Wisconsin Valley Preview

2023-24 Final Standings 1. Marshfield 12-0 (25-3): 2. Stevens Point 9-3 (23-4); 3. Wausau East 8-4 (19-8); 4. D.C. Everest 5-7 (12-14); 4. Wausau West 5-7 (15-10); 6. Wisconsin Rapids 3-9 (8-17); 7. Merrill 0-12 (8-18). 2024-25 Picks 1. Marshfield -- Three-time defending Wisconsin Valley champion Marshfield has lost exactly one game in league player over the past three seasons. Continued success is likely in 2024-25 as coach Chris Fischer has four starters and a couple of top reserves back from a squad that went 25-3. Leading the way for the Tigers is senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1244808' first='Brooks' last='Hinson'] (6-2, 16.8 ppg, 4.4 rpg, committed to Northern Michigan). One of the smartest and more clutch players in the state, Hinson is a two-time first-team all-league performer and the returning Player of the Year. His backcourt running mate, senior [player_tooltip player_id='2426092' first='Landon' last='Lee'] (5-11, 11.9 ppg, 2.8 rpg), is a hard-nosed defender and good shooter who competes with 110 percent energy each time out. Up front, senior [player_tooltip player_id='2426214' first='Ethan' last='Knecht'] (6-5, 5.5 ppg, 3.9 rpg) and [player_tooltip player_id='1973149' first='Chris' last='Pohl'] (6-7, 14.6 ppg, 6.5 rpg) return to the starting lineup, although Pohl might miss some time early in the season. Key reserves returning include vastly improved junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='2381688' first='Valin' last='Ramberg'] (6-6, 5.6 ppg, 2.5 rpg) and senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='2425973' first='Joey' last='Ketterer'] (6-2, 2.2 ppg, 1.4 rpg). Look for sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2389647' first='Camden' last='Kolstad'] (6-2) to also log big minutes for Marshfield, which will compete in a tournament in Orlando, Florida, over the Christmas break. 2. Stevens Point -- The squad Stevens Point puts on the floor in November and through most of December will be a tad bit different than the club coach Jon Krull utilizes for January through the end of the season. Once [player_tooltip player_id='1500914' first='Jaydon' last='Awe'] (6-9) becomes eligible in late December after a transfer from Pacelli, the dynamic of the Panthers' team will change. Awe, a long, athletic prospect with a big upside, spent two-plus years at Pacelli and dominated at times for the Cardinals. He opted to transfer to Stevens Point over the Christmas break last year and has spent most of the time since recovering from an injury. But he is healthy going into the season and should be a big impact player for Stevens Point. Also making huge impacts for the Panthers are returning senior starters [player_tooltip player_id='2316806' first='Grant' last='Chandonais'] (6-3, 16.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg) and [player_tooltip player_id='1289062' first='Baraka' last='Makalin'] (6-1, 10.7 ppg, 2.3 rpg). Both Chandonais and Makalin are multi-year varsity performers who know what it takes to win games. Sharpshooting wing [player_tooltip player_id='2493644' first='Jerrin' last='Suehs'] (6-2) returns along with senior guard Cole Miller (5-9). Juniors Jon Ananiadis (5-11), [player_tooltip player_id='2910425' first='Reed' last='Zastava'] (6-1) and Sivan Dinga (6-1) along with sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='2473025' first='Jackson' last='Bouressa'] (6-6) and [player_tooltip player_id='2508649' first='Jayden' last='Suehs'] (6-8) also figure to play key roles. 