6 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2420137' first='Dominik' last='Frozena'] (6-6, 8.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg) and Aiden Jergenson (5-10, 2.3 ppg) are returning starters for coach Josh Erickson. Cowley is one of the better players in eastern Wisconsin in the 2026 class and can do a bit of everything while Frozena is an improving big man with skill and mobility. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2416199' first='Maddix' last='Gulseth'] (6-0, 5.8 ppg) also returns for the Jets, who won the 2022 WIAA Division 4 state crown. 2. Kiel -- Last time we saw Kiel, the Raiders endured a heart-wrenching loss to Lakeside Lutheran in the semifinals of the WIAA Division 3 State Tournament. Lakeside Lutheran's Kayce Guzman found sliver of a hole to the basket and banked in a contested layup with two seconds left to give the Warriors a 57-55 victory and end Kiel's season at 28-1. Four starters from that contest have graduated for Kiel with Piere Arenz (5-10, 19.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg) now playing at Wisconsin Lutheran College and Grant Manz (6-6, 16.8 ppg, 13.1 rpg) now playing at UW-Stevens Point. The lone holdover for the Raiders and coach Marcus Rumpff is versatile senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1598947' first='Braden' last='Aprill'] (6-2, 9.0 ppg, 2.8 rpg). Aprill and seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2538789' first='Cade' last='Voelker'] (6-0, 4.6 ppg, 2.6 rpg), Braden Ramminger (5-10, 2.3 ppg) and Hunter Pitzen (6-0, 2.2 ppg) form the nucleus for this year's squad, which may not win 28 games but will still be a tough out in the Eastern Wisconsin. 3. Brillion -- The Lions will play at the WIAA Division 2 level due to the adoption of the recent success formula. Brillion's success of the past may not translate to this year, though. Just one starter is back from a 21-5 squad in point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1446440' first='Owen' last='Krepline'] (5-11, 10.2 ppg, 2.9 rpg). Krepline is the lone player returning who saw substantial playing time last season, although junior Heath Cousin (5-11, 2.6 ppg) could emerge as a solid backcourt performer alongside Krepline. Lack of experience and size are obstacles Brillion must overcome under veteran coach Chad Shimek. 4. Valders -- Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2403509' first='William' last='Sieracki'] (6-1, 17.9 ppg, 5.2 rpg) is a returning first-team all-league performer and a solid all-around player who figures to be in the running for Player of the Year honors in the league. Sieracki's experience, skill and basketball IQ will be huge assets for Valders, which went 13-13 under coach Trevor Schwoerer a year ago. Joining Sieracki as returning regulars are senior guards [player_tooltip player_id='2625356' first='Lucas' last='Spindler'] (5-9, 11.2 ppg, 2.9 rpg) and Austin Fisher (5-10, 2.6 ppg, 2.2 rpg). Sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='2509479' first='Mason' last='Staudinger'] (6-3, 5.2 ppg, 4.0 rpg) and Carson Wasmer (5-10, 4.2 ppg) will contend for starting roles after playing off the bench as freshmen. 5. Two Rivers -- Coach Brett Linzmeier can boast of the best one-two backcourt scoring punch in the league with the return of skilled senior guards [player_tooltip player_id='2625352' first='Carson' last='Kadow'] (6-0, 19.2 ppg, 5.9 rpg) and [player_tooltip player_id='2625354' first='Eli' last='Gallagher'] (6-0, 15.8 ppg, 5.6 rpg). If the Raiders can find a few players to compliment the scoring output of Kadow and Gallagther, the Raiders could be the surprise team in the league. Seniors Bergen Schmid (6-0, 5.2 ppg, 2.5 rpg), Alex Johnson (5-10, 2.2 ppg) and Joseph Johnson (6-0) also return for Two Rivers, which must somehow overcome a severe lack of size. 6. Chilton -- Now in his 17th season as the head coach at Chilton, Corey Behnke has three starters back from a year ago in seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2625365' first='Bennett' last='Woelfel'] (5-10, 12 ppg, 5 rpg), Ben Wilson (6-4, 7 ppg, 6 rpg) and Peyton Juckem (6-0, 2 ppg, 2 rpg). Senior Mike Vanden Heuvel (5-11, 3 ppg, 2 rpg) and juniors Mason Pagel (5-11, 15 ppg, 4 rpg) and Wyatt Gregory (6-0, 12 ppg, 6 rpg) also could play key roles for the Tigers. 7. New Holstein -- The Huskies look to increase their win total in league play behind the return of three senior starters from a 5-20 squad in [player_tooltip player_id='2625363' first='Caiden' last='Baltz'] (6-5, 9.7 ppg, 10.1 rpg), Trent Roehrig (6-0, 8.9 ppg, 4.1 rpg) and Mason Schmitz (5-11, 4.8 ppg, 2.0 rpg). Those three should get some help from classmates Ben Schroeder (5-8) and Erick Burns (5-10). Schroeder missed most of last season with an injury. Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='2614867' first='Owen' last='Birschbach'] (6-5) also could work his way into coach Dale Forstner's playing rotation. 8. Sheboygan Falls -- There are no bad teams in the Eastern Wisconsin so Sheboygan Falls most certainly could escape the cellar and finish a few notches above projection. Second-year coach Chris Korff will rely on the leadership and experience of his two returning starters, seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2625367' first='Carter' last='Korff'] (5-11, 10.8 ppg, 4.7 rpg) and Sam Scheibl (5-11, 8.5 ppg, 2.9 rpg). Backcourt play will be an asset for the Falcons as seniors Ben Gordon (5-10, 2.3 ppg) and Evan Behling (5-10, 2.4 ppg) also figure to play important roles. Lack of size and defending the post are areas of concern. Top Returning Scorers [player_tooltip player_id='2625352' first='Carson' last='Kadow'], Two Rivers (19.2 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2403509' first='William' last='Sieracki'], Valders (17.9 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2625354' first='Eli' last='Gallagher'], Two Rivers (15.8 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='1561958' first='Donovan' last='Cowley'], Roncalli (15.2 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2625360' first='Matthew' last='Bonin'], Roncalli (14.4 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2625365' first='Bennett' last='Woelfel'], Chilton (12.0 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2625356' first='Lucas' last='Spindler'], Valders (11.2 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2625367' first='Carter' last='Korff'], Sheboygan Falls (10.8 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2548143' first='Landon' last='Chalupny'], Roncalli (10.4 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='1446440' first='Owen' last='Krepline'], Brillion (10.2 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2625363' first='Caiden' last='Baltz'], New Holstein (9.7 ppg) Projected All-Conference Teams First Team [player_tooltip player_id='1446440' first='Owen' last='Krepline'], 5-11, Sr., Brillion [player_tooltip player_id='1598947' first='Braden' last='Aprill'], 6-2, Sr., Kiel [player_tooltip player_id='1561958' first='Donovan' last='Cowley'], 6-3, Jr., Roncalli [player_tooltip player_id='2625352' first='Carson' last='Kadow'], 6-0, Sr., Two Rivers [player_tooltip player_id='2403509' first='William' last='Sieracki'], 6-1, Sr., Valders Second Team [player_tooltip player_id='2625365' first='Bennett' last='Woelfel'], 5-10, Sr., Chilton [player_tooltip player_id='2625363' first='Caiden' last='Baltz'], 6-5, Sr., New Holstein [player_tooltip player_id='2625360' first='Matthew' last='Bonin'], 6-1, Sr., Roncalli [player_tooltip player_id='2420137' first='Dominik' last='Frozena'], 6-6, Jr., Roncalli [player_tooltip player_id='2625354' first='Eli' last='Gallagher'], 6-0, Sr., Two Rivers The Big Five Best Shooter: [player_tooltip player_id='2625360' first='Matthew' last='Bonin'], Roncalli Best Rebounder: [player_tooltip player_id='2625363' first='Caiden' last='Baltz'], New Holstein Best Defender: [player_tooltip player_id='2625352' first='Carson' last='Kadow'], Two Rivers Best Collegiate Prospect: [player_tooltip player_id='1561958' first='Donovan' last='Cowley'], Roncalli Most Improved Player: [player_tooltip player_id='2420137' first='Dominik' last='Frozena'], Roncalli

