The Driftless 200: 11-25

We're getting down to the final groups in the Driftless 200. If you haven't been following along, the prospects in this series come from the Big Rivers, Cloverbelt-West, Coulee, Dairyland, Dunn-St. Croix, Lakeland-West, Middle Border, Mississippi Valley, Ridge & Valley, Scenic Bluffs, Six Rivers-West, South Central, and Southwest Wisconsin Conferences, as well as the Southwest Wisconsin Activities League.   Please note that Prep Hoops rankings prioritize a player's potential to succeed at the next level, emphasizing athleticism, size, position-specific skills, game IQ, effort, toughness, and intangibles like body language. While scouts may weigh these factors differently, size and athleticism are particularly critical. High school performance and stats are considered, but rankings are primarily based on a player's skillset, athletic ability, and body type that project well to college competition. Performances in AAU and summer leagues also play a significant role. Nearly all the players on this list have earned extra attention by showcasing difference-making skills and potential on the Prep Hoops Circuit.   Rankings are fluid and reflect a player's growth, opportunities, and team dynamics. Players who develop their skills, conditioning, or leadership often rise, as do those stepping into larger roles following the graduation of upperclassmen. Underclassmen who showed promise during high school play or summer tournaments may see their rankings climb, while seniors often bring proven ability but still have opportunities to break out. High school stats provide consistency in evaluations, but success in AAU and other circuits carries significant weight, particularly in the upper tiers of the Driftless 200. Learn more on how we rank, <a href="https://prephoops.com/how-we-rank/">here</a>.   The Driftless 200 is organized in tiers to reflect the minimal differences between players ranked closely. Within this grouping, athletes are listed alphabetically by last name. As we have moved towards the top of the rankings, the tiers have become smaller, with greater emphasis on individual player details and considerable influence from the Prep Hoops class rankings.    Backaus is a dynamic all-around talent who excels on both ends of the floor. He averaged 17.1 points per game last season as a freshman, showing exceptional scoring ability and effectiveness from beyond the arc. Defensively, his 2.4 steals per game highlight his knack for disrupting opponents, while his shot-blocking and rebounding (5.8 RPG) demonstrate his athleticism and tenacity, which make up for his shorter stature when in the paint. With his versatility and high-impact play, Backaus is poised to be a game-changing talent this season and beyond.     A 6'2" guard, Brone is a versatile player who impacts every facet of the game. He excels as a playmaker, having logged 5.5 assists per game last season, utilizing his exceptional passing skills to elevate his teammates. Defensively, he's a plus defender with who will turn the opposition over, consistently disrupting opposing offenses. Brone's effectiveness from three, 1.9 steals per game and overall ability to contribute on both ends of the court make him a critical asset for the Red Hawks heading into the season.     A strong offensive presence for Eau Claire Memorial, this senior guard averaged 13 points per game last season while showcasing his skills as a reliable shooter and playmaker. Clark's 2.3 assists per game highlight his ability to distribute the ball effectively, making him a plus passer on the court. Defensively, he contributes with 1.6 steals per game, using his instincts to disrupt opponents. With his scoring, playmaking, and defensive effort, Clark is poised to be a key leader for his team this season.     A versatile player for Baldwin-Woodville, Clauson made an impact across all areas of the game last season. He averaged 12.1 points per game as a consistent double-digit scorer while contributing 4.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game to support his team offensively. Defensively, he stood out as a plus player, combining strong steal numbers with effective shot-blocking. With his ability to make high-impact contributions from anywhere on the court, Clausen is a player who can be a true game-changer this season.     A standout for Altoona as a freshman, Gunderson averaged 10.5 points per game while shooting an outstanding 43.9% from three-point range. With his exceptional shooting ability, he was a deep threat worthy of attention, and his 3.3 assists per game demonstrated his skills as a facilitator. On defense, Gunderson snagged 1.6 steals per game, adding another important dimension to his all-around game. His ability to distribute the ball and defend effectively make him one of the top 2027 prospects to watch.     As a junior at West Salem, Hehli was an impactful all-around player, averaging 16.7 points per game while shooting 43.9% from the field and 35.8% from three-point range. His scoring ability was complemented by 3.9 assists, and 2.4 steals per game, demonstrating his ability to impact the game from any spot on the hardwood. A dynamic playmaker moving into his senior season, Hehli is expected to excel offensively, while creating opportunities for teammates and also being a disruptive force on defense.     