Trailways South Preview

2023-24 Final Standings 1. Abundant Life Christian 11-1 (28-3); 1. Deerfield 11-1 (17-9); 3. Palmyra-Eagle 7-5 (18-9); 4. Johnson Creek 5-7 (10-14); 4. Parkview 5-7 (6-18); 6. Williams Bay 2-10 (4-21); 7. Madison Country Day 1-11 (4-20). 2024-25 Picks 1. Abundant Life Christian -- With twins [player_tooltip player_id='2551628' first='Jonah' last='Koon'] (6-1, 14.9 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 5.0 apg, 2.3 spg) and [player_tooltip player_id='2551622' first='Jacob' last='Koon'] (5-11, 14.1 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 5.5 apg, 3.5 spg) both returning for their senior seasons, the Challengers are favored to successfully defend their league title. The Koon twins provide great leadership, steady play, endless energy and the ability to shoot and defend. The Koon brothers are the lone returning starters from a club that went 28-3 and lost to Columbus Catholic in the WIAA Division 5 state-title contest, but coach Mike Thies has some experienced player back who excelled off the bench in seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1640462' first='Conner' last='Whitaker'] (6-4, 5.6 ppg, 3.8 rpg), Ethan Rockwell (6-2, 3.0 ppg, 2.1 rpg), Brayton Breezer (6-4, 1.7 ppg, 2.5 rpg), Dane Britain (6-2, 1.7 ppg) and Kenlee Rivest (5-10, 1.0 ppg). Look for sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='2399579' first='Nick' last='Thies'] (6-4) and Mo Aeschlimann (5-10) to also play key roles. 2. Deerfield -- The Demons shoot for their fourth consecutive league crown after tying Abundant Life Christian last winter, but coach Nick Krull will need to find replacements for four starters from a 17-9 squad. The lone holdover regular is one of the best players in the league as senior guard Ben Wetzle (5-11, 16.3 ppg, 5.3 rpg) is the reigning Player of the Year in the conference. Wetzel anchors a very good backcourt that also includes junior [player_tooltip player_id='2637959' first='Landon' last='Brattlie'] (5-11, 6.1 ppg, 2.6 rpg) and senior Aiden Brown (5-9). Seniors Luke Sigurslid (6-3, 5.8 ppg, 2.3 rpg) and Zack Hansen (6-1, 2.0 ppg, 1.8 rpg) along with junior [player_tooltip player_id='2404967' first='Noah' last='Maginn'] (6-3) will contend for starting spots as well. Krull believes guard play, quickness and shooting re the Demons' top strengths. 3. Parkview -- The Vikings boast a nice blend of inside/outside experience and could be the most improved team in the Trailways South. Coach Mary Crane will count heavily on her son, junior [player_tooltip player_id='1858222' first='Aiden' last='Crane'] (5-11, 14.5 ppg, 3.5 rpg), to run the show and get his teammates involved. Senior Mathias Treinen (5-11, 4.6 ppg, 2.3 rpg) teams with Crane in the backcourt while junior [player_tooltip player_id='2393140' first='Oliver' last='Friedrich'] (6-3, 10.3 ppg, 4.6 rpg) and senior Mike Williams (6-5, 2.5 ppg, 3.1 rpg) take care of things along the baseline. Also back are seniors Easton Hackett (5-11, 1.9 ppg) and Alan Diaz (5-9) along with junior Corbin Williams (5-11, 1.2 ppg) and sophomore Louis Nath (5-11, 1.9 ppg, 1.3 rpg). 4. Palmyra-Eagle -- Led by the return of the most productive big man in the Trailways South, Palmyra-Eagle expects to remain highly competitive despite the loss of four starters from an 18-9 squad. Physical senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='2551618' first='Devin' last='Patrick'] (6-4, 11.8 ppg, 11.8 rpg) is a presence on the court on both ends and gives coach Brandon Wilde a go-to player at crunch time. Seniors Dylan Walsh (6-2, 6.0 ppg, 4.7 rpg), Logan Lebanowski (6-0, 1.5 ppg) and Xavier Mishler (6-0) also return while juniors Ryan Brodzik (5-9), JJ Thomas (6-0) and Will Herriges (6-4) are up from a 19-3 JV team. Defense and rebounding are definite assets for the Panthers. 5. Johnson Creek -- Like several other clubs in the Trailways South, backcourt experience and depth are strengths for the Bluejays. Three starting guards are back for third-year coach Tarek Oellerich, and each is a capable scorer. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='2637957' first='Tanner' last='Herman'] (5-9, 13.4 ppg, 5.0 rpg), junior [player_tooltip player_id='2637958' first='Brady' last='Fincutter'] (5-10, 9.7 ppg, 5.5 rpg) and sophomore Hayden Wagner (5-9, 8.