February Forecast: Pick's Picks for Division 2 State Tournament

The Division 2 field is arguably the most competitive across the five divisions in Wisconsin. There are some teams with substantial star power in division two, but truly it is anyone's tournament to win. Let's get to my division two forecast for the division two field!   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sectional 1</h2>   The Favorites   River Falls 12-5   Notable Wins: Prescott, Hudson, Menominee (Twice)   Notable Players: [player_tooltip player_id='2410538' first='Brody' last='Graetz'] (6-2 Sr.) 21.0ppg, 7.0apg, 5.3rpg, [player_tooltip player_id='3021995' first='Austin' last='Stellrecht'] (6-5 Sr.) 13.4pg, 7.5rpg, 2.0apg, [player_tooltip player_id='3021994' first='Tanner' last='Bottolfson'] (6-2 Sr.) 11.6ppg    Notes: River Falls, much like a lot of teams poised for deeper runs in the playoffs, have a lot of seniors that contribute to their success. Greatz, Sellrecht, and Bottolfson are experienced for the Wildcats and Head Coach Zach Turpin. River Falls is tied with Hudson for the lead in the Big Rivers Conference, and are playing their best basketball right now. The Wildcats run smooth motion offense with tons of screens that puts a strain on opposing defenses. The upper part of the sectional is a little down this year, putting River Falls in the driver's seat to advance to the sectional final.    La Crosse Central 14-2   Notable Wins: Marshfield, Holmen (Twice) , Aquinas, Sauk Prairie   Notable Players: [player_tooltip player_id='2226077' first='Gabe' last='Servais'] (5-11 Jr.) [player_tooltip player_id='2481761' first='Anthony' last='Jones'] (6-1 Jr.)    Notes: The Riverhawks much like other seasons, are so tough on the defensive end. One of the many strong qualities of Todd Fergot coached teams, is their ability to heat up teams defensively with ball pressure without making many mistakes. Central was picked third in the highly competitive MVC by Mark Miller and are putting together another high quality season. Central has a ton of starpower in Coach Fergot's 22 seasons, but LC does not have a “star” on their team that will play division 1 basketball. However, the Redhawks do have players that will do whatever it takes to win and play mistake free basketball. [player_tooltip player_id='2226077' first='Gabe' last='Servais'] is dynamic in transition and lightning quick with the ball. We most likely will get another classic matchup between Central and Onalaska before the sectional final.   Onalaska 13-1   Notable Wins: Aquinas, Holmen, Caledonia MN, Lake Country Lutheran   Notable Players: [player_tooltip player_id='2405197' first='Tyler' last='Kowal'] (5-11 So. #12 2028 class) 17.7ppg, [player_tooltip player_id='2117026' first='Ian' last='Kowal'] (6-3 Sr #33 in 2026 class) 12.7ppg, [player_tooltip player_id='2399158' first='Gavin' last='McRoberts'] (6-2 So. #32 in 2028 class) 10.8ppg   Notes: Longtime coach Craig Kowal is no stranger to postseason success in the western part of the state. The Hilltoppers are once again leading the conversation in sectional one in large part to Coach Kowal's highly talented sons who command the offensive attack for Onalaska. Tyler and Ian are highly skilled, efficient, and tough on both sides of the ball for Onalaska. Onalaska's only loss comes within their conference against a highly talented Aquinas team. Onalaska has made the state tournament three times under Coach Kowal and I like the Hilltoppers' chances once again this season.    Sleeper: Fox Valley Lutheran 11-6   Notable Wins: West Salem, New London   Notable Players: [player_tooltip player_id='2381574' first='Gabe' last='Heiges'] (5-9 Sr.) 17.1ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.4apg  [player_tooltip player_id='2672650' first='Caleb' last='Dahlke'] (6-5 Sr.) 17.0ppg, 6.8 rpg, 1.5bpg   Notes: FVL does not have the flash and the big names that some of the other teams in Division 2 have, but they are a very good and well coached basketball team. The Foxes are a tough out and have some close losses within their non-con and conference schedule. 