3. D.C. Everest -- Balance, depth and desire are three positive aspects of this year's D.C. Everest basketball team. Coach Oliver Drake has a lineup full of versatile, athletic and experienced players looking to challenge in a very deep and very talented Wisconsin Valley Conference. Senior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1673681' first='Cohen' last='Priebe'] (6-0, 16.4 ppg, 3.1 rpg) is a four-year varsity performer who already has surpassed 1,000 career points. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='2492771' first='Casey' last='Stuedemann'] (6-4, 12.8 ppg, 6.3 rpg) is one of the league's top rebounders and a streaky scorer. Juniors [player_tooltip player_id='2610559' first='Cade' last='Felch'] (6-3, 9.3 ppg, 3.4 rpg), a terrific shooter, and Xaver Edwards (6-1, 8.2 ppg, 4.5 rpg), a strong all-around athlete, joined Priebe and Stuedemann in the starting lineup last winter. Key reserves [player_tooltip player_id='2509452' first='Vander' last='Truax'] (6-4, 4.3 ppg, 2.6 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2415799' first='Zekhari' last='Jones'] (6-1, 2.0 ppg, 1.6 rpg) and Sam Dassow (6-1, 3.0 ppg, 1.2 rpg) all took major steps forward during the off season. 4. Wausau East -- The Lumberjacks welcome back an experienced team with three seniors who have played varsity basketball for multiple seasons. Coach Dan Garrett will count in the leadership, toughness and overall abilities of point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2415737' first='Jaydan' last='Garrett'] (6-0, 9.3 ppg, 2.8 rpg, committed to Northland), wing [player_tooltip player_id='2111727' first='Jesse' last='Napgezek'] (6-4, 18.7 ppg, 5.2 rpg, committed to University of Mary) and [player_tooltip player_id='2415337' first='Charlie' last='Cayley'] (6-6, 13.3 ppg, 9.9 rpg) as the Lumberjacks look to match or surpass last year's 19-8 record. Finding the right pieces to fit around Garrett, Napgezek and Cayley is the challenge for Wausau East. Expect seniors Teddy Schlindwein (6-3) and Jed VanderSanden (6-3) to play important roles along with juniors Robbie Anguilli (6-7) and Miles Casey (6-0). 5. Wausau West -- Experience and balance are the names of the game at Wausau West as Nate Lemmens begins his 12th year as coach at the school with four starters back from a 16-9 squad. That group includes seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2415766' first='Griffin' last='Lange'] (6-1, 10 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='2506220' first='Bennett' last='Matteson'] (6-2, 8 ppg, 7 rpg) and Marcus McDonald (6-0, 4 ppg) along with junior [player_tooltip player_id='1561923' first='Kargie' last='Cooper'] (6-2, 6 ppg). Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2381609' first='Brady' last='Phelps'] (6-3) and Nike Federici (6-3), junior [player_tooltip player_id='1561920' first='Ameer' last='Espinoza'] (6-1) and sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='2140961' first='Miles' last='Waldvogel'] (5-11) and [player_tooltip player_id='2140929' first='Jackson' last='Riley'] (5-10) willl also be in the mix for the Warriors. 6. Wisconsin Rapids -- The biggest strength of this year's basketball squad at Wisconsin Rapids is backcourt play. Coach Jack Smalley has two of the better guards in the league in senior [player_tooltip player_id='2493666' first='Sean' last='Roenius'] (6-1, 16.5 ppg, 2.8 rpg) and junior [player_tooltip player_id='2610556' first='Brody' last='Gilbertson'] (6-2, 14.0 ppg, 3.6 rpg). Joining Roenius and Gilbertson on the perimeter will be quick senior [player_tooltip player_id='2672623' first='Jordan' last='Szelagowski'] (6-0, 5.8 ppg, 3.4 rpg), and junior Jarrett Szelagowski (6-0, 3.0 ppg, 2.5 rpg). Receiving some solid contributions in the paint will be key for the Red Raiders and senior Austin Tisland (6-3) will need to carry a heavy load near the hoop. 