Southwest Wisconsin Athletic League Preview

2023-24 Final Standings 1. Darlington 13-1 (24-3); 1. Mineral Point 13-1 (28-2); 3. Southwestern 9-5 (17-10); 4. Cuba City 7-7 (12-14); 5. Riverdale 5-9 (9-16); 6. Iowa-Grant 4-10 (9-17); 7. Fennimore 3-11 (4-21); 8. Boscobel 2-12 (6-19). 2024-25 Picks 1. Mineral Point -- Mineral Point, coming off an incredible run that included a SWAL title, a regional championship, a sectional crown and a last-second shot to win the WIAA Division 4 state championship, is looking for additional success behind three key players back from that 28-2 squad. Versatile senior [player_tooltip player_id='1289076' first='Eli' last='Lindsey'] (6-5, 11.8 ppg, 6.6 rpg, committed to Viterbo for golf) can guard different positions, score in different ways and is a two-time first-team all-SWAL performer. Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='2399607' first='Jaxson' last='Wendhausen'] (6-4, 9.7 ppg, 2.5 rpg) can shoot it from deep and added to his game during the off season by gaining the ability to take the ball to the basket. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='1874969' first='Drew' last='Aschliman'] (6-3, 6.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg), who made the game-winner in the D4 title-game win over Kenosha St. Joseph, is a player who can do a lot of different things. Coach Dan Burreson, now in his 30th year and with 445 victories, also welcomes back seniors Jake Phillips (6-4, 2.4 ppg, 2.3 rpg), Atley Potterton (6-6) and Tucker Dannenberg (6-2) along with junior [player_tooltip player_id='2917117' first='Keaton' last='Dempsey'] (6-0, 1.2 ppg, 1.2 rpg). 2. Darlington -- The Redbirds tied Mineral Point for the SWAL title last winter and will push the Pointers again in 2024-25 despite losing four starters to graduation from a 24-3 team. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='2045300' first='Broker' last='Buschor'] (6-3, 15.1 ppg, 6.4 rpg) is an elite performer in the league and headlines a talented young group for coach Tom Uppena. A first-team all-SWAL selection as a sophomore, Buschor is coming off a strong spring/summer showing with the [program_tooltip program_id='2078835' first='Wisconsin' last='Swing'] club program. Four additional players return and all figure to take on increased roles. That group includes seniors Nolan Carpenter (6-0) and Taggart Gille (6-2, 2.2 ppg) along with sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='2505508' first='Zeke' last='Zuberbuhler'] (6-0, 6.1 ppg) and [player_tooltip player_id='2509473' first='Dante' last='Glendenning'] (5-10, 2.4 ppg, 2.3 rpg). Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='2369903' first='Ryder' last='Fitzsimons'] (6-2) and newcomers from a 19-3 JV1 team also figure to play key roles. 3. Southwestern -- While the rest of the SWAL members play at the Division 4 level in the playoffs, Southwestern competes in Division 5. And the tough schedule the Wildcats play during the regular season should pay dividends once the post season gets underway. Coach Clinton Nemitz has five returning starters and two key reserves back from a 17-10 season. The regulars include [player_tooltip player_id='2637634' first='Everett' last='Droessler'] (6-0, 12 ppg, 6 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2637641' first='Jack' last='Runde'] (6-0, 7 ppg, 3 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2637631' first='Aiden' last='Kelleher'] (6-0, 16 ppg, 4 rpg), Bryce Pearce (6-3, 9 ppg, 5 rpg) and Austin Furlong (6-0, 5 ppg, 2 rpg). Also returning are junior [player_tooltip player_id='2917231' first='Cayden' last='DeMuth'] (6-2, 2 ppg, 2 rpg) and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2816103' first='Carsen' last='Splinter'] (5-10, 9 ppg, 6 rpg). 4. Cuba City -- Senior experience is a definite plus for coach Tanner Schieve as he begins his second year in charge of the Cubans' program. Four of the five returning starters are seniors, including three first-team all-SWAL football players from the Cubans' league title team this fall. That group includes [player_tooltip player_id='2637653' first='Henry' last='Kruser'] (6-2, 11.9 ppg, 5.8 rpg), Tyson Richard (6-2, 9.8 ppg, 2.4 rpg) and [player_tooltip player_id='2637647' first='Gavin' last='Vaassen'] (6-0, 12.7 ppg, 7.2 rpg). Also back to the starting rotation are senior Miles Hinderman (6-0, 8.6 ppg, 2.2 rpg) and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2917277' first='Hudson' last='Kieler'] (6-0, 1.4 ppg). Seniors Chase Marshall (6-0), Talan Van Natta (5-9), Ben Richards (6-5) and Breyden Johll (6-3) along with junior Trevor Van Natta (5-10, 4.5 ppg, 2.7 rpg) also figure to play roles for Cuba City. 5. Fennimore -- Led by the return of first-team all-league performer [player_tooltip player_id='2637656' first='Evan' last='Larson'] (6-4, 12.2 ppg, 6.2 rpg), Fennimore looks to better a 4-21 record under seventh-year coach Troy Larson. The Golden Eagles will rely on [player_tooltip player_id='2637656' first='Evan' last='Larson']'s versatility and production as they look to become more consistent. Other returning starters include seniors Isaac Henkel (6-1, 4.3 ppg, 3.4 rpg) and Matthew Winch (5-11, 3.7 ppg, 2.2 rpg) along with junior [player_tooltip player_id='2822017' first='Jude' last='Kinney'] (6-4, 6.8 ppg, 6.9 rpg) and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2917254' first='Reece' last='Kelley'] (5-11, 5.7 ppg, 2.1 rpg). While experience is a plus, keeping up offensively with some of the higher powered teams in the SWAL might be a challenge. 