Big Eight Preview 2025-26

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Final 2024-25 Standings:</strong><br><br>1. Sun Prairie East 15-3 (21-7); 2. Verona 14-4 (20-7); 3. Madison Memorial 13-5 (19-7); 4. Sun Prairie West 12-6 (16-10); 5. Middleton 11-7 (15-11); 6. Janesville Craig 10-8 (13-12); 7. Madison La Follette 7-11 (9-13); 8. Madison West 6-12 (9-17); 9. Madison East 2-16 (3-21); 10. Janesville Parker 0-18 (2-23).<br><strong><br>2025-26 Picks</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1. <a href="https://prephoops.com/team/madison-memorial/">Madison Memorial </a></strong>-- Steve Collins starts his 28th season as the head coach at Madison Memorial needing just eight victories to reach 500 for his stellar career. He'll likely get to that impressive milestone sooner than later as the Spartans return size, athleticism, balance and depth from a squad that went 19-7. Leading the way for Collins are twin senior brothers and Bradley University baseball recruits [player_tooltip player_id='2045264' first='Ezra' last='Liggon'] (6-5, 13 ppg, 6 rpg) and [player_tooltip player_id='1561947' first='Caleb' last='Liggon'] (6-5, 12 ppg, 7 rpg). The versatility, skill level and rebounding ability of both Liggon brothers will make things tough on every opponent in the league. Senior sharpshooter Antony Miller (6-2, 12 ppg, 3 rpg) and seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2469250' first='JoJo' last='Rodriguez'] (6-0, 9 ppg), Brayden Banyai (5-11, 6 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='2495043' first='Andrew' last='Braun'] (6-2, 6 ppg) and [player_tooltip player_id='2452484' first='Devin' last='Prosser'] (6-2, 4 ppg) also return for the Spartans. Look for juniors [player_tooltip player_id='2460859' first='Kimyora' last='Cross Jr'] (6-3) and [player_tooltip player_id='2509460' first='Will' last='Lisowski-Semb'] (6-0) to also play key roles. <br><br><strong>2. <a href="https://prephoops.com/team/la-follette/">Madison La Follette </a></strong>-- This could very well be a top 10 team in the state at the WIAA Division 1 level. But injuries derailed the Lancers a year ago when they finished 9-13 and health remains an issue heading into 2025-26. At the same time, senior [player_tooltip player_id='1561953' first='Thian' last='Riak'] (6-4, 21.6 ppg) is back on the court after missing most of last season and all of the spring/summer club campaign while recovering from an injury. A healthy Riak could be the difference maker for La Follette since the Lancers also bring back talented juniors [player_tooltip player_id='2140977' first='Reece' last='Jordan Jr']. (6-2, 18.4 ppg) and [player_tooltip player_id='2140969' first='Origin' last='Prewitt'] (5-10, 11.1 ppg) along with sneior Terr'ell Mos (6-3, 3.4 ppg). Toss in junior [player_tooltip player_id='2992404' first='Patrick' last='Toomey'] (6-0, 6.9 ppg) and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2399542' first='CJ' last='Costello'] (6-0, 9.4 ppg) and the Lancers boast enough firepower to potentially win the Big Eight title. <br><br><strong>3. </strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/team/verona-area/"><strong>Verona</strong> </a>-- Like both Sun Prairie schools, Verona lost its entire starting lineup to graduation. That triggers a rebuilding season for most programs, but Verona is built to withstand that heavy losses from last year's squad that went 20-7. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='2505503' first='Will' last='Stremlow'] (6-2) played in just a handful of games due to an injury as a sophomore, but he blossomed over the spring/summer and has picked up some NCAA Division II scholarship offers. His all-around steadiness and productivity will be huge assets for coach Curtrel Robinson, who will also count on big contributions from seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2381701' first='Eli' last='Andres'] (6-2), [player_tooltip player_id='2993117' first='Maddox' last='Boado'] (6-3) and Owen Ayite-Atay (6-3) along with promising sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='2618890' first='Terrin' last='Jackson'] (6-0). Two sophomores -- [player_tooltip player_id='2430744' first='Deonte' last='Phillips'] (6-2) and [player_tooltip player_id='2682935' first='Max' last='Crimmings'] (6-4) -- also could be in the rotation for Verona.