Middle Border Preview

2023-24 Final Standings 1. Prescott 12-2 (21-7); 1. Osceola 12-2 (18-8); 3. Somerset 9-5 (20-7); 4. St. Croix Central 8-6 (15-11); 5. Altoona 6-8 (13-13); 5. Baldwin-Woodville 6-8 (11-16); 7. Amery 2-12 (11-15); 8. Ellsworth 1-13 (6-19). 2024-25 Picks 1. Prescott -- The whole at Prescott will be better than the individual parts as coach Nick Johnson starts his 14th season with a balanced, quick and determined lineup. Three key players from last year's club that won a share of the league title for the ninth time in the past 11 seasons return in senior Barrett Temmers (5-11, 7.0 ppg, 3.2 rpg), and juniors [player_tooltip player_id='2432823' first='Kobe' last='Russell'] (6-2, 7.8 ppg, 4.7 rpg) and [player_tooltip player_id='2500056' first='Max' last='Monteith'] (6-1, 5.6 ppg, 3.6 rpg). Russell and Temmers were starters on a team that finished 21-7 and qualified for the WIAA Division 3 State Tournament. Montieth was one of the Cardinals' top reserves. Also back is senior Teddy Bernick (6-0) while juniors [player_tooltip player_id='2415798' first='Eyan' last='Miller'] (6-2), Gavin Miller (6-0) and Evan Kochendorfer (5-11) also could work their way into the playing rotation. 2. Altoona -- The Rails' guard play should be outstanding as coach Paul Henrichs at Altoona welcomes back three potential all-Middle Border performers to his backcourt in senior [player_tooltip player_id='2391100' first='Myles' last='Sinette'] (6-1, 10.5 ppg, 3.8 rpg) along with sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='2140924' first='Graysen' last='Becker'] (6-1, 10.5 ppg, 3.4 rpg) and [player_tooltip player_id='2405970' first='Owen' last='Gunderson'] (6-0, 10.2 ppg, 3.7 rpg). All three can make perimeter shots, although Becker is at his best getting into the lane and using his strength and athleticism to create shots for his teammates and himself. Sinette is a four-year varsity performer while Becker and Gunderson turned in solid rookie campaigns as freshmen last season for a club that went 13-13. Senior Hunter Hibbard (6-2, 1.3 ppg, 2.9 rpg) and junior [player_tooltip player_id='2412749' first='Austin' last='Wirth'] (6-6, 1.0 ppg, 1.4 rpg) will need to take big steps forward and help substantially on the glass in order for the Rails to contend for the league crown. 3. Somerset -- Somerset boasts perhaps the best all-around athlete in the Middle Border in senior [player_tooltip player_id='1874982' first='Kane' last='Donnelly'] (6-4, 18.4 ppg, 5.3 rpg). An all-conference quarterback/defensive back in football, Donnelly also is a returning first-team all-league basketball player. His physical strength and scoring versatility complement the edge he competes with on both ends of the court. Unfortunately for coach Troy Wink, Donnelly is the lone starter back from a team that went 20-7. The development of other returning varsity players will be of paramount importance for the Spartans. That group includes seniors Koen Ronning (6-0) and Sawyer Fox (6-2, 1.4 ppg, 1.4 rpg) along with sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2569282' first='Kellen' last='Donnelly'] (5-10, 2.0 ppg). 4. Amery -- Individual success has been plentiful for senior [player_tooltip player_id='1540033' first='Carter' last='Wollan'] (6-3, 24.2 ppg, 8.5 rpg) throughout his stellar prep career. Now, the stellar team leader wants more than anything to achieve team acclaim. Wollan is a two-time first-team all-Middle Border selection who begins his senior year with 1,646 points. However, during his three seasons on the varsity, Amery has won just two league games. That could very well change in 2024-25 behind Wollan's talents and leadership, not to mention the return of hjis younger brother, sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2143926' first='Keaton' last='Wollan'] (6-3, 16.3 ppg, 7.5 rpg). With both Wollan's capable of scoring from deep and off the bounce on every possession, coach Tom Mackey knows defenses will be geared to stop one of the state's elite brother combinations. So he is counting on seniors Joey Thorsheim (6-1, 4.9 ppg), Caleb Danielson (6-4, 3.1 ppg, 2.7 rpg) and Blake Anderson (6-3, 4.1 ppg, 4.0 rpg) along with junior Sam Streich (6-4, 2.0 ppg, 2.4 rpg) to also make big contributions. 5. Osceola -- Osceola went 18-8 last winter, but now must replace the majority of its scoring and rebounding as all five regulars graduated. Coach Tyler Olson does have some experience returning in seniors Jake Bents (6-2, 2.2 ppg, 1.3 rpg) and [player_tooltip player_id='2809639' first='Jonah' last='Race'] (6-2, 2.0 ppg, 1.3 rpg) along with juniors [player_tooltip player_id='2406622' first='Caleb' last='Irlbeck'] (6-4, 6.