Underclassmen Glass Cleaners from Southwestern/West-Central Wisco

Greg Michlig

October 29, 2024 @ 11:23 AM

There is an abundance of players in this region who can rebound with authority. Here are then underclassmen to keep an eye on around the bucket when games tip off at the start of the 2024-25 WIAA basketball season.   [player_tooltip player_id='2389764' first='Karson' last='Galvez'] of McDonnell Central, standing 6'3", averaged 5.7 rebounds per game (RPG) last season, proving his ability to battle on the glass and in the paint. While the junior was a strong rebounder in the Cloverbelt-West Conference, he also proved to be a solid facilitator, as illustrated by his 1.3 assists per game (APG).   6'4" junior, [player_tooltip player_id='2358023' first='Zach' last='Hermsen'], contributed 6.3 RPG for Lancaster out of the Southwest Wisconsin Conference last season, demonstrating skill and determination in getting to the boards from his guard position. Hermsen's ability to clean up the glass was evident, and his versatility was on display with the ball in his hands, with 2 APG.   Devon Ihm of Ithaca was the top rebounder among this group, averaging a dominant 9.4 RPG as a 6'4" junior. Ihm's aggressiveness on the boards helped his team control possessions in the Ridge & Valley Conference. His overall game was bolstered by his scoring ability, where he also contributed 14.5 points per game (PPG), adding to his impact on both ends of the floor.   A force on the boards in the Ridge & Valley Conference, Isaac Jennings showed impressive rebounding skills, collecting 6.9 RPG during the 2023-24 season. In addition to his rebounding, the 6'2" junior from Weston showed up on defense, disrupting opponents' possessions regularly, with 1.1 steals per game (SPG).   [player_tooltip player_id='2496245' first='Treaton' last='Loeffelholz'], a 6'4" forward from Iowa-Grant, was another reliable presence on the boards, securing 5.9 RPG. His ability to control rebounds in the Southwest Wisconsin Athletic League helped his team maintain possessions and create opportunities. Loeffelholz also contributed defensively with 0.6 blocks per game (BPG), further solidifying his role near the basket.   A 6'3" sophomore from Shullsburg, [player_tooltip player_id='2509444' first='Grady' last='Poppy'], made a strong impression as a rebounder with 7.2 RPG last season. This is clearly an impressive number for such a young player. His rebounding ability is an asset, and his 2.4 SPG highlighted his defensive prowess, making him a disruptive force for the Miners out of the SWC.   [player_tooltip player_id='1964464' first='George' last='Rohl'], a 6'6" junior from Ellsworth, averaged 5.6 RPG in his sophomore season. The big man from the Middle Border Conference used his size to his advantage on the boards, making him a consistent force in securing rebounds. Additionally, Rohl is a strong overall athlete and his 0.9 steals per game (SPG) provided his team with crucial turnovers, enhancing his all-around game.   Despite being only 5'9”, [player_tooltip player_id='2816103' first='Carsen' last='Splinter'] averaged an impressive 5.7 RPG as a freshman at Southwestern High School. His ability to outwork taller opponents made him a key rebounder for the Wildcats in the SWAL. In addition to his ability to track down rebounds, Splinter's quick hands led to 2 SPG, underscoring his defensive impact.   [player_tooltip player_id='2406762' first='Brandon' last='Wagner'], a 6'6" junior from Turtle Lake, is one of the most consistent rebounders in the region, pulling down 7.6 RPG. His height and physicality make him a dominant presence on the boards in the Lakeland-West Conference. Along with his rebounding ability, Wagner provides a strong defensive presence with 1.6 BPG, making him a key player in the paint on both ends of the court.   Another 6'6" junior, [player_tooltip player_id='2501110' first='Arlon' last='Walter'] from Kickapoo, led his team with an impressive 8 RPG. His ability to secure rebounds was pivotal to his team's performance in the Ridge & Valley Conference. Walter's defensive contributions extended to shot-blocking, where he also averaged 1.6 BPG, further highlighting his stature as a significant presence around the hoop.

There is an abundance of players in this region who can rebound with authority. Here are then underclassmen to keep an eye on around the bucket when games tip off at the start of the 2024-25 WIAA basketball season.