Independents Preview

2023-24 Final Records Holy Redeemer 13-9 Milwaukee Academy of Science 18-8 Saint Ambrose Academy 7-17 Saint Lawrence Seminary 8-12 St. Augustine Prep 17-8 Stockbridge 2-22 Superior 18-7 Team Previews Holy Redeemer -- Formerly known as Young Coggs Prep, Holy Redeemer has a new coach and he's a familiar name. Former Milwaukee Custer, Milwaukee Washington and Shorewood coach Marc Mitchell takes over the program and hopes to help the school return to its former glory days as the school won the WIAA Division 5 state title in 2014-15. Top returning players include seniors Trejaun Carrington (6-0) and Leonard Ross Jr. (6-2) along with junior Brendon Williams (6-1). Sophomores Tracey Cooks (5-11) and Damin Strong (5-11) along with freshman [player_tooltip player_id='2614856' first='Lerell' last='Ross'] (6-3) also could be factors for Holy Redeemer. Milwaukee Academy of Science -- A definite threat to beat any team in the state, regardless of division, Academy of Science is the preseason pick to win the WIAA Division 3 state title next March. Coach Agape Keys' lineup is loaded with experience, size, length, quickness and talent. Senior Jmarion Batemon (6-3, 21.4 ppg, 4.2 rpg, committed to Iowa State) is the top returning player and one of the elite backcourt players in the state. Batemon is a streaky perimeter shooter who can bang multiple threes in any given game, but he's also a demon on defense and is unselfish with the ball in his hands. Keys' son, [player_tooltip player_id='1390442' first='Agape' last='Keys Jr.'], is a four-year varsity performer who can hit perimeter shots, score in transition and get to the basket. Keys Jr. (6-3, 11.6 ppg) is uncommitted at this point, but is getting plenty of interest from scholarship programs. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1481181' first='Amare' last='Jackson'] (6-4, 8.4 ppg, 3.5 rpg) is an extremely competitive backcourt prospect who defends as well as any other player on the team. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='1501903' first='Deuce' last='Burkes'] Jr. (6-3, 8.1 ppg, 4.0 rpg) is the fourth returning starters for Academy of Science and is a player who can score with his physical strength and with his skill. Batemon's younger brother, [player_tooltip player_id='2045302' first='Jamir' last='Batemon'] (5-11, 6.2 ppg, 2.0 rpg) also returns and provides outstanding depth at the guard positions. Up front, look for vastly improved [player_tooltip player_id='2487652' first='D'Anthony' last='Brown'] (6-7, 1.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg) and [player_tooltip player_id='2505436' first='Mesiyah' last='Ashley'] (6-7, 2.4 ppg, 3.0 rpg) to make big impacts. Depth is a huge asset as senior Michael Harris (6-4, 2.1 ppg, 2.5 rpg), juniors [player_tooltip player_id='2836419' first='Cameron' last='Pugh'] (6-7) and Bryan Epps (5-4), and freshmen [player_tooltip player_id='2614854' first='Tylen' last='Kingsby'] (6-5) also figure to contribute. Hortonville transfer [player_tooltip player_id='2140923' first='Gavin' last='Valeri'] (6-3), who played on the Polar Bears' varsity squad as a freshman last year, should also factor into the rotation for the Novas. Saint Ambrose Academy -- After competing with Abundant Life Christian as a coop program for years, Saint Ambrose went on its own for the first time at the varsity level last winter and finished 7-17 under coach Chris Zwettler. The Guardians played very much like Zwettler's Edgewood teams as they moved the ball, scored in the paint and from the perimeter and defended at a good level. Two starters return in senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='2628161' first='Anthony' last='Lyons'] (6-3, 12.7 ppg, 8.5 rpg) and senior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2628165' first='Jacob' last='Sturm'] (5-11, 8.1 ppg, 2.7 rpg). Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2628169' first='Michael' last='Schmiesing'] (6-1, 4.5 ppg) and sneior Calvin Gonnering (6-1) also could play big roles while newcomers David Simon (5-9), [player_tooltip player_id='2614857' first='Brecken' last='Eisle'] (6-1) and Damien Hebert (6-2) could also factor into Zwettler's playing rotation. Saint Lawrence Seminary -- Like the other boarding schools in Wisconsin, Saint Lawrence plays a first semester and second semester schedule with lots of time off as students return home over the Christmas break. So continuity is always a concern. Coach Quan Nguyen has one starter back from an 8-12 squad in junior [player_tooltip player_id='2628157' first='Ugo' last='Osuala'] (6-0, 9.2 ppg, 6.0 rpg). He led the team in rebounding and finished second in scoring in 2023-24. Also returning for the Hilltoppers are seniors Alexander Biju (5-9), Said Villa (5-8) and Salvador Gonzalez (5-9) along with juniors Emmanuel Esson (5-9) and William King (6-1). St. Augustine Prep -- Coach Reid Koenen's program played in the Lake City Conference last winter, but opted to go the independent route in 2024-25. St. Augustine will take on some very good programs with games slated against Racine St. Catherine's, The Prairie School, Shoreland Lutheran, Pius XI Catholic, Madison Memorial, Dominican, Kenosha St. Joseph and Oak Creek, among others. The ambitious schedule for the relatively new program will be a challenge, but the Lions have some talented players to compete with in senior Deundra Lathan Jr. (6-2, 9.4 ppg, 7.3 rpg) along with sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='2140994' first='Zamari' last='Whitmore'] (6-0, 22.5 ppg, 4.2 rpg) and [player_tooltip player_id='2553904' first='Jcobi' last='Mathis'] (5-11, 22.6 ppg, 3.2 rpg). Whitmore and Mathis rank among the better class of 2027 prospects in Wisconsin and comprise an expolosive backcourt. Senior Jose Ortiz (6-0, 9.9 ppg, 6.9 rpg) and sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='2408410' first='Chance' last='Ormond'] (6-2, 4.9 ppg, 4.0 rpg) and [player_tooltip player_id='2417333' first='Jamerion' last='Coleman'] (5-7, 3.9 ppg, 2.4 rpg) also figure to be key contributors. Stockbridge -- Fourth-year coach Chris Moehn is hoping Stockbridge can find some scoring punch this winter after the Indians went just 2-22 a year ago. The healthy return of senior Cooper Fredrickson (6-4, 5.6 ppg, 10.2 rpg) is paramount to Stockbridge's chances for success as he missed 12 games last year with an injury. Fredrickson, junior Hunter Hostettler (5-10, 5.3 ppg, 2.2 rpg) and sophomore Owen Olson (5-9, 5.0 ppg, 3.2 rpg) are returning starters. Superior -- The Spartans compete in the Lake Superior Conference against Minnesota opponents, but coach Kory Deadrick's squad also plays a large portion of their schedule against non-league opponents from Wisconsin. A strong junior class that includes three-year varsity performers [player_tooltip player_id='2045262' first='Calvin' last='Anderson'] (6-6, 16.7 ppg, 7.3 rpg) and [player_tooltip player_id='2432824' first='Drew' last='Eisel'] (6-4, 7.7 ppg, 5.7 rpg) should carry Superior to another winning season after finishing 18-7 last season. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='2860533' first='Landon' last='Anrig'] (6-2, 2.3 ppg) joined Anderson and Eisel in the starting rotation while senior Isaac Peterson (6-3, 6.1 ppg) was a key reserve. Replacing the graduated Tre Sanigar (6-2, 19.7 ppg, 4.7 rpg), who scored more than 1,100 career points, will be a challenge early for Superior. Top Returning Scorers [player_tooltip player_id='2553904' first='Jcobi' last='Mathis'], St. Augustine Prep (22.6 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2140994' first='Zamari' last='Whitmore'], St. Augustine Prep (22.5 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='1447228' first='Jamarion' last='Batemon'], Academy of Science (21.4 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2045262' first='Calvin' last='Anderson'], Superior (16.7 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2628161' first='Anthony' last='Lyons'], Saint Ambrose Academy (12.7 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='1390442' first='Agape' last='Keys Jr.'], Academy of Science (11.6 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2628157' first='Ugo' last='Osuala'], Saint Lawrence Seminary (9.2 ppg) The Big Five Best Shooter: [player_tooltip player_id='1447228' first='Jamarion' last='Batemon'], Academy of Science Best Defender: [player_tooltip player_id='1481181' first='Amare' last='Jackson'], Academy of Science Best Rebounder: [player_tooltip player_id='2045262' first='Calvin' last='Anderson'], Superior Best Collegiate Prospect: [player_tooltip player_id='1447228' first='Jamarion' last='Batemon'], Academy of Science Most Improved Player: [player_tooltip player_id='2487652' first='D'Anthony' last='Brown'], Academy of Science

