February Forecast: Pick's Picks for Division 1 State Tournament

Here is article #4 out of #5 forecasting the Wisconsin High School Basketball state tournament in March. Division 1 is loaded with talented players, teams, and coaches. Let's get to it!   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sectional 1</h2>   The Favorites   Appleton North 16-2   Notable Wins: Homestead, West Allis Central, Oshkosh North, Kaukauna, Neenah   Notable Players: [player_tooltip player_id='1561879' first='Will' last='Sweeney'] (5-10 Sr. #44 in 2026 class)  15.5ppg, [player_tooltip player_id='1561908' first='Grant' last='Hardy'] (6-4 Sr, #28 in 2026 class, Winona State Commit) 15.3ppg, Matthew Rosplochowski (6-1 So. #5 in 2028 Class) 15.1ppg, [player_tooltip player_id='1561874' first='Nathan' last='Ramus'] (6-2 Sr. #22 in 2026 class, Northern Michigan Commit) 10.4ppg   Notes: Appleton North is extremely balanced in their scoring and have several future college basketball players on their roster. Experience matters come playoff time, and the Lightning have the experience needed for a deep run with [player_tooltip player_id='1561879' first='Will' last='Sweeney'], [player_tooltip player_id='1561908' first='Grant' last='Hardy'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1561874' first='Nathan' last='Ramus'] being multi-year varsity performers. North can win with any style of play, scoring in the 100s, and winning a game in the 40s this season. Head Coach Chris Kellet is in his 8th year coaching at Appleton North, and this by far is his best shot at hoisting a gold ball in Madison in March.    Kaukauna 17-2   Notable Wins: Appleton North, Middleton, Neenah, Oshkosh North,    Notable Players: [player_tooltip player_id='1561925' first='Andrew' last='Jensen'] (6-9, #5 in 2026 class, DePaul Commit) 17.7ppg, 12.2rpg, 2.6bpg, [player_tooltip player_id='2412456' first='Tyler' last='Schwalbach'] (6'3 So. #8 in 2028 class)  15.2ppg, 4.0apg, Jonah  Roehrig (6-3 Sr.) 13.5ppg, 4.4apg, [player_tooltip player_id='2402510' first='Drew' last='Bowers'] (6-1 Fr. #5 in 2029 class)  11.7ppg, 48.5% 3   Notes: Kaukauna promoted long time assistant and Kaukauna alum Ryan Bowers when longtime coach Mike Schalow retired this summer. The Ghosts have not missed a step under new management and are a dangerous contender in Sectional 1. Kaukauna's team is led by frontcourt player [player_tooltip player_id='1561925' first='Andrew' last='Jensen'], who was named a semifinalist for Mr. Basketball this week. Outside of Jensen, the Ghosts have playmakers in [player_tooltip player_id='2412456' first='Tyler' last='Schwalbach'] and shooters to make the Ghosts offensive attack deadly. Things are shaping up for a potential round three FVA showdown in the sectional final in March.    Marshfield 15-2   Notable Wins: Hudson, DC Everest, Neenah, Waunakee, Kaukauna    Notable Players: [player_tooltip player_id='1973149' first='Chris' last='Pohl'] (6-8 Sr. #5 in 2026 class, Wyoming Commit) 21.1ppg, 6.3rpg, [player_tooltip player_id='2381688' first='Valin' last='Ramberg'] (6-7 Sr., #47 in 2026 class, UWL Commit)  13.4ppg, 5.1rpg, Vedder MacTaggert (6-5 Sr.) 11.9ppg, 4.0rpg, [player_tooltip player_id='2389647' first='Camden' last='Kolstad'] (6-2 Jr.) 8.9ppg, 4.7apg   Notes: Marshfield made a trip down to Madison last season before falling to Wisconsin Lutheran. The Tigers lost Landon Lee and standout Brooks Hinson to graduation, but Marshfield is still having an incredible season once again this season. The Tigers are led by Wyoming commit [player_tooltip player_id='1973149' first='Chris' last='Pohl'], who is a very dynamic 6-8 wing prospect. Pohl can score at all three levels efficiently and is extremely athletic when finishing at the rim. [player_tooltip player_id='2381688' first='Valin' last='Ramberg'] is a very good second option for Marshfield. Ramberg can take defenders off the bounce with his crafty skill set to finish through contact and defenders. Marshfield is a legit contender once again this postseason and should not be taken lightly in March.    