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg) and [player_tooltip player_id='2809643' first='Hunter' last='Bradway'] (6-2, 2.3 ppg, 1.7 rpg). Team length and a strong work ethic will help Osceola, but the Chieftains must overcome lack of experience and productivity. 6. St. Croix Central -- Senior Brayden Klin (6-2, 6.2 ppg, 1.7 rpg) and junior [player_tooltip player_id='1561922' first='Matyas' last='Larson'] (6-4, 8.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg) came off the bench for a team that went 15-11, but both players figure to move into starting roles this time around as coach Matt Bailey needs to replace five starters. Klin and Larson, by far, have the most experience for St. Croix Central. Newcomers from a 17-4 JV1 team will challenge for playing time. That list includes juniors Chayton Gottfredsen (6-4), Braiden Rasmussen (6-0), [player_tooltip player_id='2809654' first='Tanner' last='Grinnell'] (6-7) and Blake Leth (6-1) along with sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2409155' first='Aaron' last='Siler'] (6-0). 7. Baldwin-Woodville -- Losing four starters, including two double-figure scorers and the team's top rebounder, will be a challenge to overcome for long-time Baldwin-Woodville coach Scott Benoy. At the same time, Benoy boasts one of the league's truly elite performers in left-handed senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='2432853' first='Evan' last='Clausen'] (6-5, 12.1 ppg, 4.2 rpg). Clausen's physical strength and impressive skillset will be tough to defend and should help the Blackhawks stay extremely competitive in an extremely competitive conference. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='2447638' first='Jeremy' last='Jacobson'] (6-2, 5.0 ppg, 2.0 rpg) also returns, but the rest of the club remains mostly untested at the varsity level. 8. Ellsworth -- From top-to-bottom, you'd be hard-pressed to find a conference in the state with as much balance and depth at the Middle Border. Every team is well coached. Every team has players. And every team competes. Ellsworth certainly fits all of those attributes as coach Derek Staley has four starters back from a club that went 6-19. Leading the way is junior [player_tooltip player_id='1964464' first='George' last='Rohl'] (6-6, 13.1 ppg, 5.6 rpg), a three-sport athlete who is receiving plenty of recruiting interest for both football and basketball. Rohl's classmate, [player_tooltip player_id='2411059' first='Omar' last='Coulson'] (5-11, 6.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg), also returns to the starting lineup as do seniors Braydon Anderson (6-4, 4.7 ppg, 6.1 rpg) and Nash Kihl (6-1, 3.3 ppg, 2.6 rpg). The biggest concern for Staley entering the season is overcoming lack of past success. Top Returning Scorers [player_tooltip player_id='1540033' first='Carter' last='Wollan'], Amery (24.2 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2143926' first='Keaton' last='Wollan'], Amery (16.3 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='1964464' first='George' last='Rohl'], Ellsworth (13.1 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2432853' first='Evan' last='Clausen'], Baldwin-Woodville (12.1 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2391100' first='Myles' last='Sinette'], Altoona (10.5 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2140924' first='Graysen' last='Becker'], Altoona (10.5 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2405970' first='Owen' last='Gunderson'], Altoona (10.2 ppg) Projected All-Conference Teams First Team [player_tooltip player_id='2140924' first='Graysen' last='Becker'], 6-1, Soph., Altoona [player_tooltip player_id='1540033' first='Carter' last='Wollan'], 6-3, Sr., Amery [player_tooltip player_id='2432853' first='Evan' last='Clausen'], 6-5, Sr., Baldwin-Woodville [player_tooltip player_id='1964464' first='George' last='Rohl'], 6-6, Jr., Ellsworth [player_tooltip player_id='1874982' first='Kane' last='Donnelly'], 6-4, Sr., Somerset Second Team [player_tooltip player_id='2391100' first='Myles' last='Sinette'], 6-1, Sr., Altoona [player_tooltip player_id='2143926' first='Keaton' last='Wollan'], 6-3, Soph., Altoona [player_tooltip player_id='2432823' first='Kobe' last='Russell'], 6-2, Jr., Prescott Barrett Temmers, 5-11, Sr., Prescott [player_tooltip player_id='2500056' first='Max' last='Monteith'], 6-1, Jr., Prescott The Big Five Best Shooter: [player_tooltip player_id='2405970' first='Owen' last='Gunderson'], Altoona Best Defender: [player_tooltip player_id='1874982' first='Kane' last='Donnelly'], Somerset Best Rebounder: [player_tooltip player_id='1540033' first='Carter' last='Wollan'], Amery Best Collegiate Prospect: [player_tooltip player_id='1540033' first='Carter' last='Wollan'], Amery Most Improved Player: [player_tooltip player_id='2432853' first='Evan' last='Clausen'], Baldwin-Woodville