7. Merrill -- This is the Bluejays final season in the Wisconsin Valley as the school moves to the Great Northern at the start of the 2025-26 school year. Coach Troy Pieper has three starters back from an 8-18 squad and adds a senior who missed all of last season. The core for this year's Merrill squad includes seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2492775' first='EJ' last='Weix'] (6-1, 13 ppg, 7 rpg), Jacob Schmeltzer (6-1, 6 ppg, 2 rpg) and Kory Page (6-0, missed last season) along with sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2508304' first='Tyson' last='Ott'] (6-0, 5 ppg). Senior Aidan Houghton (6-1) and juniors [player_tooltip player_id='2951256' first='Cooper' last='Wendorf'] (5-10) and [player_tooltip player_id='2610570' first='Eli' last='Burtman'] (6-7) also return. Top Returning Scorers [player_tooltip player_id='2111727' first='Jesse' last='Napgezek'], Wausau East (18.7 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='1244808' first='Brooks' last='Hinson'], Marshfield (16.8 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2493666' first='Sean' last='Roenius'], Wisconsin Rapids (16.5 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='1673681' first='Cohen' last='Priebe'], D.C. Everest (16.4 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2316806' first='Grant' last='Chandonais'], Stevens Point (16.0 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='1973149' first='Chris' last='Pohl'], Marshfield (14.6 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2610556' first='Brody' last='Gilbertson'], Wisconsin Rapids (14.0 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2415337' first='Charlie' last='Cayley'], Wausau East (13.3 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2492775' first='EJ' last='Weix'], Merrill (13.0 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2492771' first='Casey' last='Stuedemann'], D.C. Everest (12.8 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2426092' first='Landon' last='Lee'], Marshfield (11.9 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='1289062' first='Baraka' last='Makalin'], Stevens Point (10.7 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2415766' first='Griffin' last='Lange'], Wausau West (10.0 ppg) Projected All-Conference Teams First Team [player_tooltip player_id='1673681' first='Cohen' last='Priebe'], 6-0, Sr., D.C. Everest [player_tooltip player_id='1244808' first='Brooks' last='Hinson'], 6-2, Sr., Marshfield [player_tooltip player_id='1500914' first='Jaydon' last='Awe'], 6-9, Sr., Stevens Point [player_tooltip player_id='2316806' first='Grant' last='Chandonais'], 6-3, Sr., Stevens Point [player_tooltip player_id='2111727' first='Jesse' last='Napgezek'], 6-4, Sr., Wausau East Second Team [player_tooltip player_id='2492771' first='Casey' last='Stuedemann'], 6-4, Sr., D.C. Everest [player_tooltip player_id='2426092' first='Landon' last='Lee'], 5-11, Sr., Marshfield [player_tooltip player_id='2610556' first='Brody' last='Gilbertson'], 6-2, Jr., Wisconsin Rapids [player_tooltip player_id='2415337' first='Charlie' last='Cayley'], 6-6, Sr., Wausau East [player_tooltip player_id='2493666' first='Sean' last='Roenius'], 6-1, Sr., Wisconsin Rapids The Big Five Top Shooter: [player_tooltip player_id='1244808' first='Brooks' last='Hinson'], Marshfield Top Defender: [player_tooltip player_id='1289062' first='Baraka' last='Makalin'], Stevens Point Top Rebounder: [player_tooltip player_id='1500914' first='Jaydon' last='Awe'], Stevens Point Best Collegiate Prospect: [player_tooltip player_id='1500914' first='Jaydon' last='Awe'], Stevens Point Most Improved Player: [player_tooltip player_id='2610559' first='Cade' last='Felch'], D.C. Everest

