Scenic Bluffs Preview

2023-24 Final Standings 1. Royall 13-1 (25-3); 2. Cashton 12-2 (25-4); 3. Bangor 10-4 (13-11); 4. Hillsboro 9-5 (15-11); 5. Necedah 6-8 (8-13); 6. Brookwood 3-11 (4-21); 6. New Lisbon 3-11 (4-21); 8. Wonewoc-Center 0-14 (1-23). 2024-25 Picks 1. Royall -- The Panthers enter the 2024-25 season as the overwhelming favorites to repeat as Scenic Bluffs champions. Moreover, coach Scott Uppena's crew figures to contend for the WIAA Division 5 state title after losing to Columbus Catholic 57-54 in a sectional semifinal last March. Four starters, a key reserve and talented newcomers from a 21-0 JV squad make up the nucleus for the Panthers, who open the season with an intriguing non-league game against Ridge & Valley Conference contender Ithaca on November 26. Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='2426884' first='Carter' last='Uppena'] (6-2, 15.7 ppg, 5.8 rpg) is the son of the Panthers' head coach, the lone returning first-team all-league player and arguably the best all-around player in the conference. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='2425816' first='Landon' last='Lipke'] (6-7, 8.9 ppg, 5.3 rpg) is the most dominant big man in a league that includes several strong frontcourt players. Seniors Karter Olson (6-2, 3.0 ppg, 2.5 rpg) and [player_tooltip player_id='2613945' first='Ben' last='Crneckiy'] (6-3, 7.3 ppg, 2.9 rpg) joined Uppena and Lipke in the starting rotation while junior [player_tooltip player_id='2635635' first='Trey' last='Wildes'] (6-1, 3.6 ppg, 1.3 rpg) was a key reserve. Look for senior Seth Brondau (5-8) and juniors Dylon Velazquez (6-0) and John Muehlenkamp (6-2) so play key roles as well. 2. Hillsboro -- Like most of the teams in the Scenic Bluffs, Hillsboro sustained some major losses to graduation. Gone are Isaiah Stokes (6-1, 19.9 ppg, 7.3 rpg), Talan Hildreth (5-8, 9.2 ppg, 3.1 apg) and Ben Koopman (6-0, 7.6 ppg, 3.0 rpg). At the same time, coach Jordan Polk begins his fifth year with two talented returnees in junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2423204' first='Miles' last='Ravenscroft'] (6-0, 11.3 ppg, 4.0 rpg) and senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='2635640' first='Jerry' last='Von Falkenstein'] (6-4, 4.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg). Ravenscroft received second-team all-league honors as a sophomore while Von Falkenstein could emerge as one of the league's top rebounders. The Tigers also welcome back senior Zach Morren (6-4, 3.8 ppg, 3.7 rpg) and junior David Johnson (6-3, 1.5 ppg, 2.1 rpg). Size, length and scoring balance are assets while perimeter shooting is a question mark. 3. Bangor -- Seven straight league titles ended last winter for Bangor, which finished with a 10-4 league mark to end up in third place in the league standings. The Cardinals, who lost just one conference game during their remarkable seven-year run, return one starter in junior [player_tooltip player_id='2423526' first='Hayden' last='Massman'] (6-0, 5.2 ppg, 2.5 rpg). A few other players, notably seniors Eli Tucker (5-11, 6.2 ppg, 2.3 rpg), Brock Bores (6-0, 1.8 ppg, 1.7 rpg) and Landon Phillips (6-1, 1.1 ppg), along with junior Dayne Langrehr (5-11, 1.7 ppg, 1.0 rpg), also return for third-year coach Nick Meacham. 4. Cashton -- Coming off a terrific season that included a 25-4 record and a spot in the WIAA Division 5 sectional finals, where the Eagles loss a tough 80-77 decision to eventual state-champion Columbus Catholic, Cashton now must find five new starters. First-year coach Grant Radke will look to seniors Grayson Schmitz (6-4) and Ethan Schmitz (6-0), along with junior [player_tooltip player_id='2635639' first='Drew' last='Butzler'] (6-0), to fill some of those starting spots. Seniors Quinn Mytas (5-10) and Sean Lukazewski (5-10), and juniors [player_tooltip player_id='2815246' first='Trent' last='Kast'] (6-3) and Owen Von Ruden (5-10), should be in the mix as well. 5. Brookwood -- Even with the graduation departures of its top two scorers, Brookwood has a good chance of moving up a bit in the Scenic Bluffs standings as coach Walker Rynes has six experienced players on his roster. Two seniors, two juniors and two sophomores make up the core of the Falcons' lineup. [player_tooltip player_id='2635644' first='Braeden' last='Pasch'] (5-11, 6.4 ppg, 3.5 rpg), Brennen Mack (5-10, 4.8 ppg, 1.4 rpg) and Cam Brueggeman (6-0, 2.3 ppg, 2.2 rpg) started for a team that went 4-21. Gavin Havlik (5-10, 3.3 ppg, 1.2 rpg) and the Cunitz brothers, Julien Cunitz (5-9, 2.4 ppg, 2.3 rpg) and Jackson Cunitz (6-0, 5.6 ppg, 2.3 rpg), should contend for starting spots. 