2023-24 Final Standings

1. Prescott 12-2 (21-7); 1. Osceola 12-2 (18-8); 3. Somerset 9-5 (20-7); 4. St. Croix Central 8-6 (15-11); 5. Altoona 6-8 (13-13); 5. Baldwin-Woodville 6-8 (11-16); 7. Amery 2-12 (11-15); 8. Ellsworth 1-13 (6-19).

2024-25 Picks

1. Prescott -- The whole at Prescott will be better than the individual parts as coach Nick Johnson starts his 14th season with a balanced, quick and determined lineup. Three key players from last year's club that won a share of the league title for the ninth time in the past 11 seasons return in senior Barrett Temmers (5-11, 7.0 ppg, 3.2 rpg), and juniors Kobe Russell Kobe Russell 6'2" | CG Prescott | 2026 State WI (6-2, 7.8 ppg, 4.7 rpg) and Max Monteith Max Monteith 6'2" | CG Prescott | 2026 State WI (6-1, 5.6 ppg, 3.6 rpg). Russell and Temmers were starters on a team that finished 21-7 and qualified for the WIAA Division 3 State Tournament. Montieth was one of the Cardinals' top reserves. Also back is senior Teddy Bernick (6-0) while juniors Eyan Miller Eyan Miller 6'1" | SF Prescott | 2026 WI (6-2), Gavin Miller (6-0) and Evan Kochendorfer (5-11) also could work their way into the playing rotation.

2. Altoona -- The Rails' guard play should be outstanding as coach Paul Henrichs at Altoona welcomes back three potential all-Middle Border performers to his backcourt in senior Myles Sinette Myles Sinette 6'3" | SG Altoona | 2025 State WI (6-1, 10.5 ppg, 3.8 rpg) along with sophomores Graysen Becker Graysen Becker 6'2" | PG/SG Altoona | 2027 State WI (6-1, 10.5 ppg, 3.4 rpg) and Owen Gunderson Owen Gunderson 6'0" | SG/PG Altoona | 2027 State WI (6-0, 10.2 ppg, 3.7 rpg). All three can make perimeter shots, although Becker is at his best getting into the lane and using his strength and athleticism to create shots for his teammates and himself. Sinette is a four-year varsity performer while Becker and Gunderson turned in solid rookie campaigns as freshmen last season for a club that went 13-13. Senior Hunter Hibbard (6-2, 1.3 ppg, 2.9 rpg) and junior Austin Wirth Austin Wirth 6'7" | PF Altoona | 2026 WI (6-6, 1.0 ppg, 1.4 rpg) will need to take big steps forward and help substantially on the glass in order for the Rails to contend for the league crown.