2023-24 Final Standings

1. Kiel 14-0 (28-1); 2. Brillion 12-2 (21-5); 3. Valders 9-5 (13-13); 4. Roncalli 6-8 (15-13); 5. Two Rivers 5-9 (11-15); 5. Sheboygan Falls 5-9 (9-17); 7. Chilton 3-11 (10-15); 8. New Holstein 2-12 (5-20).

2024-25 Picks

1. Roncalli -- After winning legue championships in 2020-21 and 2021-22, the Jets slipped to 6-8 league finishes in each of the past two season. Roncalli appears to perhaps have its title form back in 2024-25 as five starters and a key reserve as back from last year's 15-13 squad. Seniors Matthew Bonin Matthew Bonin 6'1" | SG Roncalli | 2025 State WI (6-1, 14.4 ppg, 3.7 rpg) and Landon Chalupny Landon Chalupny 6'1" | SG Roncalli | 2025 State WI (6-1, 10.4 ppg, 4.3 rpg) along with juniors Donovan Cowley Donovan Cowley 6'2" | CG Manitowoc Roncalli | 2026 State WI (6-3, 15.2 ppg, 7.6 rpg), Dominik Frozena Dominik Frozena 6'5" | SF Roncalli | 2026 State WI (6-6, 8.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg) and Aiden Jergenson (5-10, 2.3 ppg) are returning starters for coach Josh Erickson. Cowley is one of the better players in eastern Wisconsin in the 2026 class and can do a bit of everything while Frozena is an improving big man with skill and mobility. Sophomore Maddix Gulseth Maddix Gulseth 6'2" | SG/PG Roncalli | 2027 State WI (6-0, 5.8 ppg) also returns for the Jets, who won the 2022 WIAA Division 4 state crown.