Sleeper: Stevens Point 12-5   Notable Wins: Mount Horeb, Sauk Prairie, Verona   Notable Players: [player_tooltip player_id='2910422' first='Sivan' last='Dinga'] (6-3 Sr.) 13.8ppg, 6.4rpg, [player_tooltip player_id='2473025' first='Jackson' last='Bouressa'] (6-6 Jr.) 12.8ppg, 4.9rpg, [player_tooltip player_id='2729632' first='Sam' last='Kornowski'] (6-3 So. #50 in 2028 class)  11.8ppg, 3.3 rpg   Notes: A basketball blueblood in the state of Wisconsin is hard to write as an underdog, but the Panthers are heading into this postseason as a sleeper in Division 1. The Panthers, much like other teams in this sectional, are balanced in their scoring attack. SPASH runs a good 4 out 1 in motion offensive system with [player_tooltip player_id='2473025' first='Jackson' last='Bouressa'] being a focal point on post touches. The 6-6 senior has great feet in the post and is one of the better post players in Sectional 1. Stevens Point is a solid halfcourt defensive team as well, and could surprise one of the contenders in this sectional.    Sectional 1 Prediction: Appleton North over Kaukauna.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sectional 2</h2>   The Favorites   De Pere 16-2   Notable Wins: Sheboygan North (2), Neenah, [program_tooltip program_id='2829078' first='West' last='De Pere'], Notre Dame, Pewaukee   Notable Players: [player_tooltip player_id='2400924' first='Noah' last='Maniscalco'] (6-0 Sr.) 16.4ppg, 5.1rpg, [player_tooltip player_id='2502918' first='Will' last='Krueger'] (6-5 Jr. #20 in 2027 class) 16.1ppg, 4.6rpg, [player_tooltip player_id='2400483' first='Jack' last='Bookter'] (5-11 Sr.) 13.3ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.3apg, [player_tooltip player_id='2618950' first='Silas' last='Cohen'] (6-2 So., #25 in 2028 class) 10.3ppg, 2.7apg   Notes: It cannot be a Division 1 Playoff preview without mentioning the De Pere Redbirds. De Pere graduated five starters from last year's ultra talented team, but De Pere has had very few blemishes in the loss column this season. One of the best in Brian Winchester coaches De Pere, who is 374-102 in his 19 seasons as head coach. De Pere might not have a division one basketball player on their roster, but they have a supremely talented junior in [player_tooltip player_id='2502918' first='Will' last='Krueger'] and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2618950' first='Silas' last='Cohen']. [player_tooltip player_id='2400924' first='Noah' last='Maniscalco'] has been dynamite for the De Pere squad in his senior year leading the Redbirds in scoring. Coach Winchester is an outstanding playoff coach, so do not be surprised if De Pere is once again playing in Madison again to finish off the year.    Brookfield East 15-3    Notable Wins: Neenah, Tosa West, Homestead, Brookfield Central   Notable Players: [player_tooltip player_id='2492552' first='TJ' last='Platz'] (6-3 Sr. #54 in 2026 class) 20.0ppg, 7.3rpg, [player_tooltip player_id='2853467' first='Max' last='McMullen'] (6-0 Fr., #1 in 2029 class) 18.3ppg, 4.4apg, [player_tooltip player_id='2417513' first='Ronje' last='Horton Jr.'] (5-9 Sr.) 14.8ppg, 4.1apg   Notes: Future Hall of Fame coach Joe Rux has the Spartans once again rolling this season. Rux is an astonishing 427- 180 over his coaching career and has a talented squad once again this season.  Rux's teams are tough defensively, move the basketball, and define the word efficiency offensively, playing mistake free and getting great looks every possession. Their 5 out motion takes a toll on opposing defenses with their hard screens and quick decision making. The Spartans are led by physical senior [player_tooltip player_id='2492552' first='TJ' last='Platz'] who scores at will from all three levels, and is shooting over 40 percent from 3. [player_tooltip player_id='2853467' first='Max' last='McMullen'] is very talented for Brookfield East and sits at #1 in the 2029 class. Brookfield East has big matchups with Germantown, Brookfield Central and Tosa West before the electronic seeding, and if they get score victories in all three, they will be worthy of the #1 seed in sectional two.    