3. Somerset -- Somerset boasts perhaps the best all-around athlete in the Middle Border in senior Kane Donnelly Kane Donnelly 6'4" | SF Somerset | 2025 State WI (6-4, 18.4 ppg, 5.3 rpg). An all-conference quarterback/defensive back in football, Donnelly also is a returning first-team all-league basketball player. His physical strength and scoring versatility complement the edge he competes with on both ends of the court. Unfortunately for coach Troy Wink, Donnelly is the lone starter back from a team that went 20-7. The development of other returning varsity players will be of paramount importance for the Spartans. That group includes seniors Koen Ronning (6-0) and Sawyer Fox (6-2, 1.4 ppg, 1.4 rpg) along with sophomore Kellen Donnelly (5-10, 2.0 ppg).

4. Amery -- Individual success has been plentiful for senior Carter Wollan Carter Wollan 6'3" | SG Amery | 2025 State WI (6-3, 24.2 ppg, 8.5 rpg) throughout his stellar prep career. Now, the stellar team leader wants more than anything to achieve team acclaim. Wollan is a two-time first-team all-Middle Border selection who begins his senior year with 1,646 points. However, during his three seasons on the varsity, Amery has won just two league games. That could very well change in 2024-25 behind Wollan's talents and leadership, not to mention the return of hjis younger brother, sophomore Keaton Wollan Keaton Wollan 6'4" | SF/SG Amery | 2027 State WI (6-3, 16.3 ppg, 7.5 rpg). With both Wollan's capable of scoring from deep and off the bounce on every possession, coach Tom Mackey knows defenses will be geared to stop one of the state's elite brother combinations. So he is counting on seniors Joey Thorsheim (6-1, 4.9 ppg), Caleb Danielson (6-4, 3.1 ppg, 2.7 rpg) and Blake Anderson (6-3, 4.1 ppg, 4.0 rpg) along with junior Sam Streich (6-4, 2.0 ppg, 2.4 rpg) to also make big contributions.

5. Osceola -- Osceola went 18-8 last winter, but now must replace the majority of its scoring and rebounding as all five regulars graduated. Coach Tyler Olson does have some experience returning in seniors Jake Bents (6-2, 2.2 ppg, 1.3 rpg) and Jonah Race Jonah Race 6'2" | SF Osceola | 2025 State WI (6-2, 2.0 ppg, 1.3 rpg) along with juniors Caleb Irlbeck Caleb Irlbeck 6'4" | SG/SF Osceola | 2026 State WI (6-4, 6.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg) and Hunter Bradway Hunter Bradway 6'2" | SG Osceola | 2026 State WI (6-2, 2.3 ppg, 1.7 rpg). Team length and a strong work ethic will help Osceola, but the Chieftains must overcome lack of experience and productivity.

6. St. Croix Central -- Senior Brayden Klin (6-2, 6.2 ppg, 1.7 rpg) and junior Matyas Larson Matyas Larson 6'4" | PG St. Croix Central | 2026 WI (6-4, 8.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg) came off the bench for a team that went 15-11, but both players figure to move into starting roles this time around as coach Matt Bailey needs to replace five starters. Klin and Larson, by far, have the most experience for St. Croix Central. Newcomers from a 17-4 JV1 team will challenge for playing time. That list includes juniors Chayton Gottfredsen (6-4), Braiden Rasmussen (6-0), Tanner Grinnell Tanner Grinnell 6'9" | PF Saint Croix Central | 2026 State WI (6-7) and Blake Leth (6-1) along with sophomore Aaron Siler Aaron Siler 6'0" | CG St. Croix Central | 2027 State WI (6-0).

7. Baldwin-Woodville -- Losing four starters, including two double-figure scorers and the team's top rebounder, will be a challenge to overcome for long-time Baldwin-Woodville coach Scott Benoy. At the same time, Benoy boasts one of the league's truly elite performers in left-handed senior wing Evan Clausen Evan Clausen 6'5" | SF/SG Baldwin-Woodville | 2025 State WI (6-5, 12.1 ppg, 4.2 rpg). Clausen's physical strength and impressive skillset will be tough to defend and should help the Blackhawks stay extremely competitive in an extremely competitive conference. Senior Jeremy Jacobson Jeremy Jacobson 6'2" | SG Baldwin-Woodville | 2025 WI (6-2, 5.0 ppg, 2.0 rpg) also returns, but the rest of the club remains mostly untested at the varsity level.