2. Kiel -- Last time we saw Kiel, the Raiders endured a heart-wrenching loss to Lakeside Lutheran in the semifinals of the WIAA Division 3 State Tournament. Lakeside Lutheran's Kayce Guzman found sliver of a hole to the basket and banked in a contested layup with two seconds left to give the Warriors a 57-55 victory and end Kiel's season at 28-1. Four starters from that contest have graduated for Kiel with Piere Arenz (5-10, 19.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg) now playing at Wisconsin Lutheran College and Grant Manz (6-6, 16.8 ppg, 13.1 rpg) now playing at UW-Stevens Point. The lone holdover for the Raiders and coach Marcus Rumpff is versatile senior guard Braden Aprill Braden Aprill 6'3" | SG Kiel | 2025 State WI (6-2, 9.0 ppg, 2.8 rpg). Aprill and seniors Cade Voelker Cade Voelker 6'0" | PG Kiel | 2025 WI (6-0, 4.6 ppg, 2.6 rpg), Braden Ramminger (5-10, 2.3 ppg) and Hunter Pitzen (6-0, 2.2 ppg) form the nucleus for this year's squad, which may not win 28 games but will still be a tough out in the Eastern Wisconsin.

3. Brillion -- The Lions will play at the WIAA Division 2 level due to the adoption of the recent success formula. Brillion's success of the past may not translate to this year, though. Just one starter is back from a 21-5 squad in point guard Owen Krepline Owen Krepline 6'0" | PG Brillion | 2025 State WI (5-11, 10.2 ppg, 2.9 rpg). Krepline is the lone player returning who saw substantial playing time last season, although junior Heath Cousin (5-11, 2.6 ppg) could emerge as a solid backcourt performer alongside Krepline. Lack of experience and size are obstacles Brillion must overcome under veteran coach Chad Shimek.

4. Valders -- Senior guard William Sieracki William Sieracki 6'1" | PG Valders | 2025 State WI (6-1, 17.9 ppg, 5.2 rpg) is a returning first-team all-league performer and a solid all-around player who figures to be in the running for Player of the Year honors in the league. Sieracki's experience, skill and basketball IQ will be huge assets for Valders, which went 13-13 under coach Trevor Schwoerer a year ago. Joining Sieracki as returning regulars are senior guards Lucas Spindler Lucas Spindler 5'9" | PG Valders | 2025 WI (5-9, 11.2 ppg, 2.9 rpg) and Austin Fisher (5-10, 2.6 ppg, 2.2 rpg). Sophomores Mason Staudinger Mason Staudinger 6'3" | SG/SF Valders | 2027 State WI (6-3, 5.2 ppg, 4.0 rpg) and Carson Wasmer (5-10, 4.2 ppg) will contend for starting roles after playing off the bench as freshmen.

5. Two Rivers -- Coach Brett Linzmeier can boast of the best one-two backcourt scoring punch in the league with the return of skilled senior guards Carson Kadow Carson Kadow 6'0" | CG Two Rivers | 2025 WI (6-0, 19.2 ppg, 5.9 rpg) and Eli Gallagher Eli Gallagher 6'0" | CG Two Rivers | 2025 WI (6-0, 15.8 ppg, 5.6 rpg). If the Raiders can find a few players to compliment the scoring output of Kadow and Gallagther, the Raiders could be the surprise team in the league. Seniors Bergen Schmid (6-0, 5.2 ppg, 2.5 rpg), Alex Johnson (5-10, 2.2 ppg) and Joseph Johnson (6-0) also return for Two Rivers, which must somehow overcome a severe lack of size.

6. Chilton -- Now in his 17th season as the head coach at Chilton, Corey Behnke has three starters back from a year ago in seniors Bennett Woelfel Bennett Woelfel 5'10" | CG Chilton | 2025 WI (5-10, 12 ppg, 5 rpg), Ben Wilson (6-4, 7 ppg, 6 rpg) and Peyton Juckem (6-0, 2 ppg, 2 rpg). Senior Mike Vanden Heuvel (5-11, 3 ppg, 2 rpg) and juniors Mason Pagel (5-11, 15 ppg, 4 rpg) and Wyatt Gregory (6-0, 12 ppg, 6 rpg) also could play key roles for the Tigers.

