Trailways West Preview

2023-24 Final Standings 1. Pardeeville 12-2 (20-5); 1. Randolph 12-2 (21-7); 3. Fall River 10-4 (18-10); 4. Princeton/Green Lake 9-5 (15-11); 4. Markesan 5-9 (6-18); 6. Cambria-Friesland 4-10 (9-15); 7. Montello 3-11 (9-16); 8. Rio 1-13 (3-22). 2024-25 Picks 1. Pardeeville -- Pardeeville's reigning league-champions look to earn their second straight crown behind the return of three starters a two key backups from a 20-5 squad. Chris Lindert starts year No. 19 as the Bulldogs' coach counting on seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2381726' first='Eli' last='Achterberg'] (6-3, 12.2 ppg, 5.3 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2381729' first='Caleb' last='Gard'] (6-1, 10.7 ppg, 5.7 rpg) and [player_tooltip player_id='2381724' first='Jamison' last='Wickersham'] (6-2, 13.0 ppg, 6.2 rpg) to provide leadership for a team that will rely on underclassmen to provide depth. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='2381725' first='Brenden' last='Krueger'] (5-11, 6.2 ppg, 1.4 rpg) and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2510497' first='Devin' last='Jerome'] (6-3, 4.5 ppg, 4.0 rpg) will challenge for starting spots alongside Achterberg, Gard and Wickersham. 2. Randolph -- The Rockets tied for the Trailways West title in 2023-24, but coach Tyler Fischer lost three starters who accounted for 31 points and 12 rebounds per game. He does bring back two very talented players, though, in senior [player_tooltip player_id='2381728' first='Nick' last='Medema'] (6-7, 16.8 ppg, 10.2 rpg) and junior Ben Paul (7.5 ppg, 4.8 rpg). Medema is perhaps the best player in the league as his mobility and consistent scoring/rebounding are big assets. Other key returning personnel include senior Camdyn Muth (6-2, 3.7 ppg, 1.4 rpg) along with juniors [player_tooltip player_id='2381723' first='Troy' last='Logan'] (6-1, 2.5 ppg, 1.1 rpg), Mason Gorsuch (6-1, 2.6 ppg) and Jared Buwalda (5-10). 3. Fall River -- Arnie Oelke is the longest tenured coach in the state as he begins year No. 39 at Fall River with another team capable of contending for the Trailways West crown. Although four starters did graduate from an 18-10 squad, Oelke's Pirates boast one of the league's top frontcourt players in senior [player_tooltip player_id='2551614' first='Ethan' last='LeClair'] (6-7, 12.1 ppg, 7.7 rpg). LeClair, a vastly improved player, will make things difficult on opponents with his size, length and versatility. Also back are seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2638159' first='Zack' last='Osterhaus'] (6-3, 8.0 ppg, 6.4 rpg) and Alex Diaz (5-10, 3.6 ppg) while newcomers from an 18-5 JV1 team figure to contend for starting roles along with the returning players. 4. Markesan -- There are a significant number of experienced players in the Trailways West, but no school has more key guys back than Markesan. Indeed, the Hornets bring back their five starters and three top reserves from last year's squad that went 6-18. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='2381730' first='Austin' last='Moderow'] (6-2, 18.7 ppg, 12.7 rpg) is the most productive player in the league as he can dominate with his scoring and rebounding. He figures to get plenty of help from senior Brayden Zacho (6-0, 5.0 ppg, 2.1 rpg) along with juniors [player_tooltip player_id='2381617' first='Cohen' last='Hoffmann'] (5-10, 12.1 ppg, 2.3 rpg), Grayden Vredeveld (5-9, 5.8 ppg, 2.8 rpg) and Josh Herwig (5-11, 3.3 ppg, 3.2 rpg). Depth is provided by senior Michael Guderski (5-9), junior Alex Richter (6-0, 3.3 ppg, 3.0 rpg) and sophomore Ryan Bock (6-1, 3.6 ppg, 3.1 rpg). 5. Cambria-Friesland -- Experience, athleticism and scoring balance rank among the strengths for coach Derrick Smit at Cambria-Friesland. The Hilltoppers have five starters back from a team that finished 9-15, including double-figure scorers [player_tooltip player_id='2638154' first='Carson' last='Burmania'] (6-4, 13.7 ppg, 5.4 rpg) and [player_tooltip player_id='2638152' first='Carter' last='Drews'] (6-0, 14.2 ppg, 9.3 rpg). Joining Burmania and Drew as returning regulars are seniors Ashton Brusveen (6-1, 8.7 ppg, 8.0 rpg), Austin Evans (6-0, 4.2 ppg, 2.6 rpg) and Devin Merwin (5-10, 3.3 ppg, 1.2 rpg). Senior Xzayvor Dates (5-10, 1.5 ppg) and sophomore Callen Drews (5-8, 1.9 ppg, 1.8 rpg) also figure to make contributions. 