2023-24 Final Standings

1. Marshfield 12-0 (25-3): 2. Stevens Point 9-3 (23-4); 3. Wausau East 8-4 (19-8); 4. D.C. Everest 5-7 (12-14); 4. Wausau West 5-7 (15-10); 6. Wisconsin Rapids 3-9 (8-17); 7. Merrill 0-12 (8-18).

2024-25 Picks

1. Marshfield -- Three-time defending Wisconsin Valley champion Marshfield has lost exactly one game in league player over the past three seasons. Continued success is likely in 2024-25 as coach Chris Fischer has four starters and a couple of top reserves back from a squad that went 25-3. Leading the way for the Tigers is senior guard Brooks Hinson Brooks Hinson 6'2" | PG Marshfield | 2025 State #251 Nation WI (6-2, 16.8 ppg, 4.4 rpg, committed to Northern Michigan). One of the smartest and more clutch players in the state, Hinson is a two-time first-team all-league performer and the returning Player of the Year. His backcourt running mate, senior Landon Lee Landon Lee 5'11" | PG Marshfield | 2025 State WI (5-11, 11.9 ppg, 2.8 rpg), is a hard-nosed defender and good shooter who competes with 110 percent energy each time out. Up front, senior Ethan Knecht Ethan Knecht 6'5" | PF Marshfield | 2025 State WI (6-5, 5.5 ppg, 3.9 rpg) and Chris Pohl Chris Pohl 6'8" | PF/SF Marshfield | 2026 State WI (6-7, 14.6 ppg, 6.5 rpg) return to the starting lineup, although Pohl might miss some time early in the season. Key reserves returning include vastly improved junior forward Valin Ramberg Valin Ramberg 6'7" | SF/PF Marshfield | 2026 State WI (6-6, 5.6 ppg, 2.5 rpg) and senior wing Joey Ketterer Joey Ketterer 6'2" | SG Marshfield | 2025 WI (6-2, 2.2 ppg, 1.4 rpg). Look for sophomore Camden Kolstad Camden Kolstad 6'2" | PG Marshfield | 2027 State WI (6-2) to also log big minutes for Marshfield, which will compete in a tournament in Orlando, Florida, over the Christmas break.

2. Stevens Point -- The squad Stevens Point puts on the floor in November and through most of December will be a tad bit different than the club coach Jon Krull utilizes for January through the end of the season. Once Jaydon Awe Jaydon Awe 6'9" | SF/C Stevens Point | 2025 State WI (6-9) becomes eligible in late December after a transfer from Pacelli, the dynamic of the Panthers' team will change. Awe, a long, athletic prospect with a big upside, spent two-plus years at Pacelli and dominated at times for the Cardinals. He opted to transfer to Stevens Point over the Christmas break last year and has spent most of the time since recovering from an injury. But he is healthy going into the season and should be a big impact player for Stevens Point. Also making huge impacts for the Panthers are returning senior starters Grant Chandonais Grant Chandonais 6'5" | SG/SF Stevens Point | 2025 State WI (6-3, 16.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg) and Baraka Makalin Baraka Makalin 6'2" | CG Stevens Point | 2025 State WI (6-1, 10.7 ppg, 2.3 rpg). Both Chandonais and Makalin are multi-year varsity performers who know what it takes to win games. Sharpshooting wing Jerrin Suehs Jerrin Suehs 6'3" | SG Stevens Point | 2025 State WI (6-2) returns along with senior guard Cole Miller (5-9). Juniors Jon Ananiadis (5-11), Reed Zastava Reed Zastava 6'1" | CG Stevens Point | 2026 WI (6-1) and Sivan Dinga (6-1) along with sophomores Jackson Bouressa Jackson Bouressa 6'6" | PF Stevens Point | 2027 State WI (6-6) and Jayden Suehs Jayden Suehs 6'11" | SF/PF Stevens Point | 2027 State WI (6-8) also figure to play key roles.

3. D.C. Everest -- Balance, depth and desire are three positive aspects of this year's D.C. Everest basketball team. Coach Oliver Drake has a lineup full of versatile, athletic and experienced players looking to challenge in a very deep and very talented Wisconsin Valley Conference. Senior point guard Cohen Priebe Cohen Priebe 6'0" | PG D.C. Everest | 2025 State WI (6-0, 16.4 ppg, 3.1 rpg) is a four-year varsity performer who already has surpassed 1,000 career points. Senior Casey Stuedemann Casey Stuedemann 6'4" | SF D.C. Everest | 2025 State WI (6-4, 12.8 ppg, 6.3 rpg) is one of the league's top rebounders and a streaky scorer. Juniors Cade Felch (6-3, 9.3 ppg, 3.4 rpg), a terrific shooter, and Xaver Edwards (6-1, 8.2 ppg, 4.5 rpg), a strong all-around athlete, joined Priebe and Stuedemann in the starting lineup last winter. Key reserves Vander Truax Vander Truax 6'5" | SF D.C. Everest | 2027 State WI (6-4, 4.3 ppg, 2.6 rpg), Zekhari Jones Zekhari Jones 6'1" | SF Dc Everest | 2025 WI (6-1, 2.0 ppg, 1.6 rpg) and Sam Dassow (6-1, 3.0 ppg, 1.2 rpg) all took major steps forward during the off season.

