Rock Valley (Rock) Preview

2023-24 Final Standings 1. Beloit Turner 13-2 (20-7); 1. Edgerton 13-2 (18-7); 3. Brodhead 8-7 (13-13); 4. Big Foot 5-10 (10-15); 5. Clinton 4-11 (7-18); 6. Evansville 2-13 (4-21). 2024-25 Picks 1. Edgerton -- Edgerton is going to take a few lumps during the season even with a very talented, very experienced and very hungry group of returning players from an 18-7 squad. Why? Because coach Daryl Fox looked at the big picture when putting together a gauntlet of a non-league schedule, He did so in an effort to get his players prepared for the playoffs. Check out these out-of-league opponents on the Edgerton schedule ... McFarland, De Forest, Mineral Point, Martin Luther, Wauwatosa West, Milton, Lakeside Lutheran, Lake Mills and Oregon. Fox and Co. go into battle against those squads and those in the Rock Valley with four returning starters in seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1729222' first='Olin' last='Zellmer'] (6-0, 16.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='1561732' first='Bryce' last='Appel'] (6-6, 12.6 ppg, 7.8 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2346660' first='Jack' last='Fox'] (6-1, 8.8 ppg, 4.4 rpg) and [player_tooltip player_id='1908469' first='Cole' last='Langer'] (6-3, 3.7 ppg, 4.8 rpg). Zellmer is a dynamic lead guard who can score and distribute while Appel can score inside and outside while also setting very effective screens. Also back are senior Drew Gunderson (5-10, 3.3 ppg), juniors [player_tooltip player_id='2956247' first='Drew' last='Coombs'] (6-0, 2.4 ppg) and Charlie Johnson (6-3, 1.4 ppg), and sophomores Vinny Fox (6-0, 4.5 ppg, 2.7 rpg) and [player_tooltip player_id='2731454' first='Eli' last='Kittleson'] (6-0, 1.2 ppg). 2. Beloit Turner --Quickness and scoring punch in the backcourt figure to be assets for the Trojans. Juniors [player_tooltip player_id='2635197' first='AJ' last='Dotson'] (5-10, 8.8 ppg, 2.8 rpg) and [player_tooltip player_id='2635201' first='James' last='Njoo'] (5-11, 4.0 ppg) are returning starters from a 20-7 squad. Coach Ken Watkins likes to play an up-tempo style and Dotson and Njoo fit into strategy well. Other returning players include seniors TJ Noack (6-2, 2.2 ppg, 1.2 rpg), Sam Erickson (6-0), Ethan Halon (6-0) and Jh'Mari Smith (5-8) along with sophomores Carter Atkinson (6-1) and Chris Johnson (6-2). Experience outside of Dotson and Njoo and rebounding are concerns for a program that tied Edgerton for the Rock Division crown in 2023-24. 3. Brodhead -- Coach Tommy Meier will build his sixth team at Brodhead around three returning starters and two double-figure scorers. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1874961' first='Cullen' last='Walker'] (6-2, 20.0 ppg, 7.7 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2635194' first='Gabe' last='Bockhop'] (5-11, 10.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg) and Brody Riese (6-3, 7.6 ppg, 6.9 rpg) are returning regulars from a 13-13 team. The scoring punch of the Cardinals' returnees is a big asset, but depth is a concern outside of Walker, Bockhop and Riese. Junior Sam Searls (6-1, 5.7 ppg, 2.3 rpg) figures to contend for a starting role along with seniors Max Pinnow (6-0) and Brady Flannery (6-1). 4. Big Foot -- Big Foot has a rookie coach in Avery Sims and some experienced players in [player_tooltip player_id='1561941' first='Jayden' last='Paul'] (5-9, 9.6 ppg, 2.6 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2635196' first='Dakota' last='Nordmeyer'] (6-5, 9.4 ppg, 6.0 rpg) and [player_tooltip player_id='2635191' first='Jack' last='Nelson'] (6-1, 11.4 ppg, 3.0 rpg). That combination should help to keep the Chiefs very competitive in a very competitive league. Seniors Kevin Dunkel (6-2) and Evan Henningfeld (5-10), along with juniors [player_tooltip player_id='1561942' first='Jayden' last='Raby'] (5-9, 2.2 ppg) and [player_tooltip player_id='2416499' first='Owen' last='Smith'] (6-5, 3.6 ppg, 5.2 rpg), will play big minutes alongside the retuning three starters. 5. Clinton -- A deep and experienced senior class hopes to lead the Cougars to double-digit victories after going 7-18 a year ago. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1853685' first='Reagan' last='Flickinger'] (6-3, 24.6 ppg, 6.8 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2635195' first='Isaac' last='Krummel'] (6-3, 9.5 ppg, 4.0 rpg) and Jacob Schoonover (5-9, 2.9 ppg, 4.2 rpg) started a year ago along with sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2700557' first='Mason' last='Floberg'] (5-8, 6.0 ppg, 2.2 rpg). Flickinger is one of the top players in the league and can affect the game with his size, length, rebounding, scoring and passing. Coach James Spry also welcomes back seniors Nathan Shallenberger (5-8, 4.0 ppg, 2.2 rpg), Ty Feibel (6-0, 3.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg), Cooper Atkinson (5-8, 2.1 ppg), Blaine Brown (5-10, 2.0 rpg) and Landon Gracyalny (5-8, 1.5 ppg). 6. Evansville -- Evansville won just four games as coach Beau Tway had a very young group that included three freshmen and two juniors who earned starting assignments. The freshmen now are sophomores and combined might be the most talented class of 2027 trio in the league. That group includes [player_tooltip player_id='2508625' first='Karder' last='Tway'] (6-1, 11.3 ppg, 3.7 rpg), Matthew Wickerscham (6-3, 8.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg) and Harker Larsen (6-4, 5.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg). Seniors Cade McCullough (6-4, 6.4 ppg, 5.3 rpg) and Andrew Wickersham (6-3, 6.1 ppg, 2.4 rpg) also started a year ago.   Top Returning Scorers [player_tooltip player_id='1853685' first='Reagan' last='Flickinger'], Clinton (24.6 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='1874961' first='Cullen' last='Walker'], Brodhead (20.0 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='1729222' first='Olin' last='Zellmer'], Edgerton (16.6 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='1561732' first='Bryce' last='Appel'], Edgerton (12.6 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2635191' first='Jack' last='Nelson'], Big Foot (11.4 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2508625' first='Karder' last='Tway'], Evansville (11.3 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2635194' first='Gabe' last='Bockhop'], Brodhead (10.5 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='1561941' first='Jayden' last='Paul'], Big Foot (9.6 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2635195' first='Isaac' last='Krummel'], Clinton (9.5 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2635196' first='Dakota' last='Nordmeyer'], Big Foot (9.4 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2635197' first='AJ' last='Dotson'], Beloit Turner (8.8 ppg) Projected All-Conference Teams First Team [player_tooltip player_id='1874961' first='Cullen' last='Walker'], 6-2, Sr., Brodhead [player_tooltip player_id='1853685' first='Reagan' last='Flickinger'], 6-3, Sr., Clinton [player_tooltip player_id='1729222' first='Olin' last='Zellmer'], 6-0, Sr., Edgerton [player_tooltip player_id='1561732' first='Bryce' last='Appel'], 6-6, Sr., Edgerton [player_tooltip player_id='2635197' first='AJ' last='Dotson'], 5-10, Jr., Beloit Turner Second Team [player_tooltip player_id='2346660' first='Jack' last='Fox'], 6-1, Sr., Edgerton [player_tooltip player_id='2635201' first='James' last='Njoo'], 5-11, Jr., Beloit Turner [player_tooltip player_id='2635194' first='Gabe' last='Bockhop'], 5-11, Sr., Brodhead [player_tooltip player_id='2635196' first='Dakota' last='Nordmeyer'], 6-5, Sr., Big Foot [player_tooltip player_id='2635195' first='Isaac' last='Krummel'], 6-3, Sr., Clinton The Big Five Best Shooter: [player_tooltip player_id='1874961' first='Cullen' last='Walker'], Brodhead Best Defender: [player_tooltip player_id='2635191' first='Jack' last='Nelson'], Big Foot Best Rebounder: [player_tooltip player_id='1561732' first='Bryce' last='Appel'], Edgerton Best Collegiate Prospect: [player_tooltip player_id='1853685' first='Reagan' last='Flickinger'], Clinton Most Improved Player: [player_tooltip player_id='2508625' first='Karder' last='Tway'], Evansville