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg) provide a strong core to build around as Johnson Creek looks to better a 10-14 record. Junior Evan Malueg (6-2, 3.6 ppg, 3.8 rpg) and sophomore Kace Freimund (6-2, 1.7 ppg, 3.1 rpg) saw action off the bench while juniors Julius Cheaney (5-7) and Owen Pernat (5-7) along with sophomore Jonathan Kamuchey (5-5) are up from a 6-14 JV1 squad. 6. Williams Bay -- All seven teams in the Trailways South look to have teams that can win games, including Williams Bay. Five players who started at different times are back from a 4-21 squad for third-year coach Nathan Borgen. That group includes seniors Keegan Wehrwein (6-0, 5.2 ppg, 3.7 rpg), Jack Schultz (6-1, 4.6 ppg, 2.2 rpg) and [player_tooltip player_id='2637956' first='Diego' last='Valadez'] (5-11, 9.3 ppg, 4.0 rpg) along with junior Quinn Peyer (5-7, 6.6 ppg, 2.0 rpg) and sophomore Ethan Welsh (5-7, 2.2 ppg, 2.8 rpg). Experience, work ethic and speed are strengths while lack of size and rebounding are concerns. 7. Madison Country Day -- The Prairie Hawks broke a 46-game losing skid in the Trailways South a year ago with a win over Johnson Creek. Coach Jerod Boyd and the Madison Country Day faithful are hoping the program takes a big step forward this season and can surpass its 4-20 mark of a year ago behind the return of five starters, including double-figure scorers [player_tooltip player_id='1649964' first='Rocco' last='Jones'] (5-11, 16.3 ppg, 5.9 rpg) and [player_tooltip player_id='2404966' first='Karson' last='Finck'] (6-4, 15.1 ppg, 6.4 rpg). The talented junior tandem of Jones and Finck each have two years of varsity competition under their belts and will lead an experienced squad that also includes seniors Ousmane Keita (6-1, 2.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg) and Artem Frazier (5-11, 3.6 ppg) along with juniors Jack Ravenscroft (6-3, 7.1 ppg, 7.2 rpg), Maddox Bradfield (5-8, 1.4 ppg) and Artharva Misra (5-10, 2.0 ppg). Top Returning Scorers [player_tooltip player_id='2637952' first='Ben' last='Wetzel'], Deerfield (16.3 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='1649964' first='Rocco' last='Jones'], Madison Country Day (16.3 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2404966' first='Karson' last='Finck'], Madison Country Day (15.1 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2551628' first='Jonah' last='Koon'], Abundant Life Christian (14.9 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='1858222' first='Aiden' last='Crane'], Parkview (14.5 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2551622' first='Jacob' last='Koon'], Abundant Life Christian (14.1 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2637957' first='Tanner' last='Herman'], Johnson Creek (13.4 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2551618' first='Devin' last='Patrick'], Palmyra-Eagle (11.8 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2393140' first='Oliver' last='Friedrich'], Parkview (10.3 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2637958' first='Brady' last='Fincutter'], Johnson Creek (9.7 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2637956' first='Diego' last='Valadez'], Williams Bay (9.3 ppg) Projected All-Conference Teams First Team [player_tooltip player_id='2551628' first='Jonah' last='Koon'], 6-1, Sr., Abundant Life Christian [player_tooltip player_id='2551622' first='Jacob' last='Koon'], 5-11, Sr., Abundant Life Christian [player_tooltip player_id='2637952' first='Ben' last='Wetzel'], 5-11, Sr., Deerfield [player_tooltip player_id='2551618' first='Devin' last='Patrick'], 6-4, Sr., Palmyra-Eagle [player_tooltip player_id='1858222' first='Aiden' last='Crane'], 5-11, Jr., Parkview Second Team [player_tooltip player_id='2637956' first='Diego' last='Valadez'], 5-11, Sr., Williams Bay [player_tooltip player_id='2637957' first='Tanner' last='Herman'], 5-9, Sr., Johnson Creek [player_tooltip player_id='2637958' first='Brady' last='Fincutter'], 5-10, Jr., Johnson Creek [player_tooltip player_id='1649964' first='Rocco' last='Jones'], 5-11, Jr., Madison Country Day [player_tooltip player_id='2393140' first='Oliver' last='Friedrich'], 6-3, Jr., Parkview The Big Five Top Shooter: [player_tooltip player_id='2637952' first='Ben' last='Wetzel'], Deerfield Top Defender: [player_tooltip player_id='2551622' first='Jacob' last='Koon'], Abundant Life Christian Top Rebounder: [player_tooltip player_id='2551618' first='Devin' last='Patrick'], Palmyra-Eagle Best Collegiate Prospect: [player_tooltip player_id='1858222' first='Aiden' last='Crane'], Parkview Most Improved Player: [player_tooltip player_id='2637959' first='Landon' last='Brattlie'], Deerfield