2023-24 Final Records

Holy Redeemer 13-9
Milwaukee Academy of Science 18-8
Saint Ambrose Academy 7-17
Saint Lawrence Seminary 8-12
St. Augustine Prep 17-8
Stockbridge 2-22
Superior 18-7

Team Previews

Holy Redeemer -- Formerly known as Young Coggs Prep, Holy Redeemer has a new coach and he's a familiar name. Former Milwaukee Custer, Milwaukee Washington and Shorewood coach Marc Mitchell takes over the program and hopes to help the school return to its former glory days as the school won the WIAA Division 5 state title in 2014-15. Top returning players include seniors Trejaun Carrington (6-0) and Leonard Ross Jr. (6-2) along with junior Brendon Williams (6-1). Sophomores Tracey Cooks (5-11) and Damin Strong (5-11) along with freshman Lerell Ross Lerell Ross 6'3" | SF Holy Redeemer | 2028 WI (6-3) also could be factors for Holy Redeemer.

Milwaukee Academy of Science -- A definite threat to beat any team in the state, regardless of division, Academy of Science is the preseason pick to win the WIAA Division 3 state title next March. Coach Agape Keys' lineup is loaded with experience, size, length, quickness and talent. Senior Jmarion Batemon (6-3, 21.4 ppg, 4.2 rpg, committed to Iowa State) is the top returning player and one of the elite backcourt players in the state. Batemon is a streaky perimeter shooter who can bang multiple threes in any given game, but he's also a demon on defense and is unselfish with the ball in his hands. Keys' son, Agape Keys Jr. Agape Keys Jr. 6'3" | CG Milwaukee Academy of Science | 2025 State WI , is a four-year varsity performer who can hit perimeter shots, score in transition and get to the basket. Keys Jr. (6-3, 11.6 ppg) is uncommitted at this point, but is getting plenty of interest from scholarship programs. Senior Amare Jackson Amare Jackson 6'4" | SF Milwaukee Academy of Science | 2025 State WI (6-4, 8.4 ppg, 3.5 rpg) is an extremely competitive backcourt prospect who defends as well as any other player on the team. Junior Deuce Burkes Deuce Burkes 6'2" | CG Milwaukee Academy of Science | 2026 State WI Jr. (6-3, 8.1 ppg, 4.0 rpg) is the fourth returning starters for Academy of Science and is a player who can score with his physical strength and with his skill. Batemon's younger brother, Jamir Batemon Jamir Batemon 5'10" | PG Milwaukee Academy of Science | 2026 State WI (5-11, 6.2 ppg, 2.0 rpg) also returns and provides outstanding depth at the guard positions. Up front, look for vastly improved (6-7, 1.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg) and Mesiyah Ashley Mesiyah Ashley 6'6" | PF Milwaukee Academy of Science | 2025 WI (6-7, 2.4 ppg, 3.0 rpg) to make big impacts. Depth is a huge asset as senior Michael Harris (6-4, 2.1 ppg, 2.5 rpg), juniors Cameron Pugh Cameron Pugh 6'7" | SF/PF Milwaukee Academy of Science | 2026 State WI (6-7) and Bryan Epps (5-4), and freshmen Tylen Kingsby Tylen Kingsby 6'6" | SF/PF Milwaukee Academy of Science | 2028 WI (6-5) also figure to contribute. Hortonville transfer Gavin Valeri Gavin Valeri 6'2" | CG Milwaukee Academy of Science | 2027 State WI (6-3), who played on the Polar Bears' varsity squad as a freshman last year, should also factor into the rotation for the Novas.

Saint Ambrose Academy -- After competing with Abundant Life Christian as a coop program for years, Saint Ambrose went on its own for the first time at the varsity level last winter and finished 7-17 under coach Chris Zwettler. The Guardians played very much like Zwettler's Edgewood teams as they moved the ball, scored in the paint and from the perimeter and defended at a good level. Two starters return in senior forward Anthony Lyons Anthony Lyons 6'3" | PF/SF Saint Ambrose Academy | 2025 WI (6-3, 12.7 ppg, 8.5 rpg) and senior point guard Jacob Sturm Jacob Sturm 5'11" | PG Saint Ambrose Academy | 2025 WI (5-11, 8.1 ppg, 2.7 rpg). Sophomore Michael Schmiesing Michael Schmiesing 6'2" | CG St. Ambrose Academy | 2027 WI (6-1, 4.5 ppg) and sneior Calvin Gonnering (6-1) also could play big roles while newcomers David Simon (5-9), Brecken Eisle Brecken Eisle 6'1" | CG St. Ambrose Academy | 2028 WI (6-1) and Damien Hebert (6-2) could also factor into Zwettler's playing rotation.

Saint Lawrence Seminary -- Like the other boarding schools in Wisconsin, Saint Lawrence plays a first semester and second semester schedule with lots of time off as students return home over the Christmas break. So continuity is always a concern. Coach Quan Nguyen has one starter back from an 8-12 squad in junior Ugo Osuala Ugo Osuala 6'0" | CG Saint Lawrence Seminary | 2025 WI (6-0, 9.2 ppg, 6.0 rpg). He led the team in rebounding and finished second in scoring in 2023-24. Also returning for the Hilltoppers are seniors Alexander Biju (5-9), Said Villa (5-8) and Salvador Gonzalez (5-9) along with juniors Emmanuel Esson (5-9) and William King (6-1).