Sheboygan North 12-5   Notable Wins: Port Washington, [program_tooltip program_id='2829078' first='West' last='De Pere'], Bay Port   Notable Players: [player_tooltip player_id='2509483' first='Rylan' last='Buhr'] (6-4 So., #16 in 2028 class) 17.4ppg, 6.0rpg, 3.5apg, [player_tooltip player_id='2391090' first='Blake' last='Buhr'] (6-5 Sr. North Dakota Football Commit) 16.9ppg, 5.2rpg, Nolan Ten Pas (5-11 So.) 12.4ppg, 42% 3   Notes: Sheboygan North is the only team that was able to down Port Washington, doing so in a pretty convincing fashion earlier in the year. North ball pressures teams with their full court man to man defense to generate easy looks for them on the other end, and disrupt the other teams' rhythm offensively. The Golden Raiders take and make a lot of three point shots in the flow of their dribble drive offense making them extremely tough to guard. Rylan and [player_tooltip player_id='2391090' first='Blake' last='Buhr'] are a great 1-2 punch to lead North, but you cannot forget about sharpshooting left handed sophomore Nolan Ten Pas who is shooting a blistering 42% from 3 this season. Sheboygan North last made the tournament in 2016, and have a legitimate chance to contend if they can continue to shoot well from 3 and defend at a high level in the playoffs.    Sleeper: Germantown 10-6   Notable Wins: Brookfield East, Sheboygan North, Brookfield Central   Notable Players: [player_tooltip player_id='2116495' first='Cahlil' last='Jones'] (6-3 Sr. #12 in 2026 class)  25.0ppg, 5.5rpg, 3.5apg, [player_tooltip player_id='1561962' first='JJ' last='Walters'] (6-5 Sr.)  14.6ppg, 4.2rpg, [player_tooltip player_id='2498966' first='Darrius' last='Peete'] (6-3 Sr. #51 in 2026 class) 11.1ppg, 3.6apg   Notes: Germantown might have the most explosive players in the state with [player_tooltip player_id='2116495' first='Cahlil' last='Jones']. Jones is one the best unsigned seniors left in the class of 2026. Jones is a Mr. Basketball semifinalist, and is truly worth the price of admission with his posterizing dunks and ability to score the basketball. Coach Kyle Fueger does an excellent job in getting his teams ready to compete each night in the difficult Greater Metro Conference. They have beaten three really talented teams in Brookfield East, Sheboygan North, and Brookfield Central. Anything can happen in tournament time, especially when you have one of the best players in the sectional. You cannot overlook the Warhawks this postseason.    Sectional 2 Prediction: Brookfield East over De Pere.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sectional 3</h2>   The Favorites   Madison Memorial 17-1   Notable Wins: Whitefish Bay, Milwaukee Lutheran, Middleton, Verona   Notable Players: [player_tooltip player_id='1561947' first='Caleb' last='Liggon'] (6-5 Sr., Bradley Baseball commit) [player_tooltip player_id='2045264' first='Ezra' last='Liggon'] (6-5 Sr. Bradley Baseball commit) [player_tooltip player_id='2495043' first='Andrew' last='Braun'] (6-2 Sr.)    Notes: Longtime Head Coach Steve Collins went over 500 wins this season in his 28th season. If you were like me and grew up during the Madison Memorial dynasties in the 2000s, you know that Coach Collins is no stranger to the state tournament. The Spartans have won three state championships under Coach Collins, but have not made an appearance at the Kohl Center since 2017. This is one of Madison Memorial's better teams since that time. [player_tooltip player_id='2045264' first='Ezra' last='Liggon'] recently came back from an injury which will help bolster the Spartan lineup. Ezra and his brother Caleb, pair with leading scorer and great shooter [player_tooltip player_id='2495043' first='Andrew' last='Braun'] to lead the Spartan offensive attack. Coach Collins' experience and Memorial's strength of schedule will be massive benefits for the Spartans come playoff time.    