2023-24 Final Standings

1. Abundant Life Christian 11-1 (28-3); 1. Deerfield 11-1 (17-9); 3. Palmyra-Eagle 7-5 (18-9); 4. Johnson Creek 5-7 (10-14); 4. Parkview 5-7 (6-18); 6. Williams Bay 2-10 (4-21); 7. Madison Country Day 1-11 (4-20).

2024-25 Picks

1. Abundant Life Christian -- With twins Jonah Koon Jonah Koon 6'1" | CG Abundant Life Christian | 2025 State WI (6-1, 14.9 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 5.0 apg, 2.3 spg) and Jacob Koon Jacob Koon 6'0" | PG Abundant Life Christian | 2025 State WI (5-11, 14.1 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 5.5 apg, 3.5 spg) both returning for their senior seasons, the Challengers are favored to successfully defend their league title. The Koon twins provide great leadership, steady play, endless energy and the ability to shoot and defend. The Koon brothers are the lone returning starters from a club that went 28-3 and lost to Columbus Catholic in the WIAA Division 5 state-title contest, but coach Mike Thies has some experienced player back who excelled off the bench in seniors Conner Whitaker Conner Whitaker 6'2" | CG Abundant Life | 2025 WI (6-4, 5.6 ppg, 3.8 rpg), Ethan Rockwell (6-2, 3.0 ppg, 2.1 rpg), Brayton Breezer (6-4, 1.7 ppg, 2.5 rpg), Dane Britain (6-2, 1.7 ppg) and Kenlee Rivest (5-10, 1.0 ppg). Look for sophomores Nick Thies Nick Thies 6'4" | PF Abundant Life Christian | 2027 State WI (6-4) and Mo Aeschlimann (5-10) to also play key roles.

2. Deerfield -- The Demons shoot for their fourth consecutive league crown after tying Abundant Life Christian last winter, but coach Nick Krull will need to find replacements for four starters from a 17-9 squad. The lone holdover regular is one of the best players in the league as senior guard Ben Wetzle (5-11, 16.3 ppg, 5.3 rpg) is the reigning Player of the Year in the conference. Wetzel anchors a very good backcourt that also includes junior Landon Brattlie Landon Brattlie 5'11" | CG Deerfield | 2026 WI (5-11, 6.1 ppg, 2.6 rpg) and senior Aiden Brown (5-9). Seniors Luke Sigurslid (6-3, 5.8 ppg, 2.3 rpg) and Zack Hansen (6-1, 2.0 ppg, 1.8 rpg) along with junior Noah Maginn Noah Maginn 6'4" Deerfield | 2026 WI (6-3) will contend for starting spots as well. Krull believes guard play, quickness and shooting re the Demons' top strengths.