4. Wausau East -- The Lumberjacks welcome back an experienced team with three seniors who have played varsity basketball for multiple seasons. Coach Dan Garrett will count in the leadership, toughness and overall abilities of point guard Jaydan Garrett Jaydan Garrett 5'11" | PG Wausau East | 2025 State WI (6-0, 9.3 ppg, 2.8 rpg, committed to Northland), wing Jesse Napgezek Jesse Napgezek 6'4" | CG Wausau East | 2025 State WI (6-4, 18.7 ppg, 5.2 rpg, committed to University of Mary) and Charlie Cayley Charlie Cayley 6'6" | PF Wausau East | 2025 State WI (6-6, 13.3 ppg, 9.9 rpg) as the Lumberjacks look to match or surpass last year's 19-8 record. Finding the right pieces to fit around Garrett, Napgezek and Cayley is the challenge for Wausau East. Expect seniors Teddy Schlindwein (6-3) and Jed VanderSanden (6-3) to play important roles along with juniors Robbie Anguilli (6-7) and Miles Casey (6-0).

5. Wausau West -- Experience and balance are the names of the game at Wausau West as Nate Lemmens begins his 12th year as coach at the school with four starters back from a 16-9 squad. That group includes seniors Griffin Lange Griffin Lange 6'0" | CG Wausau West | 2025 State WI (6-1, 10 ppg), Bennett Matteson Bennett Matteson 6'1" | SF Wausau West | 2025 WI (6-2, 8 ppg, 7 rpg) and Marcus McDonald (6-0, 4 ppg) along with junior Kargie Cooper (6-2, 6 ppg). Seniors Brady Phelps Brady Phelps Wausau West | 2025 WI (6-3) and Nike Federici (6-3), junior Ameer Espinoza Ameer Espinoza 5'10" | PG Wausau west High School | 2026 WI (6-1) and sophomores Miles Waldvogel Miles Waldvogel 6'0" | CG Wausau West | 2027 State WI (5-11) and Jackson Riley Jackson Riley 6'0" | CG Wausau West | 2027 State WI (5-10) willl also be in the mix for the Warriors.

6. Wisconsin Rapids -- The biggest strength of this year's basketball squad at Wisconsin Rapids is backcourt play. Coach Jack Smalley has two of the better guards in the league in senior Sean Roenius Sean Roenius 6'1" | PG Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln | 2025 State WI (6-1, 16.5 ppg, 2.8 rpg) and junior Brody Gilbertson (6-2, 14.0 ppg, 3.6 rpg). Joining Roenius and Gilbertson on the perimeter will be quick senior Jordan Szelagowski Jordan Szelagowski 5'10" | CG Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln | 2025 WI (6-0, 5.8 ppg, 3.4 rpg), and junior Jarrett Szelagowski (6-0, 3.0 ppg, 2.5 rpg). Receiving some solid contributions in the paint will be key for the Red Raiders and senior Austin Tisland (6-3) will need to carry a heavy load near the hoop.

7. Merrill -- This is the Bluejays final season in the Wisconsin Valley as the school moves to the Great Northern at the start of the 2025-26 school year. Coach Troy Pieper has three starters back from an 8-18 squad and adds a senior who missed all of last season. The core for this year's Merrill squad includes seniors EJ Weix EJ Weix 6'2" | SG Merrill | 2025 State WI (6-1, 13 ppg, 7 rpg), Jacob Schmeltzer (6-1, 6 ppg, 2 rpg) and Kory Page (6-0, missed last season) along with sophomore Tyson Ott Tyson Ott 6'1" | CG Merrill | 2027 State WI (6-0, 5 ppg). Senior Aidan Houghton (6-1) and juniors Cooper Wendorf Cooper Wendorf 6'0" | CG Merrill | 2026 WI (5-10) and Eli Burtman Eli Burtman 6'7" | PF Merrill | 2026 WI (6-7) also return.