6. Montello -- With three double-figure scorers returning, Montello is looking to move up in the league standings after finishing either seventh or eighth in each of the past four seasons. Seniors Ayden Drews (6-5, 13.0 ppg, 6.3 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2638151' first='Xander' last='Jones'] (6-0, 15.2 ppg, 10.3 rpg) and [player_tooltip player_id='2638156' first='Bodie' last='Bloom'] (6-0, 10.3 ppg, 5.2 rpg) give coach Tony Magestro a very talented core to build around. Two additional seniors -- Matt Poster (6-2, 1.1 ppg, 1.3 rpg) and Gabe Lopez (5-9, 3.0 ppg, 3.1 rpg) -- will contend for starting roles along with junior Kableb Schurmann (5-8, 1.5 ppg, 1.8 rpg) and sophomore Daniel Kendall (5-7, 1.2 ppg). 7. Rio -- Coach Tim Struck is hopeful his players can cut down on the number of turnovers the team committed a year ago. If that happens, Struck believes Rio can be an improved team and one that can utilize its balance and athleticism to make things tough on opponents. Returning starters include seniors Jackson Shawback (6-0, 7.3 ppg, 3.0 rpg) and Parker Braatz (6-1, 1.2 ppg, 2.7 rpg) along with sophomore Spencer Langsdorf (6-4, 3.1 ppg, 3.8 rpg). Juniors Joe Cook (6-2) and Cooper Krakow (6-1) also return as does sophomore Jack Becker (6-1, 3.5 ppg, 2.1 rpg). 8. Princeton/Green Lake -- The Tigersharks surprised some followers of the Trailways West a year ago, finishing 15-11 overall and 9-5 in league outings. But all five players who started for coach Paul Wedig graduated, leaving lots of holes in the lineup for 2024-25. Senior Grant Bartol (6-4, 6.0 ppg, 5.2 rpg) is the best returning player for Princeton/Green Lake. He can play inside and outside and teams with senior Frankie Menting (6-3, 3.4 ppg, 3.2 rpg) and junior Kaleb Haynes (6-2, 2.1 ppg) on the Tigersharks' frontline. Expect junior Kyle Walther (5-10), sophomore Carson West (5-11) and freshman [player_tooltip player_id='2613958' first='Mason' last='Knaup'] (5-9) to log big minuets in the backcourt. Top Returning Scorers [player_tooltip player_id='2381730' first='Austin' last='Moderow'], Markesan (18.7 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2381728' first='Nick' last='Medema'], Randolph (16.7 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2638151' first='Zander' last='Jones'], Montello (15.2 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2638152' first='Carter' last='Drews'], Cambria-Friesland (14.2 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2638154' first='Carson' last='Burmania'], Cambria-Friesland (13.7 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2451458' first='Ayden' last='Drew'], Montello (13.0 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2381724' first='Jamison' last='Wickersham'], Pardeeville (13.0 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2381726' first='Eli' last='Achterberg'], Pardeeville (12.2 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2551614' first='Ethan' last='LeClair'], Fall River (12.1 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2381617' first='Cohen' last='Hoffmann'], Markesan (12.1 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2381729' first='Caleb' last='Gard'], Pardeeville (10.7 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2638156' first='Bodie' last='Bloom'], Montello (10.3 ppg) Projected All-Conference Teams First Team [player_tooltip player_id='2638152' first='Carter' last='Drews'], 6-0, Sr., Cambria-Friesland [player_tooltip player_id='2551614' first='Ethan' last='LeClair'], 6-7, Sr., Fall River [player_tooltip player_id='2381730' first='Austin' last='Moderow'], 6-2, Sr., Markesan [player_tooltip player_id='2638151' first='Zander' last='Jones'], 6-0, Sr., Montello [player_tooltip player_id='2381728' first='Nick' last='Medema'], 6-7, Sr., Randolph Second Team [player_tooltip player_id='2451458' first='Ayden' last='Drew'], 6-5, Sr., Montello [player_tooltip player_id='2381726' first='Eli' last='Achterberg'], 6-3, Sr., Pardeeville [player_tooltip player_id='2381724' first='Jamison' last='Wickersham'], 6-2, Sr., Pardeeville [player_tooltip player_id='2638154' first='Carson' last='Burmania'], 6-4, Sr., Cambria-Friesland [player_tooltip player_id='2638159' first='Zack' last='Osterhaus'], 6-3, Sr., Fall River The Big Five Best Shooter: [player_tooltip player_id='2381617' first='Cohen' last='Hoffmann'], Markesan Best Defender: [player_tooltip player_id='2638151' first='Zander' last='Jones'], Montello Best Rebounder: [player_tooltip player_id='2381730' first='Austin' last='Moderow'], Markesan Best Collegiate Prospect: [player_tooltip player_id='2381728' first='Nick' last='Medema'], Randolph Most Improved Player: [player_tooltip player_id='2551614' first='Ethan' last='LeClair'], Fall River