2023-24 Final Standings

1. Beloit Turner 13-2 (20-7); 1. Edgerton 13-2 (18-7); 3. Brodhead 8-7 (13-13); 4. Big Foot 5-10 (10-15); 5. Clinton 4-11 (7-18); 6. Evansville 2-13 (4-21).

2024-25 Picks

1. Edgerton -- Edgerton is going to take a few lumps during the season even with a very talented, very experienced and very hungry group of returning players from an 18-7 squad. Why? Because coach Daryl Fox looked at the big picture when putting together a gauntlet of a non-league schedule, He did so in an effort to get his players prepared for the playoffs. Check out these out-of-league opponents on the Edgerton schedule ... McFarland, De Forest, Mineral Point, Martin Luther, Wauwatosa West, Milton, Lakeside Lutheran, Lake Mills and Oregon. Fox and Co. go into battle against those squads and those in the Rock Valley with four returning starters in seniors Olin Zellmer Olin Zellmer 6'0" | PG Edgerton | 2025 State WI (6-0, 16.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg), Bryce Appel Bryce Appel 6'6" | PF Edgerton | 2025 State WI (6-6, 12.6 ppg, 7.8 rpg), Jack Fox Jack Fox 6'1" | SG Edgerton | 2025 State WI (6-1, 8.8 ppg, 4.4 rpg) and Cole Langer Cole Langer 6'3" | SF Edgerton | 2025 WI (6-3, 3.7 ppg, 4.8 rpg). Zellmer is a dynamic lead guard who can score and distribute while Appel can score inside and outside while also setting very effective screens. Also back are senior Drew Gunderson (5-10, 3.3 ppg), juniors Drew Coombs Drew Coombs 5'10" | CG Edgerton | 2026 WI (6-0, 2.4 ppg) and Charlie Johnson (6-3, 1.4 ppg), and sophomores Vinny Fox (6-0, 4.5 ppg, 2.7 rpg) and Eli Kittleson Eli Kittleson 5'10" | PG Edgerton | 2027 State WI (6-0, 1.2 ppg).