3. Parkview -- The Vikings boast a nice blend of inside/outside experience and could be the most improved team in the Trailways South. Coach Mary Crane will count heavily on her son, junior Aiden Crane Aiden Crane 6'0" | PG Parkview | 2026 State WI (5-11, 14.5 ppg, 3.5 rpg), to run the show and get his teammates involved. Senior Mathias Treinen (5-11, 4.6 ppg, 2.3 rpg) teams with Crane in the backcourt while junior Oliver Friedrich Oliver Friedrich 6'3" | SG Parkview | 2026 WI (6-3, 10.3 ppg, 4.6 rpg) and senior Mike Williams (6-5, 2.5 ppg, 3.1 rpg) take care of things along the baseline. Also back are seniors Easton Hackett (5-11, 1.9 ppg) and Alan Diaz (5-9) along with junior Corbin Williams (5-11, 1.2 ppg) and sophomore Louis Nath (5-11, 1.9 ppg, 1.3 rpg).

4. Palmyra-Eagle -- Led by the return of the most productive big man in the Trailways South, Palmyra-Eagle expects to remain highly competitive despite the loss of four starters from an 18-9 squad. Physical senior forward Devin Patrick Devin Patrick 6'4" | PF Palymyra-Eagle | 2025 State WI (6-4, 11.8 ppg, 11.8 rpg) is a presence on the court on both ends and gives coach Brandon Wilde a go-to player at crunch time. Seniors Dylan Walsh (6-2, 6.0 ppg, 4.7 rpg), Logan Lebanowski (6-0, 1.5 ppg) and Xavier Mishler (6-0) also return while juniors Ryan Brodzik (5-9), JJ Thomas (6-0) and Will Herriges (6-4) are up from a 19-3 JV team. Defense and rebounding are definite assets for the Panthers.

5. Johnson Creek -- Like several other clubs in the Trailways South, backcourt experience and depth are strengths for the Bluejays. Three starting guards are back for third-year coach Tarek Oellerich, and each is a capable scorer. Senior Tanner Herman Tanner Herman 5'9" | PG Johnson Creek | 2025 WI (5-9, 13.4 ppg, 5.0 rpg), junior Brady Fincutter Brady Fincutter 5'10" | CG Johnson Creek | 2026 WI (5-10, 9.7 ppg, 5.5 rpg) and sophomore Hayden Wagner (5-9, 8.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg) provide a strong core to build around as Johnson Creek looks to better a 10-14 record. Junior Evan Malueg (6-2, 3.6 ppg, 3.8 rpg) and sophomore Kace Freimund (6-2, 1.7 ppg, 3.1 rpg) saw action off the bench while juniors Julius Cheaney (5-7) and Owen Pernat (5-7) along with sophomore Jonathan Kamuchey (5-5) are up from a 6-14 JV1 squad.

6. Williams Bay -- All seven teams in the Trailways South look to have teams that can win games, including Williams Bay. Five players who started at different times are back from a 4-21 squad for third-year coach Nathan Borgen. That group includes seniors Keegan Wehrwein (6-0, 5.2 ppg, 3.7 rpg), Jack Schultz (6-1, 4.6 ppg, 2.2 rpg) and Diego Valadez Diego Valadez 5'11" | CG Williams Bay | 2025 WI (5-11, 9.3 ppg, 4.0 rpg) along with junior Quinn Peyer (5-7, 6.6 ppg, 2.0 rpg) and sophomore Ethan Welsh (5-7, 2.2 ppg, 2.8 rpg). Experience, work ethic and speed are strengths while lack of size and rebounding are concerns.

7. Madison Country Day -- The Prairie Hawks broke a 46-game losing skid in the Trailways South a year ago with a win over Johnson Creek. Coach Jerod Boyd and the Madison Country Day faithful are hoping the program takes a big step forward this season and can surpass its 4-20 mark of a year ago behind the return of five starters, including double-figure scorers Rocco Jones Rocco Jones 6'0" | PG Madison Country Day | 2026 State WI (5-11, 16.3 ppg, 5.9 rpg) and Karson Finck Karson Finck 6'3" | SF/SG Madison Country Day | 2026 WI (6-4, 15.1 ppg, 6.4 rpg). The talented junior tandem of Jones and Finck each have two years of varsity competition under their belts and will lead an experienced squad that also includes seniors Ousmane Keita (6-1, 2.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg) and Artem Frazier (5-11, 3.6 ppg) along with juniors Jack Ravenscroft (6-3, 7.1 ppg, 7.2 rpg), Maddox Bradfield (5-8, 1.4 ppg) and Artharva Misra (5-10, 2.0 ppg).

