Prep Hoops/Zaleski Sports Teams of the Week

Mark Miller January 4, 2026 @ 07:41 PM

DIVISION 1 ... WISCONSIN LUTHERAN

Perhaps the biggest story in high school basketball so far this season is the remarkable play and total domination of Wisconsin Lutheran. The Vikings thumped strong teams from Germantown, Slinger and New Berlin West in games against state teams while also posting four wins over prominent out-of-state squads. Coach Ryan Walz's squad went to South Carolina over the Christmas break and won the Beach Ball Classic with wins over Myrtle Beach, SC (77-33), George Rogers Clark, Ken. (49-38) and North Crowley, Texas (57-54). The win over North Crowley wasn't decided until the end of regulation. With just a second left on the clock, Northern Iowa recruit Zavier Zens Zavier Zens 6'7" | SF Wisconsin Lutheran | 2026 State WI launed a baseline three-point shot for Wisconsin Lutheran that hit the back of the rim, bounced straight up in the air and then settled into the basket to give the Vikings their ninth win without a loss. Zens finished the game with 26 points, four three-point baskets and three assists. The Vikings, who have won 67 of their last 69 games, have a difficult game Tuesday, hosting potent Nicolet, before traveling to Woodland West rival Pewaukee on Friday.

DIVISION 2 ... BEAVER DAM

The Beavers notched four wins over the holiday break, topping Oostburg on the road 67-61 before beating Waterford 76-65 and Ashwaubenon 78-56 at the WBY Shootout. Coach Tim Ladron's squad then turned back Menasha on New Year's even at Fiserv Forum 86-52. In the impressive win over state-ranked Waterford, senior guard EJ Salettel EJ Salettel 6'3" | SG Beaver Dam | 2026 State WI scored 26 points and made six-of-seven shots from the foul line. Promising sophomore wing Ben Wittnebel Ben Wittnebel 6'6" | SF Beaver Dam | 2028 State WI added 20 points with an assortment of moves to the basket and some big shots from outside the three-point arc. Rugged senior point guard Parker Blank Parker Blank 5'11" | PG Beaver Dam | 2026 State WI contributed 12 points while playing strong perimeter defense along with junior Jaxon Ladron Jaxon Ladron 6'1" | CG Beaver Dam | 2027 State WI . Junior Isaiah Yuenger Isaiah Yuenger 6'4" | SG Beaver Dam | 2027 State WI made four three-point shots and added 13 points for the Beavers, now 8-1 on the season.

DIVISION 3 ... OSCEOLA

The frontrunner thus far in the always competitive Middle Border Conference, Osceola moved to 8-0 over the break with three wins. Coach Tyler Olson's Chieftains beat St. Croix Falls (57-38), Elk Mound (73-60) and Grantsburg (71-29). Seniors Caleb Irlbeck Caleb Irlbeck 6'4" | SG/SF Osceola | 2026 State WI , Hunter Bradway Hunter Bradway 6'2" | SG Osceola | 2026 State WI and Waylon Cole Waylon Cole 6'1" | SG Osceola | 2026 WI lead the way for Osceola, which finished 16-9 last season. A 6-foot-4 forward, Irlbeck tops Osceola in scoring at 21.0 ppg while the bouncy 6-foot-2 Bradway is second in scoring 18.0 ppg. Cole is the third Osecola player averaging in double figures 11.2 ppg.

DIVISION 4 ... LOMIRA

In an intriguing matchup against Winneconne on Saturday, Lomira came away with a 79-73 win on its home floor over a very potent opponent. Senior Jake Broeske Jake Broeske 6'10" | PF Lomira | 2026 State WI (6-10) was too much for Winneconne to handle as he went for 26 points and 16 rebounds in the contest. Junior Charlie Cole Charlie Cole 5'10" | PG Lomira | 2027 WI added 17 points and six rebounds as Lomira improved to 8-0 with the triumph over the Division 3 Wolves. Broeske, an uncommitted big man, is averaging 19.6 points and 10.5 rebounds for first-year coach Nick Kohler.

DIVISION 5 ... KICKAPOO

Rack up three more victories for Kickapoo over the Christmas break as coach Matthew Wood's team posted wins over La Farge (69-25), Wisconsin Heights (81-33) and Royall (67-50). Improving senior big man Arlon Walter Arlon Walter 6'8" | SF Kickapoo | 2026 State WI (6-8) has been instrumental in the success for the Panthers as his ability to score, defend and rebound near the basket have been big assets. Senior Malachi McCauley Malachi McCauley 6'2" | SF Kickapoo | 2026 WI (6-2) is another key player for the Ridge & Valley Conference power. Kickapoo has a busy week ahead with three games -- Monday at Wonewoc-Center, Tuesday home against Wauzeka-Steuben and Friday home against Ithaca. Looming on the horizon is a January 15 matchup with North Crawford.