2nd year Head Coach Tommy Stelter runs an efficient circle motion and Princeton styled offense that draws bigger defenders away from the hoop. Within the flow of their offense, they are able to get highly efficient shots at the rim and uncontested threes. On the flipside, the Foxes are disciplined on the defensive end and display toughness on and off the basketball. Do not be surprised if FVL upsets someone in March and makes a longer run in the postseason. Sectional 1 Prediction: Onalaska over River Falls.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sectional 2</h2>   The Favorites   [program_tooltip program_id='2829078' first='West' last='De Pere'] 13-4   Notable Wins: Kimberly, Notre Dame, De Pere, Bay Port   Notable Players: [player_tooltip player_id='2140897' first='Carson' last='Samson'] (6-0 Jr. #54 2027 class)  12.5ppg, 5.9rpg, 4.6apg, [player_tooltip player_id='3022868' first='Patrick' last='Greisen'] (6-3 Sr. South Dakota Football Commit)  11.8ppg, 7.0rpg, 3.2apg, [player_tooltip player_id='2381929' first='Jack' last='Wilichowski'] (6-7 Jr.) 11.2ppg, 4.9rpg    Notes: [program_tooltip program_id='2829078' first='West' last='De Pere'] has played a difficult schedule this season. The Phantoms lost a notable player in [player_tooltip player_id='2140983' first='Tref' last='Rademaker'] this offseason, but still are putting together an impressive season with their balanced scoring attack. [program_tooltip program_id='2829078' first='West' last='De Pere'] snapped De Pere's longtime conference winning streak earlier this season and has also beaten quality opponents in the FRCC. The Phantoms have good multisport athletes who also excel on the basketball court. [program_tooltip program_id='2829078' first='West' last='De Pere']'s sectional has a little less fire power and I like them to compete in a sectional final if they can get by Green Bay Notre Dame and Plymouth. The Phantoms most recently appeared in Madison in 2015.    Slinger 14-3   Notable Wins: Freedom, Arrowhead, Hartford (2), Mount Horeb, Oshkosh North, Nicolet   Notable Players: [player_tooltip player_id='2351190' first='Jack' last='Kohnen'] (6-6 Jr. #3 in 2027 class)  19.9ppg, 11.8rpg, 4.8apg, [player_tooltip player_id='2398448' first='Joey' last='Kohnen'] (6-5 So. #1 2028 class) 16.1ppg 3.9rpg, [player_tooltip player_id='2874937' first='Bryson' last='Fogle'] (6-1 Sr.)  9.8ppg, 4.4rpg   Notes: Slinger has played a gauntlet of a schedule under the direction of Head Coach Alex Lavine. The Owls feature the ultra talented duo of the Kohnen brothers but have strong role players in [player_tooltip player_id='2874937' first='Bryson' last='Fogle'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1874955' first='Brett' last='Palm'] that are experienced and understand what it takes to win. I had a chance to see Slinger take down a very talented Freedom team at the Fiserv Tournament a few weekends ago. The Owls are tenacious on the defensive end and make very few mistakes within the flow of their offense. Slinger could potentially see a superb Port Washington team late in the playoffs but the Owls are playing their best basketball as of late. The Owls lost their first matchup against Port Washington and will look to avenge this loss later on this season in March.    