<br><br><strong>4. </strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/team/craig/"><strong>Janesville Craig</strong> </a>-- The big question for second-year coach Jack Hoag is the health status of senior [player_tooltip player_id='1561960' first='Jamar' last='Jenkins Jr'] (6-2, 14 ppg, 4 rpg). Jenkins sustained an injury during the football season and his availability for the basketball campaign remains in question. His presence would go a long way in helping the Cougars improve on a 13-12 record. Without Jenkins, Janesville Craig will rely more heavily on two other returning starters in senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='2422338' first='Nolan' last='Duffy'] (6-6, 11 ppg, 6 rpg) and junior lead guard KD Thornton (5-8, 7 ppg, 3 rpg). Senior [player_tooltip player_id='2991951' first='Nathan' last='Daskam'] (6-2, 4 ppg, 3 rpg) and junior [player_tooltip player_id='2991950' first='Dru' last='DeGraaf'] (6-1, 4 ppg, 2 rpg) also return with newcomers from a 13-7 JV1 team competing for playing time as well. <br><br><strong>5. <a href="https://prephoops.com/team/middleton-3/">Middleton </a></strong>-- The always-strong Cardinals of Middleton bring back three starters from a 15-11 squad, including perhaps the best defender in the league in senior [player_tooltip player_id='2626535' first='Jackson' last='Guerrero'] (6-0, 13.0 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 4.0 spg). Guerrero set a school record for most steals in a season with 105 last winter and is just 41 away from the career record currently held by Tyree Eady. Joining Guerrero as returning regulars for long-time coach Kevin Bavery are seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1874980' first='John' last='Grimes'] (6-0, 7.5 ppg, 2.8 rpg) and [player_tooltip player_id='2404962' first='Andrew' last='Qastin'] (5-9, 5.3 ppg). Bavery, 25 wins shy of 500 for his career, feels defender and offensive balance are strengths. <br><br><strong>6. <a href="https://prephoops.com/team/sun-prairie-west/">Sun Prairie West </a></strong>-- Replacing five starters is a big concern for coach Jay Swanson, but the young talent in the Sun Prairie West program is impressive and helped the JV1 team record an 18-4 record a year ago. Juniors [player_tooltip player_id='2418479' first='Zaivion' last='Goudeau'] (6-3), TJ Foy (6-1) and Ben Kalberer (6-6) team with returning varsity performers [player_tooltip player_id='2993086' first='Joc' last='Hamilton'] (5-11, 4.0 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='2993087' first='Carter' last='Jones'] (5-11, 3.4 ppg, 2.5 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2381696' first='Kron' last='Krasniqi'] (6-2), [player_tooltip player_id='2993088' first='Nolan' last='Rustler'] (6-1) and [player_tooltip player_id='2993089' first='Almir' last='Dervisni'] (6-4) to give Swanson a solid core. It may take some time for Sun Prairie West to gain experience and confidence, but they have some pieces that could make things tough for opponents the second time around the league schedule. <br><br><strong>7. <a href="https://prephoops.com/team/madison-west/">Madison West </a></strong>-- The loss of senior guard Michael Wilson (6-3, 22.9 ppg, 7.0 rpg) to an out-of-state prep school is a major blow, to be sure, for the Regents. Wilson is one of three double-figure scorers lost from last year's 9-17 squad. However, there is still talent in the program and second-year coach Drew Skempkes is hopeful the Regents can still be highly competitive this winter. Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2364732' first='Quincy' last='Mosley'] (6-0, 11.1 ppg, 4.1 rpg) is a multi-year varsity performer and one of three starters back along with seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2992810' first='Jack' last='McDonald'] (6-3, 4.7 ppg, 2.7 rpg) and [player_tooltip player_id='2992811' first='Jonah' last='Wallace'] (6-2, 5.0 ppg, 2.8 rpg). Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2870155' first='Malachi' last='Gavins'] (6-2, 2.9 ppg, 2.2 rpg) and [player_tooltip player_id='2140992' first='Tre' last='Turner'] (5-9, 3.1 ppg) along with junior [player_tooltip player_id='2194445' first='Ka'Maria' last='Carter'] (5-11, 4.1 ppg, 2.8 rpg) also return for Madison West. Look for Madison La Follette transfer [player_tooltip player_id='2615535' first='Corvalis' last='Stewart'] (6-2), a versatile sophomore, to also make an impact for the Regents.<br><br><strong>8. <a href="https://prephoops.com/team/parker-2/">Janesville Parker </a></strong>-- A rebuilding season was expected a year ago and that's exactly what transpired as Janesville Parker went with youth and ended up winless in league play. Two sophomores and two juniors started a year ago and they all return to give coach Matt Bredesen a solid core to build around. Seniors Jay'vion Hill (6-2, 7.4 ppg, 4.0 rpg) and [player_tooltip player_id='2972863' first='Brady' last='Reed'] (6-0, 6.0 ppg, 2.6 rpg) along with juniors Javante Johnson (6-4, 9.3 ppg, 5.0 rpg) and [player_tooltip player_id='2972859' first='Henry' last='Simmons'] (6-2, 2.1 ppg, 2.0 rpg) will utilize their quickness and athleticism to make things tough on opponents. A strong junior class at Parker also includes [player_tooltip player_id='2972860' first='Joe' last='Trumpy'] (6-1, 2.9 ppg), Carter Salas (6-1), Nolan Ziegelmann (6-5, 2.1 ppg, 3.0 rpg) and [player_tooltip player_id='2820347' first='Keyondre' last='Johnson'] (6-4, 3.1 ppg, 2.6 rpg). Senior [player_tooltip player_id='2611066' first='Leondre' last='Henderson'] (6-3, 3.7 ppg, 2.7 rpg) could also be in the mix for the Vikings. <br><br><strong>9. <a href="https://prephoops.com/team/sun-prairie-east/">Sun Prairie East </a></strong>-- After winning the league crown a year ago, Sun Prairie East finds itself in complete rebuild mode. Gone from last year's 21-7 squad are Chris Davis Jr. (6-5, 35.2 ppg, 6.8 rpg), Max Raimer (6-5, 18.6 ppg, 7.1 rpg), Trystan Fry (6-3, 10.1 ppg, 4.9 rpg), Max Glusick (5-9, 9.4 ppg, 3.8 rpg) and Reed Saugstad (5-7, 5.2 ppg, 2.1 rpg). That's some major firepower to replace. Coach Steve Maselter will look to returning varsity performers [player_tooltip player_id='2993039' first='Camden' last='Glusick'] (6-2, 1.3 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='2993042' first='Van' last='Vogler'] (6-3, 3.5 ppg) and [player_tooltip player_id='2993043' first='Luke' last='Wagner'] (6-1) to provide leadership and toughness to a young, inexperienced squad.