6. Iowa-Grant -- The Panthers must replace two of their better players in recent history as guard Cyle Steffl (6-2, 21.0 ppg, 7.2 rpg, now playing at Edgewood) scored 1,367 points in his prep career while Ashton Schmidt (5-10, 12.7 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 4.0 apg) added 945. With Steffl and Schmidt graduating last spring, second-year coach Shawn Dailey will look to his three returning starters to step up their games and increase their production. Juniors [player_tooltip player_id='2815658' first='Sam' last='Lundell'] (5-10, 5.3 ppg, 4.1 rpg), Everett Zimmer (5-11, 8.2 ppg, 3.5 rpg) and [player_tooltip player_id='2496245' first='Treaton' last='Loeffelholz'] (6-4, 8.2 ppg, 6.1 rpg) for the core of this year's squad. 7. Riverdale -- Riverdale won nine games under coach Chris Kinyon a year ago, including five in SWAL play. Both of those totals represent high water marks for this program, which has struggled to remain competitive over most of the past decade. The lone returning starter from that team is sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='2886325' first='Bevyn' last='Dennis'] (5-6, 8.3 ppg, 2.4 rpg). Dennis leads a strong backcourt group that also includes senior Chase Chitwood (5-8), junior Conlan Walsh (5-9) and sophomores Jackson Bomkamp (5-11), Ethan Kagel (5-7) and Jonny Stitzer (5-5). Up front, Riverdale looks to senior Gavin Kreul (6-1) and sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='2917218' first='Owen' last='Blankenship'] (6-0), Enerel Gantulga (6-2) and Henry Drone (6-3). 8. Boscobel -- Replacing four starters, including the top three scorers, is a tough hurdle to overcome for second-year coach Joe Childs and the Bulldogs. The lone returning regular, senior forward Cameron Loos (6-5, 5.1 ppg, 4.7 rpg), will have to take on an increased role on both ends of the court for Boscobel, which went 6-19 a year ago. Junior guard Carter Molzof (5-11, 2.2 ppg) and junior forward Jonah Knowles (6-4, 4.1 ppg, 4.1 rpg) also will need to step up their production. Top Returning Scorers [player_tooltip player_id='2637631' first='Aiden' last='Kelleher'], Southwestern (16.1 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2045300' first='Broker' last='Buschor'], Darlington (15.1 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2637647' first='Gavin' last='Vaassen'], Cuba City (12.7 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2637656' first='Evan' last='Larson'], Fennimore (12.2 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2637634' first='Everett' last='Droessler'], Southwestern (12.0 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2637653' first='Henry' last='Kruser'], Cuba City (11.9 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2399607' first='Jaxson' last='Wendhausen'], Mineral Point (9.7 ppg) Bryce Pearce, Southwsetern (9.1 ppg) Carson Splinter, Southwestern (9.0 ppg) Projected All-Conference Teams First Team [player_tooltip player_id='2637647' first='Gavin' last='Vaassen'], 6-0, Sr., Cuba City [player_tooltip player_id='2045300' first='Broker' last='Buschor'], 6-3, Jr., Darlington [player_tooltip player_id='2637656' first='Evan' last='Larson'], 6-4, Sr., Fennimore [player_tooltip player_id='1289076' first='Eli' last='Lindsey'], 6-5, Sr., Mineral Point [player_tooltip player_id='2399607' first='Jaxson' last='Wendhausen'], 6-4, Sr., Mineral Point [player_tooltip player_id='2637631' first='Aiden' last='Kelleher'], 6-0, Jr., Southwestern Second Team [player_tooltip player_id='2637653' first='Henry' last='Kruser'], 6-2, Sr., Cuba City [player_tooltip player_id='2505508' first='Zeke' last='Zuberbuhler'], 6-0, Soph., Darlington [player_tooltip player_id='2822017' first='Jude' last='Kinney'], 6-4, Jr., Fennimore [player_tooltip player_id='2496245' first='Treaton' last='Loeffelholz'], 6-4, Jr., Iowa-Grant [player_tooltip player_id='1874969' first='Drew' last='Aschliman'], 6-3, Jr., Mineral Point [player_tooltip player_id='2637634' first='Everett' last='Droessler'], 6-0, Sr., Southwestern The Big Five Best Shooter: [player_tooltip player_id='2399607' first='Jaxson' last='Wendhausen'], Mineral Point Best Defender: [player_tooltip player_id='1289076' first='Eli' last='Lindsey'], Mineral Point Best Rebounder: [player_tooltip player_id='2637647' first='Gavin' last='Vaassen'], Cuba City Best Collegiate Prospect: [player_tooltip player_id='2045300' first='Broker' last='Buschor'], Darlington Most Improved Player: [player_tooltip player_id='2505508' first='Zeke' last='Zuberbuhler'], Darlington