Port Washington 17-1   Notable Wins: Oostburg, Slinger, Hartford, Plymouth, KML   Notable Players: [player_tooltip player_id='2303643' first='Cal' last='Loose'] (6-2 Sr.) 18.3ppg, 5.1rpg, 3.1apg, [player_tooltip player_id='2417348' first='Grady' last='Karrels'] (6-4 Sr.) 13.3ppg 5.1rpg, [player_tooltip player_id='2939623' first='Izaiah' last='Scheftgen'] (6-3 Sr.) 9.5ppg 4.6rpg   Notes: Third year coach Garrett Hoffmann has taken some lumps the past few seasons in the difficult North Shore Conference, but his Pirate squad is playing phenomenal basketball this season in the newly formed Glacier Trails. [player_tooltip player_id='2303643' first='Cal' last='Loose'] is a very underrated 2026 prospect who just rarely makes a mistake on the basketball floor and is highly skilled. The Pirates are relentless with their pressure in their man to man defense. Port Washington has just one loss on the season, despite playing 12 of their 19 games against above .500 teams. Port Washington has two state appearances in school history, and if they can beat Slinger again this season in the playoffs, the Pirates and Coach Hoffmann could be competing for the gold ball in March.    Sleeper: Plymouth 12-6   Notable Wins: Catholic Memorial, Cedarburg, Sheboygan South   Notable Players: [player_tooltip player_id='2045263' first='Kayden' last='Schultz'] (6-3 Sr. #14 in 2026 class, committed to Michigan Tech) 28.1ppg, 6.7rpg, 4.1apg, [player_tooltip player_id='3140063' first='Max' last='Hill'] (5-11 Sr.) 13.2ppg, 3.2rpg, [player_tooltip player_id='3021758' first='Charlie' last='Nass'] (6-2 Jr.) 10.1ppg, 7.4rpg    Notes: [player_tooltip player_id='2045263' first='Kayden' last='Schultz'] was named a semi-finalist for the Mr. Basketball recently this week and the Michigan Tech commit is electric with the basketball. Schultz recently eclipsed the 2000 point mark earlier this season and is so dynamic as a playmaker and scorer. Tim Schultz has been highly successful as the leader of the Panthers and once again Plymouth is close to the top in their new conference. Plymouth has not made the tournament since 2008, and have the best player ([player_tooltip player_id='2045263' first='Kayden' last='Schultz']) in the upper half of Sectional 2, making them a team you cannot look past in the playoffs.   Sectional 2 Prediction: Slinger over [program_tooltip program_id='2829078' first='West' last='De Pere'].   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sectional 3</h2>   The Favorites   Beaver Dam 14-2   Notable Wins: KML, Waunakee, Waterford, Oregon, Deforest, Milton, Oostburg   Notable Players: [player_tooltip player_id='2391088' first='EJ' last='Salettel'] (6-3 Sr. #38 in 2026 class) 21.9ppg, 4.1rpg, [player_tooltip player_id='2496335' first='Parker' last='Blank'] (5-11 Sr.) 14.5ppg, 3.8apg Isaiah Yuneger (6-4 Jr.) 13.4ppg, 6.2rpg, [player_tooltip player_id='2508468' first='Ben' last='Wittnebel'] (6-6 So. #9 in 2028 class) 13.1ppg, 6.1rpg     Notes: Longtime coach Tim Ladron earned his 250th victory at Beaver Dam earlier this season. The 25-26 squad is one of the better teams he has coached in his tenure despite not having senior two-way standout [player_tooltip player_id='2496335' first='Parker' last='Blank'] the past few weeks. Without Blank, Beaver Dam extended their two game Badger Large conference lead, downing Waunakee in a statement win last week. Beaver Dam has quite a few impressive non-con victories beating KML, Oostburg and Waterford earlier this season. Blank is questionable to return this season, but the Beavers are optimistic that he could return towards the later part of the season. Beaver Dam is very balanced and dangerous in their scoring with four year varsity player [player_tooltip player_id='2391088' first='EJ' last='Salettel'] leading the way. With or without Blank, the Beavers are good enough to make a very deep run to the playoffs, and are trying to get to Madison for the first time since 1946.    