2023-24 Final Standings

1. Pardeeville 12-2 (20-5); 1. Randolph 12-2 (21-7); 3. Fall River 10-4 (18-10); 4. Princeton/Green Lake 9-5 (15-11); 4. Markesan 5-9 (6-18); 6. Cambria-Friesland 4-10 (9-15); 7. Montello 3-11 (9-16); 8. Rio 1-13 (3-22).

2024-25 Picks

1. Pardeeville -- Pardeeville's reigning league-champions look to earn their second straight crown behind the return of three starters a two key backups from a 20-5 squad. Chris Lindert starts year No. 19 as the Bulldogs' coach counting on seniors Eli Achterberg Eli Achterberg 6'4" | SF Pardeeville | 2025 WI (6-3, 12.2 ppg, 5.3 rpg), Caleb Gard Caleb Gard 6'0" | PG Pardeeville | 2025 WI (6-1, 10.7 ppg, 5.7 rpg) and Jamison Wickersham Jamison Wickersham 6'4" | PF Pardeeville | 2025 WI (6-2, 13.0 ppg, 6.2 rpg) to provide leadership for a team that will rely on underclassmen to provide depth. Senior Brenden Krueger Brenden Krueger 6'0" | CG Pardeeville | 2025 WI (5-11, 6.2 ppg, 1.4 rpg) and sophomore Devin Jerome Devin Jerome 6'4" | SG/SF Pardeeville | 2027 State WI (6-3, 4.5 ppg, 4.0 rpg) will challenge for starting spots alongside Achterberg, Gard and Wickersham.

2. Randolph -- The Rockets tied for the Trailways West title in 2023-24, but coach Tyler Fischer lost three starters who accounted for 31 points and 12 rebounds per game. He does bring back two very talented players, though, in senior Nick Medema Nick Medema 6'7" | PF Randolph | 2025 State WI (6-7, 16.8 ppg, 10.2 rpg) and junior Ben Paul (7.5 ppg, 4.8 rpg). Medema is perhaps the best player in the league as his mobility and consistent scoring/rebounding are big assets. Other key returning personnel include senior Camdyn Muth (6-2, 3.7 ppg, 1.4 rpg) along with juniors Troy Logan Troy Logan 6'1" | CG Randolph | 2026 WI (6-1, 2.5 ppg, 1.1 rpg), Mason Gorsuch (6-1, 2.6 ppg) and Jared Buwalda (5-10).