6. Necedah -- Scoring enough points to remain competitive is a question mark for Necedah after the Cardinals lost 26.5 points per outing and 10.0 rebounds a game to graduation with the departures of Jack Herried (6-0) and Gage Garcia (6-1). Kris Saylor, now in his 24th year as the head coach at Necedah, is looing for his three returning starters to notch up their production in 2024-25. That group includes seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2635642' first='Kynrik' last='Saylor'] (6-6, 3.0 ppg, 5.4 rpg) and Jake Hite (5-9, 1.3 ppg, 1.1 rpg) along with junior Mason Hustad (6-0, 3.5 ppg, 1.8 rpg). Senior Philip Heintz (6-1) along with sophomore Elijah Peak (5-10) and freshman Luke Murphy (6-2) will contend for starting spots as well. 7. New Lisbon -- Balance is an asset for New Lisbon as the Rockets set out to better last year's 4-21 record. Coach Jeremiah Pfaff has four regulars returning and each is a capable scorer. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2635633' first='Austin' last='Berndsen'] (5-10, 8.6 ppg, 3.2 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2635634' first='Brayen' last='Morey'] (6-1, 7.4 ppg, 6.1 rpg), Ethan Forschler (6-3, 4.9 ppg, 4.8 rpg) and Evan Macrafic (6-3, 6.2 ppg, 5.0 rpg) give the Rockets a solid core to build around. Juniors Carter Pfaff (5-10, 2.9 ppg, 1.3 rpg) and Josh Homan (5-9, 1.8 ppg, 1.7 rpg) are in the mix as well. 8. Wonewoc-Center -- Ending a 54-game conference losing skid is the first priority at Wonewoc-Center as the Wolves have gone three full seasons without a league triumph. Second-year coach Kevin Conley has three starters back from a club that went 1-23 in senior Alik Grigorev (6-3), junior Gavin Olson (5-11) and sophomore Cam Thellefson (6-3). Shooting, ball handling and rebounding are concerns, but the Wolves will play with energy and rely on their defense to stay in games. Top Returning Scorers [player_tooltip player_id='2426884' first='Carter' last='Uppena'], Royall (15.7 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2423204' first='Miles' last='Ravenscroft'], Hillsboro (11.3 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2425816' first='Landon' last='Lipke'], Royall (8.9 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2635633' first='Austin' last='Berndsen'], New Lisbon (8.6 ppg) Projected All-Conference Teams First Team [player_tooltip player_id='2426884' first='Carter' last='Uppena'], Sr., Royall [player_tooltip player_id='2423204' first='Miles' last='Ravenscroft'], 6-0, Jr., Hillsboro [player_tooltip player_id='2635634' first='Brayen' last='Morey'], 6-1, Sr., New Lisbon [player_tooltip player_id='2425816' first='Landon' last='Lipke'], 6-7, Sr., Royall [player_tooltip player_id='2613945' first='Ben' last='Crneckiy'], 6-3, Sr., Royall Second Team [player_tooltip player_id='2635644' first='Braeden' last='Pasch'], 5-11, Sr., Brookwood [player_tooltip player_id='2635639' first='Drew' last='Butzler'], 6-0, Jr., Cashton [player_tooltip player_id='2635640' first='Jerry' last='Von Falkenstein'], 6-4, Sr., Hillsboro [player_tooltip player_id='2635642' first='Kynrik' last='Saylor'], 6-6, Sr., Necedah [player_tooltip player_id='2635635' first='Trey' last='Wildes'], 6-1, Jr., Royall The Big Five Best Shooter: [player_tooltip player_id='2423204' first='Miles' last='Ravenscroft'], Hillsboro Best Defender: [player_tooltip player_id='2426884' first='Carter' last='Uppena'], Royall Best Rebounder: [player_tooltip player_id='2425816' first='Landon' last='Lipke'], Royall Best Collegiate Prospect: [player_tooltip player_id='2426884' first='Carter' last='Uppena'], Royall Most Improved Player: [player_tooltip player_id='2635639' first='Drew' last='Butzler'], Cashton