8. Ellsworth -- From top-to-bottom, you'd be hard-pressed to find a conference in the state with as much balance and depth at the Middle Border. Every team is well coached. Every team has players. And every team competes. Ellsworth certainly fits all of those attributes as coach Derek Staley has four starters back from a club that went 6-19. Leading the way is junior George Rohl George Rohl 6'6" | PF Ellsworth | 2026 State WI (6-6, 13.1 ppg, 5.6 rpg), a three-sport athlete who is receiving plenty of recruiting interest for both football and basketball. Rohl's classmate, Omar Coulson Omar Coulson 5'10" | PG Ellsworth | 2026 State WI (5-11, 6.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg), also returns to the starting lineup as do seniors Braydon Anderson (6-4, 4.7 ppg, 6.1 rpg) and Nash Kihl (6-1, 3.3 ppg, 2.6 rpg). The biggest concern for Staley entering the season is overcoming lack of past success.

Top Returning Scorers

Carter Wollan Carter Wollan 6'3" | SG Amery | 2025 State WI , Amery (24.2 ppg)
Keaton Wollan Keaton Wollan 6'4" | SF/SG Amery | 2027 State WI , Amery (16.3 ppg)
George Rohl George Rohl 6'6" | PF Ellsworth | 2026 State WI , Ellsworth (13.1 ppg)
Evan Clausen Evan Clausen 6'5" | SF/SG Baldwin-Woodville | 2025 State WI , Baldwin-Woodville (12.1 ppg)
Myles Sinette Myles Sinette 6'3" | SG Altoona | 2025 State WI , Altoona (10.5 ppg)
Graysen Becker Graysen Becker 6'2" | PG/SG Altoona | 2027 State WI , Altoona (10.5 ppg)
Owen Gunderson Owen Gunderson 6'0" | SG/PG Altoona | 2027 State WI , Altoona (10.2 ppg)

Projected All-Conference Teams
First Team
Graysen Becker Graysen Becker 6'2" | PG/SG Altoona | 2027 State WI , 6-1, Soph., Altoona
Carter Wollan Carter Wollan 6'3" | SG Amery | 2025 State WI , 6-3, Sr., Amery
Evan Clausen Evan Clausen 6'5" | SF/SG Baldwin-Woodville | 2025 State WI , 6-5, Sr., Baldwin-Woodville
George Rohl George Rohl 6'6" | PF Ellsworth | 2026 State WI , 6-6, Jr., Ellsworth
Kane Donnelly Kane Donnelly 6'4" | SF Somerset | 2025 State WI , 6-4, Sr., Somerset

Second Team
Myles Sinette Myles Sinette 6'3" | SG Altoona | 2025 State WI , 6-1, Sr., Altoona
Keaton Wollan Keaton Wollan 6'4" | SF/SG Amery | 2027 State WI , 6-3, Soph., Altoona
Kobe Russell Kobe Russell 6'2" | CG Prescott | 2026 State WI , 6-2, Jr., Prescott
Barrett Temmers, 5-11, Sr., Prescott
Max Monteith Max Monteith 6'2" | CG Prescott | 2026 State WI , 6-1, Jr., Prescott

The Big Five

Best Shooter: Owen Gunderson Owen Gunderson 6'0" | SG/PG Altoona | 2027 State WI , Altoona
Best Defender: Kane Donnelly Kane Donnelly 6'4" | SF Somerset | 2025 State WI , Somerset
Best Rebounder: Carter Wollan Carter Wollan 6'3" | SG Amery | 2025 State WI , Amery
Best Collegiate Prospect: Carter Wollan Carter Wollan 6'3" | SG Amery | 2025 State WI , Amery
Most Improved Player: Evan Clausen Evan Clausen 6'5" | SF/SG Baldwin-Woodville | 2025 State WI , Baldwin-Woodville