Johnson demonstrated high-level all-around play during his junior season, averaging 7.5 rebounds per game and shooting an impressive 60% from the field. His ability to dominate the glass made him a valuable contributor on both ends of the floor, while defensively, he patrolled the lane as a skilled shot blocker, averaging 0.9 blocks per game. Heading into his senior season Johnson is a standout player who should be fun to watch, before he heads to the Iowa Hawkeyes to begin his collegiate football experience.     A starter for Onalaska last season, Kowal averaged 3.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game while shooting 39.8% from beyond the arc. Also effective off the dribble, his scoring ability at all three levels adds depth to his well-rounded game. Kowal's strong defensive presence, both on and off the ball, makes him a valuable asset on that end of the floor. Heading into his junior year, he's set for a breakout season as a significant contributor for what has traditionally been a deep Hilltoppers program.     A game-changing all-around talent for Mineral Point last season, Lindsey averaged 6.6 rebounds per game and shot 41.7% from beyond the three-point line. A sniper from deep, he consistently stretched defenses while contributing in multiple other areas as well. Lindsey's defense, highlighted by 1.1 blocks per game, made him a dominant presence on that end of the court. Heading into his senior year, his scoring, rebounding, playmaking, and defensive skills position him as one of the top players to watch.     Heading into his senior year at Eau Claire Memorial, Mboga comes off an impactful season, in which he averaged 13.7 points per game while shooting 49.6% from the field. His solid shooting from both the field and beyond the arc, combined with his 6 rebounds per game, showcased his ability to contribute in a variety of ways. Mboga's athleticism also contributes to solid shot-blocking skills, making him a defensive threat for players looking to take it to the hole. With his all-around game he's definitely a player to pay attention to this season.     Michlig is a strong all-around player with a solid shooting touch, posting percentages of 46.2% from the field and 35.8% from three-point range in his sophomore campaign. A key contributor to the Panthers' run to the State semi-finals, he demonstrated his ability to produce in high-pressure situations. Michlig averaged 4.7 rebounds per game and also demonstrated solid shot-blocking ability. Heading into his junior year, he has an opportunity for a breakout season and is positioned to be an impactful piece in his team's success.     Paul is a game-changing all-around talent for Alma Center Lincoln, averaging 19.6 points per game and 8 rebounds last season. With stout scoring ability, he is also a highly skilled shot blocker and a key defensive player, averaging 2.5 steals per game. His strong presence on the glass and exceptional playmaking abilities are notable. Heading into his senior year, the combination of leadership with his scoring, rebounding, defensive, and passing prowess makes Paul a player capable of guiding the Hornets to a great season.     A strong and highly productive athlete for Ellsworth, Rohl averaged 13.1 points and 5.6 rebounds per game last season while contributing significantly as a starter. With a formidable presence inside, he consistently impacted the game in the paint and can also shoot it effectively from mid-range. His 0.7 blocks per game reflect his shot-blocking ability, making him a valuable defensive asset. Put all of these things together with another year of experience and Rohl could be a standout force on both ends of the court in his junior year.     A compelling underclassman at Fall Creek, Schmidgall averaged 5 rebounds per game and demonstrated excellent shot-blocking skills with 1.1 blocks last season. At 6'6", his size and athleticism give him a significant presence on both ends of the floor. Schmidgall's defensive abilities make him a standout player, with a particular focus on protecting the rim and cleaning the glass. Heading into his sophomore year, his potential as a top 2027 prospect is clear as he continues to develop and refine his game.     An athletic and well-built guard for Darlington, Zuberbuhler showcased his scoring potential over the summer with [program_tooltip program_id='2078835' first='Wisconsin' last='Swing'] in AAU play. Last season, he gained valuable experience with the Redbirds, displaying his capability to contribute across multiple areas of the game. While he didn't have much opportunity to show it in high school play as a freshman, Zuberbuhler's potential to light up the scoreboard is evident. Heading into his sophomore year, his athleticism and versatility position him for a strong season.

We're getting down to the final groups in the Driftless 200. If you haven't been following along, the prospects in this series come from the Big Rivers, Cloverbelt-West, Coulee, Dairyland, Dunn-St. Croix, Lakeland-West, Middle Border, Mississippi Valley, Ridge & Valley, Scenic Bluffs, Six Rivers-West, South Central, and Southwest Wisconsin Conferences, as well as the Southwest Wisconsin Activities League.