Top Returning Scorers

Jesse Napgezek Jesse Napgezek 6'4" | CG Wausau East | 2025 State WI , Wausau East (18.7 ppg)
Brooks Hinson Brooks Hinson 6'2" | PG Marshfield | 2025 State #251 Nation WI , Marshfield (16.8 ppg)
Sean Roenius Sean Roenius 6'1" | PG Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln | 2025 State WI , Wisconsin Rapids (16.5 ppg)
Cohen Priebe Cohen Priebe 6'0" | PG D.C. Everest | 2025 State WI , D.C. Everest (16.4 ppg)
Grant Chandonais Grant Chandonais 6'5" | SG/SF Stevens Point | 2025 State WI , Stevens Point (16.0 ppg)
Chris Pohl Chris Pohl 6'8" | PF/SF Marshfield | 2026 State WI , Marshfield (14.6 ppg)
Brody Gilbertson, Wisconsin Rapids (14.0 ppg)
Charlie Cayley Charlie Cayley 6'6" | PF Wausau East | 2025 State WI , Wausau East (13.3 ppg)
EJ Weix EJ Weix 6'2" | SG Merrill | 2025 State WI , Merrill (13.0 ppg)
Casey Stuedemann Casey Stuedemann 6'4" | SF D.C. Everest | 2025 State WI , D.C. Everest (12.8 ppg)
Landon Lee Landon Lee 5'11" | PG Marshfield | 2025 State WI , Marshfield (11.9 ppg)
Baraka Makalin Baraka Makalin 6'2" | CG Stevens Point | 2025 State WI , Stevens Point (10.7 ppg)
Griffin Lange Griffin Lange 6'0" | CG Wausau West | 2025 State WI , Wausau West (10.0 ppg)

Projected All-Conference Teams
First Team
Cohen Priebe Cohen Priebe 6'0" | PG D.C. Everest | 2025 State WI , 6-0, Sr., D.C. Everest
Brooks Hinson Brooks Hinson 6'2" | PG Marshfield | 2025 State #251 Nation WI , 6-2, Sr., Marshfield
Jaydon Awe Jaydon Awe 6'9" | SF/C Stevens Point | 2025 State WI , 6-9, Sr., Stevens Point
Grant Chandonais Grant Chandonais 6'5" | SG/SF Stevens Point | 2025 State WI , 6-3, Sr., Stevens Point
Jesse Napgezek Jesse Napgezek 6'4" | CG Wausau East | 2025 State WI , 6-4, Sr., Wausau East

Second Team
Casey Stuedemann Casey Stuedemann 6'4" | SF D.C. Everest | 2025 State WI , 6-4, Sr., D.C. Everest
Landon Lee Landon Lee 5'11" | PG Marshfield | 2025 State WI , 5-11, Sr., Marshfield
Brody Gilbertson, 6-2, Jr., Wisconsin Rapids
Charlie Cayley Charlie Cayley 6'6" | PF Wausau East | 2025 State WI , 6-6, Sr., Wausau East
Sean Roenius Sean Roenius 6'1" | PG Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln | 2025 State WI , 6-1, Sr., Wisconsin Rapids

The Big Five

Top Shooter: Brooks Hinson Brooks Hinson 6'2" | PG Marshfield | 2025 State #251 Nation WI , Marshfield
Top Defender: Baraka Makalin Baraka Makalin 6'2" | CG Stevens Point | 2025 State WI , Stevens Point
Top Rebounder: Jaydon Awe Jaydon Awe 6'9" | SF/C Stevens Point | 2025 State WI , Stevens Point
Best Collegiate Prospect: Jaydon Awe Jaydon Awe 6'9" | SF/C Stevens Point | 2025 State WI , Stevens Point
Most Improved Player: Cade Felch, D.C. Everest