3. Fall River -- Arnie Oelke is the longest tenured coach in the state as he begins year No. 39 at Fall River with another team capable of contending for the Trailways West crown. Although four starters did graduate from an 18-10 squad, Oelke's Pirates boast one of the league's top frontcourt players in senior Ethan LeClair Ethan LeClair 6'7" | PF Fall River | 2025 State WI (6-7, 12.1 ppg, 7.7 rpg). LeClair, a vastly improved player, will make things difficult on opponents with his size, length and versatility. Also back are seniors Zack Osterhaus Zack Osterhaus 6'3" | SF Fall River | 2025 WI (6-3, 8.0 ppg, 6.4 rpg) and Alex Diaz (5-10, 3.6 ppg) while newcomers from an 18-5 JV1 team figure to contend for starting roles along with the returning players.

4. Markesan -- There are a significant number of experienced players in the Trailways West, but no school has more key guys back than Markesan. Indeed, the Hornets bring back their five starters and three top reserves from last year's squad that went 6-18. Senior Austin Moderow Austin Moderow 6'2" | SF Markesan | 2025 State WI (6-2, 18.7 ppg, 12.7 rpg) is the most productive player in the league as he can dominate with his scoring and rebounding. He figures to get plenty of help from senior Brayden Zacho (6-0, 5.0 ppg, 2.1 rpg) along with juniors Cohen Hoffmann Cohen Hoffmann Markesan | 2026 WI (5-10, 12.1 ppg, 2.3 rpg), Grayden Vredeveld (5-9, 5.8 ppg, 2.8 rpg) and Josh Herwig (5-11, 3.3 ppg, 3.2 rpg). Depth is provided by senior Michael Guderski (5-9), junior Alex Richter (6-0, 3.3 ppg, 3.0 rpg) and sophomore Ryan Bock (6-1, 3.6 ppg, 3.1 rpg).

5. Cambria-Friesland -- Experience, athleticism and scoring balance rank among the strengths for coach Derrick Smit at Cambria-Friesland. The Hilltoppers have five starters back from a team that finished 9-15, including double-figure scorers Carson Burmania Carson Burmania 6'3" | PF Cambria-Friesland | 2025 State WI (6-4, 13.7 ppg, 5.4 rpg) and Carter Drews Carter Drews 6'1" | CG Cambria-Friesland | 2025 WI (6-0, 14.2 ppg, 9.3 rpg). Joining Burmania and Drew as returning regulars are seniors Ashton Brusveen (6-1, 8.7 ppg, 8.0 rpg), Austin Evans (6-0, 4.2 ppg, 2.6 rpg) and Devin Merwin (5-10, 3.3 ppg, 1.2 rpg). Senior Xzayvor Dates (5-10, 1.5 ppg) and sophomore Callen Drews (5-8, 1.9 ppg, 1.8 rpg) also figure to make contributions.

6. Montello -- With three double-figure scorers returning, Montello is looking to move up in the league standings after finishing either seventh or eighth in each of the past four seasons. Seniors Ayden Drews (6-5, 13.0 ppg, 6.3 rpg), Zander Jones Zander Jones 6'0" | SF Montello | 2025 WI (6-0, 15.2 ppg, 10.3 rpg) and Bodie Bloom Bodie Bloom 6'0" | CG Montello | 2025 WI (6-0, 10.3 ppg, 5.2 rpg) give coach Tony Magestro a very talented core to build around. Two additional seniors -- Matt Poster (6-2, 1.1 ppg, 1.3 rpg) and Gabe Lopez (5-9, 3.0 ppg, 3.1 rpg) -- will contend for starting roles along with junior Kableb Schurmann (5-8, 1.5 ppg, 1.8 rpg) and sophomore Daniel Kendall (5-7, 1.2 ppg).

7. Rio -- Coach Tim Struck is hopeful his players can cut down on the number of turnovers the team committed a year ago. If that happens, Struck believes Rio can be an improved team and one that can utilize its balance and athleticism to make things tough on opponents. Returning starters include seniors Jackson Shawback (6-0, 7.3 ppg, 3.0 rpg) and Parker Braatz (6-1, 1.2 ppg, 2.7 rpg) along with sophomore Spencer Langsdorf (6-4, 3.1 ppg, 3.8 rpg). Juniors Joe Cook (6-2) and Cooper Krakow (6-1) also return as does sophomore Jack Becker (6-1, 3.5 ppg, 2.1 rpg).