St. Augustine Prep -- Coach Reid Koenen's program played in the Lake City Conference last winter, but opted to go the independent route in 2024-25. St. Augustine will take on some very good programs with games slated against Racine St. Catherine's, The Prairie School, Shoreland Lutheran, Pius XI Catholic, Madison Memorial, Dominican, Kenosha St. Joseph and Oak Creek, among others. The ambitious schedule for the relatively new program will be a challenge, but the Lions have some talented players to compete with in senior Deundra Lathan Jr. (6-2, 9.4 ppg, 7.3 rpg) along with sophomores Zamari Whitmore Zamari Whitmore 6'0" | PG/CG St. Augustine Prep | 2027 State WI (6-0, 22.5 ppg, 4.2 rpg) and Jcobi Mathis Jcobi Mathis 6'0" | CG St. Augustine Prep | 2027 State WI (5-11, 22.6 ppg, 3.2 rpg). Whitmore and Mathis rank among the better class of 2027 prospects in Wisconsin and comprise an expolosive backcourt. Senior Jose Ortiz (6-0, 9.9 ppg, 6.9 rpg) and sophomores Chance Ormond Chance Ormond 6'3" | PG Milwaukee King | 2026 WI (6-2, 4.9 ppg, 4.0 rpg) and Jamerion Coleman (5-7, 3.9 ppg, 2.4 rpg) also figure to be key contributors.

Stockbridge -- Fourth-year coach Chris Moehn is hoping Stockbridge can find some scoring punch this winter after the Indians went just 2-22 a year ago. The healthy return of senior Cooper Fredrickson (6-4, 5.6 ppg, 10.2 rpg) is paramount to Stockbridge's chances for success as he missed 12 games last year with an injury. Fredrickson, junior Hunter Hostettler (5-10, 5.3 ppg, 2.2 rpg) and sophomore Owen Olson (5-9, 5.0 ppg, 3.2 rpg) are returning starters.

Superior -- The Spartans compete in the Lake Superior Conference against Minnesota opponents, but coach Kory Deadrick's squad also plays a large portion of their schedule against non-league opponents from Wisconsin. A strong junior class that includes three-year varsity performers Calvin Anderson Calvin Anderson 6'6" | SF/PF Superior | 2026 State WI (6-6, 16.7 ppg, 7.3 rpg) and Drew Eisel Drew Eisel 6'3" | PF Superior | 2026 State WI (6-4, 7.7 ppg, 5.7 rpg) should carry Superior to another winning season after finishing 18-7 last season. Junior Landon Anrig Landon Anrig 6'2" | PG Superior | 2026 WI (6-2, 2.3 ppg) joined Anderson and Eisel in the starting rotation while senior Isaac Peterson (6-3, 6.1 ppg) was a key reserve. Replacing the graduated Tre Sanigar (6-2, 19.7 ppg, 4.7 rpg), who scored more than 1,100 career points, will be a challenge early for Superior.

Top Returning Scorers

Jcobi Mathis Jcobi Mathis 6'0" | CG St. Augustine Prep | 2027 State WI , St. Augustine Prep (22.6 ppg)
Zamari Whitmore Zamari Whitmore 6'0" | PG/CG St. Augustine Prep | 2027 State WI , St. Augustine Prep (22.5 ppg)
Jamarion Batemon Jamarion Batemon 6'3" | CG Milwaukee Academy of Science | 2025 State #174 Nation WI , Academy of Science (21.4 ppg)
Calvin Anderson Calvin Anderson 6'6" | SF/PF Superior | 2026 State WI , Superior (16.7 ppg)
Anthony Lyons Anthony Lyons 6'3" | PF/SF Saint Ambrose Academy | 2025 WI , Saint Ambrose Academy (12.7 ppg)
Agape Keys Jr. Agape Keys Jr. 6'3" | CG Milwaukee Academy of Science | 2025 State WI , Academy of Science (11.6 ppg)
Ugo Osuala Ugo Osuala 6'0" | CG Saint Lawrence Seminary | 2025 WI , Saint Lawrence Seminary (9.2 ppg)

The Big Five

Best Shooter: Jamarion Batemon Jamarion Batemon 6'3" | CG Milwaukee Academy of Science | 2025 State #174 Nation WI , Academy of Science
Best Defender: Amare Jackson Amare Jackson 6'4" | SF Milwaukee Academy of Science | 2025 State WI , Academy of Science
Best Rebounder: Calvin Anderson Calvin Anderson 6'6" | SF/PF Superior | 2026 State WI , Superior
Best Collegiate Prospect: Jamarion Batemon Jamarion Batemon 6'3" | CG Milwaukee Academy of Science | 2025 State #174 Nation WI , Academy of Science
Most Improved Player: , Academy of Science