7. New Holstein -- The Huskies look to increase their win total in league play behind the return of three senior starters from a 5-20 squad in Caiden Baltz Caiden Baltz 6'5" | PF New Holstein | 2025 WI (6-5, 9.7 ppg, 10.1 rpg), Trent Roehrig (6-0, 8.9 ppg, 4.1 rpg) and Mason Schmitz (5-11, 4.8 ppg, 2.0 rpg). Those three should get some help from classmates Ben Schroeder (5-8) and Erick Burns (5-10). Schroeder missed most of last season with an injury. Freshman Owen Birschbach Owen Birschbach 6'5" | PF/SF New Holstein | 2028 State WI (6-5) also could work his way into coach Dale Forstner's playing rotation.

8. Sheboygan Falls -- There are no bad teams in the Eastern Wisconsin so Sheboygan Falls most certainly could escape the cellar and finish a few notches above projection. Second-year coach Chris Korff will rely on the leadership and experience of his two returning starters, seniors Carter Korff Carter Korff 5'11" | CG Sheboygan Falls | 2025 WI (5-11, 10.8 ppg, 4.7 rpg) and Sam Scheibl (5-11, 8.5 ppg, 2.9 rpg). Backcourt play will be an asset for the Falcons as seniors Ben Gordon (5-10, 2.3 ppg) and Evan Behling (5-10, 2.4 ppg) also figure to play important roles. Lack of size and defending the post are areas of concern.

Top Returning Scorers

Carson Kadow Carson Kadow 6'0" | CG Two Rivers | 2025 WI , Two Rivers (19.2 ppg)
William Sieracki William Sieracki 6'1" | PG Valders | 2025 State WI , Valders (17.9 ppg)
Eli Gallagher Eli Gallagher 6'0" | CG Two Rivers | 2025 WI , Two Rivers (15.8 ppg)
Donovan Cowley Donovan Cowley 6'2" | CG Manitowoc Roncalli | 2026 State WI , Roncalli (15.2 ppg)
Matthew Bonin Matthew Bonin 6'1" | SG Roncalli | 2025 State WI , Roncalli (14.4 ppg)
Bennett Woelfel Bennett Woelfel 5'10" | CG Chilton | 2025 WI , Chilton (12.0 ppg)
Lucas Spindler Lucas Spindler 5'9" | PG Valders | 2025 WI , Valders (11.2 ppg)
Carter Korff Carter Korff 5'11" | CG Sheboygan Falls | 2025 WI , Sheboygan Falls (10.8 ppg)
Landon Chalupny Landon Chalupny 6'1" | SG Roncalli | 2025 State WI , Roncalli (10.4 ppg)
Owen Krepline Owen Krepline 6'0" | PG Brillion | 2025 State WI , Brillion (10.2 ppg)
Caiden Baltz Caiden Baltz 6'5" | PF New Holstein | 2025 WI , New Holstein (9.7 ppg)

Projected All-Conference Teams
First Team
Owen Krepline Owen Krepline 6'0" | PG Brillion | 2025 State WI , 5-11, Sr., Brillion
Braden Aprill Braden Aprill 6'3" | SG Kiel | 2025 State WI , 6-2, Sr., Kiel
Donovan Cowley Donovan Cowley 6'2" | CG Manitowoc Roncalli | 2026 State WI , 6-3, Jr., Roncalli
Carson Kadow Carson Kadow 6'0" | CG Two Rivers | 2025 WI , 6-0, Sr., Two Rivers
William Sieracki William Sieracki 6'1" | PG Valders | 2025 State WI , 6-1, Sr., Valders

Second Team
Bennett Woelfel Bennett Woelfel 5'10" | CG Chilton | 2025 WI , 5-10, Sr., Chilton
Caiden Baltz Caiden Baltz 6'5" | PF New Holstein | 2025 WI , 6-5, Sr., New Holstein
Matthew Bonin Matthew Bonin 6'1" | SG Roncalli | 2025 State WI , 6-1, Sr., Roncalli
Dominik Frozena Dominik Frozena 6'5" | SF Roncalli | 2026 State WI , 6-6, Jr., Roncalli
Eli Gallagher Eli Gallagher 6'0" | CG Two Rivers | 2025 WI , 6-0, Sr., Two Rivers

The Big Five

Best Shooter: Matthew Bonin Matthew Bonin 6'1" | SG Roncalli | 2025 State WI , Roncalli
Best Rebounder: Caiden Baltz Caiden Baltz 6'5" | PF New Holstein | 2025 WI , New Holstein
Best Defender: Carson Kadow Carson Kadow 6'0" | CG Two Rivers | 2025 WI , Two Rivers
Best Collegiate Prospect: Donovan Cowley Donovan Cowley 6'2" | CG Manitowoc Roncalli | 2026 State WI , Roncalli
Most Improved Player: Dominik Frozena Dominik Frozena 6'5" | SF Roncalli | 2026 State WI , Roncalli