Top Returning Scorers

Ben Wetzel Ben Wetzel 5'11" | CG Deerfield | 2025 State WI , Deerfield (16.3 ppg)
Rocco Jones Rocco Jones 6'0" | PG Madison Country Day | 2026 State WI , Madison Country Day (16.3 ppg)
Karson Finck Karson Finck 6'3" | SF/SG Madison Country Day | 2026 WI , Madison Country Day (15.1 ppg)
Jonah Koon Jonah Koon 6'1" | CG Abundant Life Christian | 2025 State WI , Abundant Life Christian (14.9 ppg)
Aiden Crane Aiden Crane 6'0" | PG Parkview | 2026 State WI , Parkview (14.5 ppg)
Jacob Koon Jacob Koon 6'0" | PG Abundant Life Christian | 2025 State WI , Abundant Life Christian (14.1 ppg)
Tanner Herman Tanner Herman 5'9" | PG Johnson Creek | 2025 WI , Johnson Creek (13.4 ppg)
Devin Patrick Devin Patrick 6'4" | PF Palymyra-Eagle | 2025 State WI , Palmyra-Eagle (11.8 ppg)
Oliver Friedrich Oliver Friedrich 6'3" | SG Parkview | 2026 WI , Parkview (10.3 ppg)
Brady Fincutter Brady Fincutter 5'10" | CG Johnson Creek | 2026 WI , Johnson Creek (9.7 ppg)
Diego Valadez Diego Valadez 5'11" | CG Williams Bay | 2025 WI , Williams Bay (9.3 ppg)

Projected All-Conference Teams
First Team
Jonah Koon Jonah Koon 6'1" | CG Abundant Life Christian | 2025 State WI , 6-1, Sr., Abundant Life Christian
Jacob Koon Jacob Koon 6'0" | PG Abundant Life Christian | 2025 State WI , 5-11, Sr., Abundant Life Christian
Ben Wetzel Ben Wetzel 5'11" | CG Deerfield | 2025 State WI , 5-11, Sr., Deerfield
Devin Patrick Devin Patrick 6'4" | PF Palymyra-Eagle | 2025 State WI , 6-4, Sr., Palmyra-Eagle
Aiden Crane Aiden Crane 6'0" | PG Parkview | 2026 State WI , 5-11, Jr., Parkview

Second Team
Diego Valadez Diego Valadez 5'11" | CG Williams Bay | 2025 WI , 5-11, Sr., Williams Bay
Tanner Herman Tanner Herman 5'9" | PG Johnson Creek | 2025 WI , 5-9, Sr., Johnson Creek
Brady Fincutter Brady Fincutter 5'10" | CG Johnson Creek | 2026 WI , 5-10, Jr., Johnson Creek
Rocco Jones Rocco Jones 6'0" | PG Madison Country Day | 2026 State WI , 5-11, Jr., Madison Country Day
Oliver Friedrich Oliver Friedrich 6'3" | SG Parkview | 2026 WI , 6-3, Jr., Parkview

The Big Five

Top Shooter: Ben Wetzel Ben Wetzel 5'11" | CG Deerfield | 2025 State WI , Deerfield
Top Defender: Jacob Koon Jacob Koon 6'0" | PG Abundant Life Christian | 2025 State WI , Abundant Life Christian
Top Rebounder: Devin Patrick Devin Patrick 6'4" | PF Palymyra-Eagle | 2025 State WI , Palmyra-Eagle
Best Collegiate Prospect: Aiden Crane Aiden Crane 6'0" | PG Parkview | 2026 State WI , Parkview
Most Improved Player: Landon Brattlie Landon Brattlie 5'11" | CG Deerfield | 2026 WI , Deerfield