2023-24 Final Standings

1. Darlington 13-1 (24-3); 1. Mineral Point 13-1 (28-2); 3. Southwestern 9-5 (17-10); 4. Cuba City 7-7 (12-14); 5. Riverdale 5-9 (9-16); 6. Iowa-Grant 4-10 (9-17); 7. Fennimore 3-11 (4-21); 8. Boscobel 2-12 (6-19).

2024-25 Picks

1. Mineral Point -- Mineral Point, coming off an incredible run that included a SWAL title, a regional championship, a sectional crown and a last-second shot to win the WIAA Division 4 state championship, is looking for additional success behind three key players back from that 28-2 squad. Versatile senior Eli Lindsey Eli Lindsey 6'5" | SF Mineral Point | 2025 State WI (6-5, 11.8 ppg, 6.6 rpg, committed to Viterbo for golf) can guard different positions, score in different ways and is a two-time first-team all-SWAL performer. Senior wing Jaxson Wendhausen Jaxson Wendhausen 6'4" | SG Mineral Point | 2025 State WI (6-4, 9.7 ppg, 2.5 rpg) can shoot it from deep and added to his game during the off season by gaining the ability to take the ball to the basket. Junior Drew Aschliman Drew Aschliman 6'3" | SG Mineral Point | 2026 State WI (6-3, 6.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg), who made the game-winner in the D4 title-game win over Kenosha St. Joseph, is a player who can do a lot of different things. Coach Dan Burreson, now in his 30th year and with 445 victories, also welcomes back seniors Jake Phillips (6-4, 2.4 ppg, 2.3 rpg), Atley Potterton (6-6) and Tucker Dannenberg (6-2) along with junior Keaton Dempsey Keaton Dempsey 6'2" | SF Mineral Point | 2026 WI (6-0, 1.2 ppg, 1.2 rpg).

2. Darlington -- The Redbirds tied Mineral Point for the SWAL title last winter and will push the Pointers again in 2024-25 despite losing four starters to graduation from a 24-3 team. Junior Broker Buschor Broker Buschor 6'3" | SG Darlington | 2026 State WI (6-3, 15.1 ppg, 6.4 rpg) is an elite performer in the league and headlines a talented young group for coach Tom Uppena. A first-team all-SWAL selection as a sophomore, Buschor is coming off a strong spring/summer showing with the Wisconsin Swing club program. Four additional players return and all figure to take on increased roles. That group includes seniors Nolan Carpenter (6-0) and Taggart Gille (6-2, 2.2 ppg) along with sophomores Zeke Zuberbuhler Zeke Zuberbuhler 6'1" | CG Darlington | 2027 State WI (6-0, 6.1 ppg) and Dante Glendenning Dante Glendenning 5'10" | CG Darlington | 2027 State WI (5-10, 2.4 ppg, 2.3 rpg). Freshman Ryder Fitzsimons Ryder Fitzsimons 6'3" | PG/CG Darlington | 2028 State WI (6-2) and newcomers from a 19-3 JV1 team also figure to play key roles.