8. Princeton/Green Lake -- The Tigersharks surprised some followers of the Trailways West a year ago, finishing 15-11 overall and 9-5 in league outings. But all five players who started for coach Paul Wedig graduated, leaving lots of holes in the lineup for 2024-25. Senior Grant Bartol (6-4, 6.0 ppg, 5.2 rpg) is the best returning player for Princeton/Green Lake. He can play inside and outside and teams with senior Frankie Menting (6-3, 3.4 ppg, 3.2 rpg) and junior Kaleb Haynes (6-2, 2.1 ppg) on the Tigersharks' frontline. Expect junior Kyle Walther (5-10), sophomore Carson West (5-11) and freshman Mason Knaup Mason Knaup 5'9" | PG Montello | 2028 WI (5-9) to log big minuets in the backcourt.

Top Returning Scorers

Austin Moderow Austin Moderow 6'2" | SF Markesan | 2025 State WI , Markesan (18.7 ppg)
Nick Medema Nick Medema 6'7" | PF Randolph | 2025 State WI , Randolph (16.7 ppg)
Zander Jones Zander Jones 6'0" | SF Montello | 2025 WI , Montello (15.2 ppg)
Carter Drews Carter Drews 6'1" | CG Cambria-Friesland | 2025 WI , Cambria-Friesland (14.2 ppg)
Carson Burmania Carson Burmania 6'3" | PF Cambria-Friesland | 2025 State WI , Cambria-Friesland (13.7 ppg)
Ayden Drew Ayden Drew 6'5" | SF Montello Jr./Sr. | 2025 WI , Montello (13.0 ppg)
Jamison Wickersham Jamison Wickersham 6'4" | PF Pardeeville | 2025 WI , Pardeeville (13.0 ppg)
Eli Achterberg Eli Achterberg 6'4" | SF Pardeeville | 2025 WI , Pardeeville (12.2 ppg)
Ethan LeClair Ethan LeClair 6'7" | PF Fall River | 2025 State WI , Fall River (12.1 ppg)
Cohen Hoffmann Cohen Hoffmann Markesan | 2026 WI , Markesan (12.1 ppg)
Caleb Gard Caleb Gard 6'0" | PG Pardeeville | 2025 WI , Pardeeville (10.7 ppg)
Bodie Bloom Bodie Bloom 6'0" | CG Montello | 2025 WI , Montello (10.3 ppg)

Projected All-Conference Teams
First Team
Carter Drews Carter Drews 6'1" | CG Cambria-Friesland | 2025 WI , 6-0, Sr., Cambria-Friesland
Ethan LeClair Ethan LeClair 6'7" | PF Fall River | 2025 State WI , 6-7, Sr., Fall River
Austin Moderow Austin Moderow 6'2" | SF Markesan | 2025 State WI , 6-2, Sr., Markesan
Zander Jones Zander Jones 6'0" | SF Montello | 2025 WI , 6-0, Sr., Montello
Nick Medema Nick Medema 6'7" | PF Randolph | 2025 State WI , 6-7, Sr., Randolph

Second Team
Ayden Drew Ayden Drew 6'5" | SF Montello Jr./Sr. | 2025 WI , 6-5, Sr., Montello
Eli Achterberg Eli Achterberg 6'4" | SF Pardeeville | 2025 WI , 6-3, Sr., Pardeeville
Jamison Wickersham Jamison Wickersham 6'4" | PF Pardeeville | 2025 WI , 6-2, Sr., Pardeeville
Carson Burmania Carson Burmania 6'3" | PF Cambria-Friesland | 2025 State WI , 6-4, Sr., Cambria-Friesland
Zack Osterhaus Zack Osterhaus 6'3" | SF Fall River | 2025 WI , 6-3, Sr., Fall River

The Big Five

Best Shooter: Cohen Hoffmann Cohen Hoffmann Markesan | 2026 WI , Markesan
Best Defender: Zander Jones Zander Jones 6'0" | SF Montello | 2025 WI , Montello
Best Rebounder: Austin Moderow Austin Moderow 6'2" | SF Markesan | 2025 State WI , Markesan
Best Collegiate Prospect: Nick Medema Nick Medema 6'7" | PF Randolph | 2025 State WI , Randolph
Most Improved Player: Ethan LeClair Ethan LeClair 6'7" | PF Fall River | 2025 State WI , Fall River