2023-24 Final Standings

1. Royall 13-1 (25-3); 2. Cashton 12-2 (25-4); 3. Bangor 10-4 (13-11); 4. Hillsboro 9-5 (15-11); 5. Necedah 6-8 (8-13); 6. Brookwood 3-11 (4-21); 6. New Lisbon 3-11 (4-21); 8. Wonewoc-Center 0-14 (1-23).

2024-25 Picks

1. Royall -- The Panthers enter the 2024-25 season as the overwhelming favorites to repeat as Scenic Bluffs champions. Moreover, coach Scott Uppena's crew figures to contend for the WIAA Division 5 state title after losing to Columbus Catholic 57-54 in a sectional semifinal last March. Four starters, a key reserve and talented newcomers from a 21-0 JV squad make up the nucleus for the Panthers, who open the season with an intriguing non-league game against Ridge & Valley Conference contender Ithaca on November 26. Senior wing Carter Uppena Carter Uppena 6'2" | SG Royall | 2025 State WI (6-2, 15.7 ppg, 5.8 rpg) is the son of the Panthers' head coach, the lone returning first-team all-league player and arguably the best all-around player in the conference. Senior Landon Lipke Landon Lipke 6'7" | PF Royall | 2025 State WI (6-7, 8.9 ppg, 5.3 rpg) is the most dominant big man in a league that includes several strong frontcourt players. Seniors Karter Olson (6-2, 3.0 ppg, 2.5 rpg) and Ben Crneckiy Ben Crneckiy 6'3" | SF Royall | 2025 WI (6-3, 7.3 ppg, 2.9 rpg) joined Uppena and Lipke in the starting rotation while junior Trey Wildes Trey Wildes 6'1" | SF Royall | 2026 WI (6-1, 3.6 ppg, 1.3 rpg) was a key reserve. Look for senior Seth Brondau (5-8) and juniors Dylon Velazquez (6-0) and John Muehlenkamp (6-2) so play key roles as well.

2. Hillsboro -- Like most of the teams in the Scenic Bluffs, Hillsboro sustained some major losses to graduation. Gone are Isaiah Stokes (6-1, 19.9 ppg, 7.3 rpg), Talan Hildreth (5-8, 9.2 ppg, 3.1 apg) and Ben Koopman (6-0, 7.6 ppg, 3.0 rpg). At the same time, coach Jordan Polk begins his fifth year with two talented returnees in junior guard Miles Ravenscroft Miles Ravenscroft 6'3" | SG Hillsboro | 2026 State WI (6-0, 11.3 ppg, 4.0 rpg) and senior forward Jerry Von Falkenstein Jerry Von Falkenstein 6'4" | SF Hillsboro | 2025 WI (6-4, 4.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg). Ravenscroft received second-team all-league honors as a sophomore while Von Falkenstein could emerge as one of the league's top rebounders. The Tigers also welcome back senior Zach Morren (6-4, 3.8 ppg, 3.7 rpg) and junior David Johnson (6-3, 1.5 ppg, 2.1 rpg). Size, length and scoring balance are assets while perimeter shooting is a question mark.

3. Bangor -- Seven straight league titles ended last winter for Bangor, which finished with a 10-4 league mark to end up in third place in the league standings. The Cardinals, who lost just one conference game during their remarkable seven-year run, return one starter in junior Hayden Massman Hayden Massman 6'1" | PG Bangor | 2026 WI (6-0, 5.2 ppg, 2.5 rpg). A few other players, notably seniors Eli Tucker (5-11, 6.2 ppg, 2.3 rpg), Brock Bores (6-0, 1.8 ppg, 1.7 rpg) and Landon Phillips (6-1, 1.1 ppg), along with junior Dayne Langrehr (5-11, 1.7 ppg, 1.0 rpg), also return for third-year coach Nick Meacham.

4. Cashton -- Coming off a terrific season that included a 25-4 record and a spot in the WIAA Division 5 sectional finals, where the Eagles loss a tough 80-77 decision to eventual state-champion Columbus Catholic, Cashton now must find five new starters. First-year coach Grant Radke will look to seniors Grayson Schmitz (6-4) and Ethan Schmitz (6-0), along with junior Drew Butzler Drew Butzler 6'0" | CG Cashton | 2026 WI (6-0), to fill some of those starting spots. Seniors Quinn Mytas (5-10) and Sean Lukazewski (5-10), and juniors Trent Kast (6-3) and Owen Von Ruden (5-10), should be in the mix as well.

5. Brookwood -- Even with the graduation departures of its top two scorers, Brookwood has a good chance of moving up a bit in the Scenic Bluffs standings as coach Walker Rynes has six experienced players on his roster. Two seniors, two juniors and two sophomores make up the core of the Falcons' lineup. Braeden Pasch Braeden Pasch 5'11" | CG Brookwood | 2025 WI (5-11, 6.4 ppg, 3.5 rpg), Brennen Mack (5-10, 4.8 ppg, 1.4 rpg) and Cam Brueggeman (6-0, 2.3 ppg, 2.2 rpg) started for a team that went 4-21. Gavin Havlik (5-10, 3.3 ppg, 1.2 rpg) and the Cunitz brothers, Julien Cunitz (5-9, 2.4 ppg, 2.3 rpg) and Jackson Cunitz (6-0, 5.6 ppg, 2.3 rpg), should contend for starting spots.