New Berlin West 16-2   Notable Wins: Pewaukee, Lake County Lutheran, Greendale, Plymouth, Martin Luther    Notable Players: [player_tooltip player_id='2371703' first='Jayce' last='Cook']  (6-2 Jr. #28 in 2027 class) 18.5ppg, 3.1rpg, [player_tooltip player_id='1874970' first='Evan' last='Kern'] (6-3 Sr. #52 in 2026 class. Committed to Stevens Point) 15.8ppg, 6.1rpg, [player_tooltip player_id='2381809' first='Elijah' last='Gammage'] (6-4 Sr.) 13.5ppg, 7.9rpg, 2.1apg   Notes: The Vikings have not been to the state since 2000, and Scott Cook's team has a legitimate chance to get there this year. The Vikings have a very strong trio of scorers in Cook's son Jayce, [player_tooltip player_id='1874970' first='Evan' last='Kern'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2381809' first='Elijah' last='Gammage']. West is relentless with ball pressure in the half court defensively and lean into modern basketball that emphasizes getting clean 3 point shots and uncontested shots at the rim. The Vikings are attempting over 20 threes a game, and have several guys on their team that can knock them down with the best of them. NBW does not have a ton of size, but make up for it with their strong shooting and ability to defend in the half court.    McFarland 15-3   Notable Wins: Sauk Prairie, Aquinas, FVL, Deforest, Mount Horeb   Notable Players: [player_tooltip player_id='2140920' first='Garrett' last='Crull'] (6-4 Jr. #22 2027 class) 19.4ppg, [player_tooltip player_id='2140913' first='Eli' last='Krueger'] (6-9 Jr. #8 2027 class) 18.6ppg, [player_tooltip player_id='2423225' first='Braydon' last='Fischer'] (6-0 So.) 11.5ppg    Notes:  McFarland's last state appearance was in 1974, and their team has a legitimate shot to make it to Madison. The Spartans are led by the duo of left handed playmaking guard [player_tooltip player_id='2140920' first='Garrett' last='Crull'] and rising junior [player_tooltip player_id='2140913' first='Eli' last='Krueger']. Both compete for the [program_tooltip program_id='2078835' first='Wisconsin' last='Swing'] club program, and should earn some buzz heading into this summer. McFarland have earned some impressive victories lately, downing Aquinas and FVL. The Spartans will be challenged the most by Mount Horeb in the bottom half by Mount Horeb, if the Vikings can get healthy. If they get by Mount Horeb, I like them to get to the sectional final in March.    Sleeper: Tosa West 13-4   Notable Wins: Racine Lutheran, Germantown (2), Whitefish Bay   Notable Players: [player_tooltip player_id='1561869' first='Matthew' last='Kloskey'] (6-5 Sr. #6 in 2026 class, committed to Green Bay)  22.1ppg, 6.4rpg, [player_tooltip player_id='2288469' first='Jalen' last='Brown'] (6-5 Jr. #5 in 2027 class)  20.1ppg, 8.4rpg, 5.9apg, Bear Collins (5-10 Fr. #8 in 2029 Class)  11.8ppg 41% 3   Notes: It is hard to label the Trojans as a sleeper as the defending state champions, but this sectional is loaded with great ball clubs. [player_tooltip player_id='1561869' first='Matthew' last='Kloskey'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2288469' first='Jalen' last='Brown'] are a supremely talented duo that when they get going, are one of the best in the state. You cannot count out the shooting of Freshman Bear Collins and Junior [player_tooltip player_id='2423561' first='Max' last='Gogin'] to really round out Tosa West's offensive attack. The Trojans had some early season losses, but are playing much better basketball lately, most recently beating a very talented Whitefish Bay team on Tuesday night. Again, not sure if this is a true “sleeper” but the Trojans will be dangerous heading into the tournament.   Sectional 3 Prediction: Tosa West over McFarland.