Verona 13-3   Notable Wins: Madison Memorial, Waunakee   Notable Players: [player_tooltip player_id='2401404' first='Owen' last='Ayite-Atayi'] (6-3 Sr. IUPUC Commit) 19.4ppg, [player_tooltip player_id='2505503' first='Will' last='Stremlow'] (6-2 Jr. #19 in 2027 class)  19.7ppg, [player_tooltip player_id='2381701' first='Eli' last='Andres'] (6-2 Sr.) 10.2ppg   Notes: Verona and Head Coach Curtrel Robinson are putting together a very solid season after graduating school's all time leading scorer Drew Murphy and Cameron Williams who averaged 19 a game last year. The Wildcats are led by ultra athletic [player_tooltip player_id='2401404' first='Owen' last='Ayite-Atayi'] and rising junior [player_tooltip player_id='2505503' first='Will' last='Stremlow']. Stremlow, who competes on a super talented [program_tooltip program_id='2078835' first='Wisconsin' last='Swing'] club team, just keeps getting better each season. The 6-2 junior had an eye popping posterizing dunk at Madison Memorial in a recent game and is a true three level scorer. Verona is undersized by Division 1's standards, but makes up for their lack of height with urgency, toughness, and energy on the defensive end. Verona should be seeded in the top four seeds, and we could see part three of Madison Memorial vs. Verona late in sectionals.    Middleton 15-2   Notable Wins: Verona, Arrowhead   Notable Players: [player_tooltip player_id='1874980' first='John' last='Grimes'] 14.5ppg (6-0 Sr.) , [player_tooltip player_id='2626535' first='Jackson' last='Guerrero'] (6-0 Sr. UWL baseball commit)  14.2ppg, [player_tooltip player_id='2824423' first='Carter' last='Parks'] (6-3 So. #41 in 2028 class) 13.8ppg   Notes: Kevin Bavery entered his 20th season at the helm for the Cardinals. Middleton lost four starters from last year, including Will Garlock who is now playing for the Badgers. Despite this, Middleton still has a 15-2 record in 25-26 campaign.  Middleton has to take on a different identity this season, as they lack a true post player but make up for it with their tough on ball defense, quickness, and shooting. The Cardinals have four players that average double digits making it tough on opponents to key in on individual players. Middleton does a great job of getting in transition and running a solid 4 out 1 in system with some good slot to slot actions. Coach Bavery's squad is consistent in their play, and oftentimes in the playoffs, consistency leads to deep runs.    Sleeper: Beloit Memorial 14-2    Notable Wins: Burlington, Janesville Craig   Notable Players: [player_tooltip player_id='1561889' first='Amare' last='Hereford'] (6-2 Sr. #4 in 2026 class) 37.1ppg, 9.1rpg, 5.9apg, [player_tooltip player_id='1552453' first='Brock' last='Hodges'] (6-0 Sr.) 18.3ppg, 6.3rpg, 4.5apg    Notes: Beloit Memorial has the best player in the sectional with [player_tooltip player_id='1561889' first='Amare' last='Hereford']. Hereford is on pace to average nearly 40 points per game, and was recently named a semifinalist for Mr. Basketball. Hereford is a smooth leftie that can score in bunches from anywhere on the floor. If you are an opposing coach, good luck trying to contain him. Hereford is underrecruited, but has picked up some interest from Wisconsin and other division one schools in recent weeks. Beloit also has [player_tooltip player_id='1552453' first='Brock' last='Hodges'] who is a dynamic senior scorer that can put up big numbers himself. Head Coach Todd Marks is not afraid to mix up things defensively for the Purple Knights sprinkling in a 1-3-1 zone into the defensive strategy. Beloit no longer plays in the big eight, so it is tricky to project their playoff potential as they have only played four games against teams over .500. However, anything can happen when you have the best player in your sectional, and the top dogs should be planning how to contain [player_tooltip player_id='1561889' first='Amare' last='Hereford'] and the Purple Knights. Sectional 3 Prediction: Madison Memorial over Beloit Memorial.