6. Necedah -- Scoring enough points to remain competitive is a question mark for Necedah after the Cardinals lost 26.5 points per outing and 10.0 rebounds a game to graduation with the departures of Jack Herried (6-0) and Gage Garcia (6-1). Kris Saylor, now in his 24th year as the head coach at Necedah, is looing for his three returning starters to notch up their production in 2024-25. That group includes seniors Kynrik Saylor Kynrik Saylor 6'6" | PF Necedah | 2025 WI (6-6, 3.0 ppg, 5.4 rpg) and Jake Hite (5-9, 1.3 ppg, 1.1 rpg) along with junior Mason Hustad (6-0, 3.5 ppg, 1.8 rpg). Senior Philip Heintz (6-1) along with sophomore Elijah Peak (5-10) and freshman Luke Murphy (6-2) will contend for starting spots as well.

7. New Lisbon -- Balance is an asset for New Lisbon as the Rockets set out to better last year's 4-21 record. Coach Jeremiah Pfaff has four regulars returning and each is a capable scorer. Seniors Austin Berndsen Austin Berndsen 5'10" | PG New Lisbon | 2025 WI (5-10, 8.6 ppg, 3.2 rpg), Brayen Morey Brayen Morey 6'1" | SF New Lisbon | 2025 WI (6-1, 7.4 ppg, 6.1 rpg), Ethan Forschler (6-3, 4.9 ppg, 4.8 rpg) and Evan Macrafic (6-3, 6.2 ppg, 5.0 rpg) give the Rockets a solid core to build around. Juniors Carter Pfaff (5-10, 2.9 ppg, 1.3 rpg) and Josh Homan (5-9, 1.8 ppg, 1.7 rpg) are in the mix as well.

8. Wonewoc-Center -- Ending a 54-game conference losing skid is the first priority at Wonewoc-Center as the Wolves have gone three full seasons without a league triumph. Second-year coach Kevin Conley has three starters back from a club that went 1-23 in senior Alik Grigorev (6-3), junior Gavin Olson (5-11) and sophomore Cam Thellefson (6-3). Shooting, ball handling and rebounding are concerns, but the Wolves will play with energy and rely on their defense to stay in games.

Top Returning Scorers

Carter Uppena Carter Uppena 6'2" | SG Royall | 2025 State WI , Royall (15.7 ppg)
Miles Ravenscroft Miles Ravenscroft 6'3" | SG Hillsboro | 2026 State WI , Hillsboro (11.3 ppg)
Landon Lipke Landon Lipke 6'7" | PF Royall | 2025 State WI , Royall (8.9 ppg)
Austin Berndsen Austin Berndsen 5'10" | PG New Lisbon | 2025 WI , New Lisbon (8.6 ppg)

Projected All-Conference Teams
First Team
Carter Uppena Carter Uppena 6'2" | SG Royall | 2025 State WI , Sr., Royall
Miles Ravenscroft Miles Ravenscroft 6'3" | SG Hillsboro | 2026 State WI , 6-0, Jr., Hillsboro
Brayen Morey Brayen Morey 6'1" | SF New Lisbon | 2025 WI , 6-1, Sr., New Lisbon
Landon Lipke Landon Lipke 6'7" | PF Royall | 2025 State WI , 6-7, Sr., Royall
Ben Crneckiy Ben Crneckiy 6'3" | SF Royall | 2025 WI , 6-3, Sr., Royall

Second Team
Braeden Pasch Braeden Pasch 5'11" | CG Brookwood | 2025 WI , 5-11, Sr., Brookwood
Drew Butzler Drew Butzler 6'0" | CG Cashton | 2026 WI , 6-0, Jr., Cashton
Jerry Von Falkenstein Jerry Von Falkenstein 6'4" | SF Hillsboro | 2025 WI , 6-4, Sr., Hillsboro
Kynrik Saylor Kynrik Saylor 6'6" | PF Necedah | 2025 WI , 6-6, Sr., Necedah
Trey Wildes Trey Wildes 6'1" | SF Royall | 2026 WI , 6-1, Jr., Royall

The Big Five

Best Shooter: Miles Ravenscroft Miles Ravenscroft 6'3" | SG Hillsboro | 2026 State WI , Hillsboro
Best Defender: Carter Uppena Carter Uppena 6'2" | SG Royall | 2025 State WI , Royall
Best Rebounder: Landon Lipke Landon Lipke 6'7" | PF Royall | 2025 State WI , Royall
Best Collegiate Prospect: Carter Uppena Carter Uppena 6'2" | SG Royall | 2025 State WI , Royall
Most Improved Player: Drew Butzler Drew Butzler 6'0" | CG Cashton | 2026 WI , Cashton