3. Southwestern -- While the rest of the SWAL members play at the Division 4 level in the playoffs, Southwestern competes in Division 5. And the tough schedule the Wildcats play during the regular season should pay dividends once the post season gets underway. Coach Clinton Nemitz has five returning starters and two key reserves back from a 17-10 season. The regulars include Everett Droessler Everett Droessler 6'0" | CG Southwestern | 2025 WI (6-0, 12 ppg, 6 rpg), Jack Runde Jack Runde 6'0" | CG Southwestern | 2025 WI (6-0, 7 ppg, 3 rpg), Aiden Kelleher (6-0, 16 ppg, 4 rpg), Bryce Pearce (6-3, 9 ppg, 5 rpg) and Austin Furlong (6-0, 5 ppg, 2 rpg). Also returning are junior Cayden DeMuth Cayden DeMuth 6'2" | PF Southwestern | 2026 WI (6-2, 2 ppg, 2 rpg) and sophomore Carsen Splinter (5-10, 9 ppg, 6 rpg).

4. Cuba City -- Senior experience is a definite plus for coach Tanner Schieve as he begins his second year in charge of the Cubans' program. Four of the five returning starters are seniors, including three first-team all-SWAL football players from the Cubans' league title team this fall. That group includes Henry Kruser Henry Kruser 6'2" | SF Cuba City | 2025 WI (6-2, 11.9 ppg, 5.8 rpg), Tyson Richard (6-2, 9.8 ppg, 2.4 rpg) and Gavin Vaassen Gavin Vaassen 6'1" | CG Cuba City | 2025 State WI (6-0, 12.7 ppg, 7.2 rpg). Also back to the starting rotation are senior Miles Hinderman (6-0, 8.6 ppg, 2.2 rpg) and sophomore Hudson Kieler Hudson Kieler 6'1" | SG Cuba City | 2027 WI (6-0, 1.4 ppg). Seniors Chase Marshall (6-0), Talan Van Natta (5-9), Ben Richards (6-5) and Breyden Johll (6-3) along with junior Trevor Van Natta (5-10, 4.5 ppg, 2.7 rpg) also figure to play roles for Cuba City.

5. Fennimore -- Led by the return of first-team all-league performer Evan Larson Evan Larson 6'4" | SF Fennimore | 2025 State WI (6-4, 12.2 ppg, 6.2 rpg), Fennimore looks to better a 4-21 record under seventh-year coach Troy Larson. The Golden Eagles will rely on Evan Larson Evan Larson 6'4" | SF Fennimore | 2025 State WI 's versatility and production as they look to become more consistent. Other returning starters include seniors Isaac Henkel (6-1, 4.3 ppg, 3.4 rpg) and Matthew Winch (5-11, 3.7 ppg, 2.2 rpg) along with junior Jude Kinney (6-4, 6.8 ppg, 6.9 rpg) and sophomore Reece Kelley Reece Kelley 5'8" | PG Fennimore | 2027 WI (5-11, 5.7 ppg, 2.1 rpg). While experience is a plus, keeping up offensively with some of the higher powered teams in the SWAL might be a challenge.

6. Iowa-Grant -- The Panthers must replace two of their better players in recent history as guard Cyle Steffl (6-2, 21.0 ppg, 7.2 rpg, now playing at Edgewood) scored 1,367 points in his prep career while Ashton Schmidt (5-10, 12.7 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 4.0 apg) added 945. With Steffl and Schmidt graduating last spring, second-year coach Shawn Dailey will look to his three returning starters to step up their games and increase their production. Juniors Sam Lundell Sam Lundell 6'0" | PG/SG Iowa-Grant | 2026 WI (5-10, 5.3 ppg, 4.1 rpg), Everett Zimmer (5-11, 8.2 ppg, 3.5 rpg) and Treaton Loeffelholz Treaton Loeffelholz 6'4" | CG Iowa Grant | 2026 WI (6-4, 8.2 ppg, 6.1 rpg) for the core of this year's squad.