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sectional 4</h2>   The Favorites   Wisconsin Lutheran 18-0   Notable Wins: Slinger, Germantown, Arrowhead, Homestead, Pewaukee, Nicolet, Brookfield Central   Notable Players: Xavier Zens (6-7 Sr. #1 in 2026 class, Northern Iowa commit)  24.4ppg, 5.4rpg, 4.1apg, [player_tooltip player_id='2140949' first='Kager' last='Knueppel'] (6-10 Jr. #4 in 2027 class) 17.7ppg, 7.6rpg, [player_tooltip player_id='2613959' first='Kinston' last='Knueppel'] (6-6 So. #2 in 2028 class) 9.9ppg, 5.7rpg, [player_tooltip player_id='2412809' first='Riley' last='Walz'] (6-0 Jr.) 8.7ppg, 41.6% 3.    Notes: What more can you say about Coach Ryan Walz's Vikings, other than wow. Wisconsin Lutheran when it is all said and done, will probably be the most prolific dynasty in Wisconsin High School basketball history. The Vikings this year alone in the state of Wisconsin have beaten Slinger, Germantown, Arrowhead, Homestead, Pewaukee, Nicolet, Brookfield Central just to name a few. These wins do not even include their ridiculous out of state gauntlet they have played this year. Wisconsin Lutheran is 18-0 this year following seasons of 28-2 and 30-0 the past few seasons, just pure domination. Xavier Zens lead this ultra talented, and nationally ranked squad and is the favorite to win Mr. Basketball. Zens functions as a 6-7 point guard and leads the high powered scoring attack as well. Kager, Kinston, and [player_tooltip player_id='2402478' first='Kash' last='Knueppel'] all contribute in major ways for the Vikings. [player_tooltip player_id='2412809' first='Riley' last='Walz'], Ryan's son, is a knockdown shooter to add in to all of the talented options for Wisconsin Lutheran. Things are setting up to a sold-out sectional final between the Vikings and the ultra talented West Allis Central Bulldogs.    West Allis Central 17-1   Notable Wins: Wayzata, Milwaukee Juneau, Lakeside Lutheran, Brookfield East, Arrowhead, East Ridge   Notable Players: [player_tooltip player_id='2045256' first='Yusef' last='Gray Jr.'] (6-5 Sr. #2 in 2026 class, Iowa State commit) 25.4ppg, 7.2rpg, 4.0apg, [player_tooltip player_id='2194435' first='Max' last='Jones'] (6-4 Jr. #7 in 2027 class) 19.1ppg, 4.6rpg, [player_tooltip player_id='2141478' first='Isaiah' last='Fox'] (6-1 Jr. #40 in 2027 class) 14.1ppg 6.5rpg, Kevin Pitmann (6-11 Sr., #18 in 2026 class) 10.8ppg, 8.9rpg   Notes: It is an absolute shame the inevitable matchup between WAC and Wisco will not be played in Madison, but here we are. WAC is so electric to watch with their ability to put 100 on any team they match up with. [player_tooltip player_id='2045256' first='Yusef' last='Gray Jr.'], another strong favorite to win Mr. Basketball is worth every penny to see him play. Gray Jr. is professionally athletic downhill and with the ball in transition. Smooth, skilled, and under control at all times, Gray Jr. can score at will. [player_tooltip player_id='2194435' first='Max' last='Jones'], who is hearing from low major division 1 programs, is a prolific scorer and can fly through the air much like his teammate Yusef. [player_tooltip player_id='2141478' first='Isaiah' last='Fox'] and big man Kevin Pitmann would be the best players on a majority of teams in the state of Wisconsin but round out the lethal Bulldog scoring attack. Much like Wisconsin Lutheran, WAC plays a ridiculous schedule and has beaten Wayzata, Milwaukee Juneau, Lakeside, Brookfield East, Arrowhead and East Ridge just to name a few of their victories. The potential sectional final is shaping up to be one of the best games of the year.    Sectional 4: Wisconsin Lutheran over West Allis Central.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">State Tournament Prediction </h2>   #1 Wisconsin Lutheran over #4 Madison Memorial   #2 Appleton North over #3 Brookfield East   #1 Wisconsin Lutheran over #2 Appleton North to win the Division 1 State Championship.

Here is article #4 out of #5 forecasting the Wisconsin High School Basketball state tournament in March. Division 1 is loaded with talented players, teams, and coaches. Let's get to it!