<br><br><strong>10<a href="https://prephoops.com/team/east-4/">. Madison East</a></strong> -- Even though the Purgolders are projected to finish last in the 10-team Big Eight, coach Ryan Sheehy's club figures to notch some wins and give others a scare. Madison East finished 3-21 last winter, but returns four starters in senior [player_tooltip player_id='2469257' first='Jayden' last='Presley'] (5-10, 9 ppg) along with juniors [player_tooltip player_id='2454321' first='Donnell' last='Nash'] (6-3, 19 ppg, 4 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2452028' first='Jawuan' last='Chester'] (6-1, 13 ppg, 5 rpg) and [player_tooltip player_id='2452290' first='Zion' last='Ellis-Wilkinson'] (6-0, 6 ppg, 4 rpg). Quickness is a strength for the Purgolders while Sheehy is concerned about the lack of size and depth on the squad. <br><br><strong>Top Returning Scorers</strong><br><br>[player_tooltip player_id='1561953' first='Thian' last='Riak'] (Madison La Follette) 21.6 (injured most of 2024-25 season)<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2454321' first='Donnell' last='Nash'] (Madison East) 19.4 ppg<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2140977' first='Reece' last='Jordan Jr']. (Madison La Follette) 18.4 ppg<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1561960' first='Jamar' last='Jenkins Jr'] (Janesville Craig) 14.0 ppg<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2045264' first='Ezra' last='Liggon'] (Madison Memorial) 13.3 00g<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2452028' first='Jawuan' last='Chester'] (Madison East) 13.2 ppg<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2626535' first='Jackson' last='Guerrero'] (Middleton) 13.0 ppg<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1561947' first='Caleb' last='Liggon'] (Madison Memorial) 12.4 ppg<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1756988' first='Anthony' last='Miller'] (Madison Memorial) 12.2 ppg<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2422338' first='Nolan' last='Duffy'] (Janesville Craig) 11.2 ppg<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2364732' first='Quincy' last='Mosley'] (Madison West) 11.1 ppg<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2140969' first='Origin' last='Prewitt'] (Madison La Follette) 11.1 ppg<br><br><strong>Projected All-Conference Teams<br>First Team</strong><br><br>[player_tooltip player_id='1561953' first='Thian' last='Riak'], 6-4, Sr., Madison La Follette<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2140977' first='Reece' last='Jordan Jr']., 6-2, Jr., Madison La Follette<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2045264' first='Ezra' last='Liggon'], 6-5, Sr., Madison Memorial<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1561947' first='Caleb' last='Liggon'], 6-5, Sr., Madison Memorial<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2505503' first='Will' last='Stremlow'], 6-2, Jr., Verona<br><br><strong>Second Team</strong><br>[player_tooltip player_id='2626535' first='Jackson' last='Guerrero'], 6-0, Sr., Middleton<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2454321' first='Donnell' last='Nash'], 6-3, Jr., Madison East<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2422338' first='Nolan' last='Duffy'], 6-6, Sr., Janesville Craig<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1756988' first='Anthony' last='Miller'], 6-2, Sr., Madison Memorial<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2364732' first='Quincy' last='Mosley'], 6-0, Sr., Madison West<br><br><strong>The Big Five</strong><br><br><strong>Best Shooter: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1756988' first='Anthony' last='Miller'], Madison Memorial<br><strong>Best Rebounder:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1561947' first='Caleb' last='Liggon'], Madison Memorial<br><strong>Best Defender:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='2626535' first='Jackson' last='Guerrero'], Middleton<br><strong>Best Collegiate Prospect:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='2140977' first='Reece' last='Jordan Jr']., Madison La Follette<br><strong>Most Improved: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2505503' first='Will' last='Stremlow'], Verona<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->