7. Riverdale -- Riverdale won nine games under coach Chris Kinyon a year ago, including five in SWAL play. Both of those totals represent high water marks for this program, which has struggled to remain competitive over most of the past decade. The lone returning starter from that team is sophomore guard Bevyn Dennis Bevyn Dennis 5'8" | PG Riverdale | 2027 State WI (5-6, 8.3 ppg, 2.4 rpg). Dennis leads a strong backcourt group that also includes senior Chase Chitwood (5-8), junior Conlan Walsh (5-9) and sophomores Jackson Bomkamp (5-11), Ethan Kagel (5-7) and Jonny Stitzer (5-5). Up front, Riverdale looks to senior Gavin Kreul (6-1) and sophomores Owen Blankenship Owen Blankenship 5'11" | CG Riverdale | 2027 WI (6-0), Enerel Gantulga (6-2) and Henry Drone (6-3).

8. Boscobel -- Replacing four starters, including the top three scorers, is a tough hurdle to overcome for second-year coach Joe Childs and the Bulldogs. The lone returning regular, senior forward Cameron Loos (6-5, 5.1 ppg, 4.7 rpg), will have to take on an increased role on both ends of the court for Boscobel, which went 6-19 a year ago. Junior guard Carter Molzof (5-11, 2.2 ppg) and junior forward Jonah Knowles (6-4, 4.1 ppg, 4.1 rpg) also will need to step up their production.

Top Returning Scorers

Aiden Kelleher, Southwestern (16.1 ppg)
Broker Buschor Broker Buschor 6'3" | SG Darlington | 2026 State WI , Darlington (15.1 ppg)
Gavin Vaassen Gavin Vaassen 6'1" | CG Cuba City | 2025 State WI , Cuba City (12.7 ppg)
Evan Larson Evan Larson 6'4" | SF Fennimore | 2025 State WI , Fennimore (12.2 ppg)
Everett Droessler Everett Droessler 6'0" | CG Southwestern | 2025 WI , Southwestern (12.0 ppg)
Henry Kruser Henry Kruser 6'2" | SF Cuba City | 2025 WI , Cuba City (11.9 ppg)
Jaxson Wendhausen Jaxson Wendhausen 6'4" | SG Mineral Point | 2025 State WI , Mineral Point (9.7 ppg)
Bryce Pearce, Southwsetern (9.1 ppg)
Carson Splinter, Southwestern (9.0 ppg)

Projected All-Conference Teams
First Team
Gavin Vaassen Gavin Vaassen 6'1" | CG Cuba City | 2025 State WI , 6-0, Sr., Cuba City
Broker Buschor Broker Buschor 6'3" | SG Darlington | 2026 State WI , 6-3, Jr., Darlington
Evan Larson Evan Larson 6'4" | SF Fennimore | 2025 State WI , 6-4, Sr., Fennimore
Eli Lindsey Eli Lindsey 6'5" | SF Mineral Point | 2025 State WI , 6-5, Sr., Mineral Point
Jaxson Wendhausen Jaxson Wendhausen 6'4" | SG Mineral Point | 2025 State WI , 6-4, Sr., Mineral Point
Aiden Kelleher, 6-0, Jr., Southwestern

Second Team
Henry Kruser Henry Kruser 6'2" | SF Cuba City | 2025 WI , 6-2, Sr., Cuba City
Zeke Zuberbuhler Zeke Zuberbuhler 6'1" | CG Darlington | 2027 State WI , 6-0, Soph., Darlington
Jude Kinney, 6-4, Jr., Fennimore
Treaton Loeffelholz Treaton Loeffelholz 6'4" | CG Iowa Grant | 2026 WI , 6-4, Jr., Iowa-Grant
Drew Aschliman Drew Aschliman 6'3" | SG Mineral Point | 2026 State WI , 6-3, Jr., Mineral Point
Everett Droessler Everett Droessler 6'0" | CG Southwestern | 2025 WI , 6-0, Sr., Southwestern

The Big Five

Best Shooter: Jaxson Wendhausen Jaxson Wendhausen 6'4" | SG Mineral Point | 2025 State WI , Mineral Point
Best Defender: Eli Lindsey Eli Lindsey 6'5" | SF Mineral Point | 2025 State WI , Mineral Point
Best Rebounder: Gavin Vaassen Gavin Vaassen 6'1" | CG Cuba City | 2025 State WI , Cuba City
Best Collegiate Prospect: Broker Buschor Broker Buschor 6'3" | SG Darlington | 2026 State WI , Darlington
Most Improved Player: Zeke Zuberbuhler Zeke Zuberbuhler 6'1" | CG Darlington | 2027 State WI , Darlington