2. Beloit Turner --Quickness and scoring punch in the backcourt figure to be assets for the Trojans. Juniors AJ Dotson AJ Dotson 5'10" | PG Turner | 2026 State WI (5-10, 8.8 ppg, 2.8 rpg) and James Njoo James Njoo 5'11" | CG Beloit Turner | 2026 WI (5-11, 4.0 ppg) are returning starters from a 20-7 squad. Coach Ken Watkins likes to play an up-tempo style and Dotson and Njoo fit into strategy well. Other returning players include seniors TJ Noack (6-2, 2.2 ppg, 1.2 rpg), Sam Erickson (6-0), Ethan Halon (6-0) and Jh'Mari Smith (5-8) along with sophomores Carter Atkinson (6-1) and Chris Johnson (6-2). Experience outside of Dotson and Njoo and rebounding are concerns for a program that tied Edgerton for the Rock Division crown in 2023-24.

3. Brodhead -- Coach Tommy Meier will build his sixth team at Brodhead around three returning starters and two double-figure scorers. Seniors Cullen Walker Cullen Walker 6'1" | SG Brodhead | 2025 State WI (6-2, 20.0 ppg, 7.7 rpg), Gabe Bockhop Gabe Bockhop 5'11" | CG Brodhead | 2025 WI (5-11, 10.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg) and Brody Riese (6-3, 7.6 ppg, 6.9 rpg) are returning regulars from a 13-13 team. The scoring punch of the Cardinals' returnees is a big asset, but depth is a concern outside of Walker, Bockhop and Riese. Junior Sam Searls (6-1, 5.7 ppg, 2.3 rpg) figures to contend for a starting role along with seniors Max Pinnow (6-0) and Brady Flannery (6-1).

4. Big Foot -- Big Foot has a rookie coach in Avery Sims and some experienced players in Jayden Paul Jayden Paul 5'10" | PG Big Foot | 2026 WI (5-9, 9.6 ppg, 2.6 rpg), Dakota Nordmeyer Dakota Nordmeyer 6'5" | PF Big Foot | 2025 WI (6-5, 9.4 ppg, 6.0 rpg) and Jack Nelson Jack Nelson 6'1" | CG Big Foot | 2025 WI (6-1, 11.4 ppg, 3.0 rpg). That combination should help to keep the Chiefs very competitive in a very competitive league. Seniors Kevin Dunkel (6-2) and Evan Henningfeld (5-10), along with juniors Jayden Raby Jayden Raby 5'11" | PG Big Foot Union | 2026 WI (5-9, 2.2 ppg) and Owen Smith Owen Smith 5'11" | SG Madison West | 2027 WI (6-5, 3.6 ppg, 5.2 rpg), will play big minutes alongside the retuning three starters.

5. Clinton -- A deep and experienced senior class hopes to lead the Cougars to double-digit victories after going 7-18 a year ago. Seniors Reagan Flickinger Reagan Flickinger 6'3" | SG Clinton | 2025 State WI (6-3, 24.6 ppg, 6.8 rpg), Isaac Krummel Isaac Krummel 6'3" | SF Clinton | 2025 WI (6-3, 9.5 ppg, 4.0 rpg) and Jacob Schoonover (5-9, 2.9 ppg, 4.2 rpg) started a year ago along with sophomore Mason Floberg Mason Floberg 5'7" | PG Clinton | 2027 WI (5-8, 6.0 ppg, 2.2 rpg). Flickinger is one of the top players in the league and can affect the game with his size, length, rebounding, scoring and passing. Coach James Spry also welcomes back seniors Nathan Shallenberger (5-8, 4.0 ppg, 2.2 rpg), Ty Feibel (6-0, 3.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg), Cooper Atkinson (5-8, 2.1 ppg), Blaine Brown (5-10, 2.0 rpg) and Landon Gracyalny (5-8, 1.5 ppg).

6. Evansville -- Evansville won just four games as coach Beau Tway had a very young group that included three freshmen and two juniors who earned starting assignments. The freshmen now are sophomores and combined might be the most talented class of 2027 trio in the league. That group includes Karder Tway Karder Tway 6'1" | PG/CG Evansville | 2027 State WI (6-1, 11.3 ppg, 3.7 rpg), Matthew Wickerscham (6-3, 8.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg) and Harker Larsen (6-4, 5.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg). Seniors Cade McCullough (6-4, 6.4 ppg, 5.3 rpg) and Andrew Wickersham (6-3, 6.1 ppg, 2.4 rpg) also started a year ago.