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sectional 4</h2>   The Favorites   Whitefish Bay 14-4   Notable Wins: Hartford, Beaver Dam, Homestead, Milwaukee Lutheran   Notable Players: [player_tooltip player_id='2140905' first='Colin' last='Julien'] (6-4 Jr. #11 in 2027 class) 19.5ppg, 4.5rpg, 3.5apg, [player_tooltip player_id='2500873' first='Marcus' last='Webb'] (6-1 Sr.) 14.1ppg, 3.8rpg, [player_tooltip player_id='2466054' first='Mace' last='Miskel'] (5-11 So. #4 in 2028 Class) 13.3ppg, 5.5apg    Notes: Whitefish bay is extremely balanced in their scoring attack. I have been able to watch some streams of their games recently and their transition attack is deadly due to the fact they run out on makes and misses. Bay has beaten some good ball clubs in Beaver Dam and Milwaukee Lutheran outside of their conference schedule. The Blue Dukes utilize a 5 out motion offense and mix different looks of defensive pressure to win games. Whitefish Bay last made it to state in 2011 and are making a strong case to get there this season.    Greendale 13-4   Notable Wins: Pewaukee, Whitnall   Notable Players: [player_tooltip player_id='2677080' first='Zavier' last='Castillo'] (6-6 Sr. #45 in 2026 class) 26.1ppg, 5.7rpg, [player_tooltip player_id='1561936' first='Brandon' last='Harper'] (6-2 Sr.) 13.5ppg, 3.6rpg, [player_tooltip player_id='2834556' first='Tyler' last='Roche'] (6-3 Sr.) 10.4ppg, 3.4rpg    Notes: [player_tooltip player_id='2677080' first='Zavier' last='Castillo'] was recently named to the WBCA's semifinalist list for Mr. Basketball and is exploding offensively in his senior season. Castillo's fantastic season is complimented by Harper and Roche. Greendale is always well coached by Ryan Johnsen, who is approaching his 200th win (183) in his fourteen season as the leader of the Panthers. Greendale has three state appearances in its history, two of them under Coach Johnsen, and with the starpower of Castillo could beat anyone in sectional four. Greendale is a team that should be advancing deeper in this year's postseason.    Waterford 16-2   Notable Wins: Beloit Memorial, Notre Dame, KML, Whitnall, Tosa West    Notable Players: [player_tooltip player_id='1561893' first='Caden' last='Gustafson'] (6-3 Sr. #23 in 2026 class committed to Northern Michigan)  22.2ppg, 7.0rpg, 3.7apg, [player_tooltip player_id='2809011' first='Jayce' last='Brechtl'] (6-6 Sr. committed to Carroll) 10.8ppg, 6.3rpg, [player_tooltip player_id='2847615' first='Colin' last='Lepisto'] (5-10 Sr.) 10.1ppg, 5.2, 5.1apg    Notes: The Mr. Basketball semifinalists came out this week and I was shocked not to see [player_tooltip player_id='1561893' first='Caden' last='Gustafson'] on the WBCA list. Gustafson is one of the tougher players on both sides of the ball that I have seen live and in person. This will without a doubt put a chip on the Wolverines shoulders who are coached by Nick Roeglin. Waterford is extremely tough defensively with ball pressure and their overall physicality. They are balanced in their scoring attack and have beaten some very tough opponents in Beloit Memorial, Notre Dame, KML, Whitnall and Tosa West. Waterford is seeking their first state appearance in school history and has a strong case to get to Madison this postseason.    Sleeper: Catholic Memorial 9-10   Notable Wins: Oak Creek, Whitnall, Kettle Moraine   Notable Players: [player_tooltip player_id='2140928' first='Jackson' last='Albee'] (6-1 Jr.) 18.2 ppg, [player_tooltip player_id='2394688' first='Matthew' last='Goedheer'] (6-4 Jr.) 13.1 ppg, [player_tooltip player_id='2795366' first='Karti' last='Calvert'] (6-6 Fr. #9 in 2029 class) 12.2 ppg    Notes: Catholic Memorial might be slightly under .500, but you cannot count out the Crusaders to make some noise in the post season. The Crusaders played in the rugged Classic Eight where every night is a battle. CMH has played a tough non-con schedule in addition to their strong conference schedule. [player_tooltip player_id='2795366' first='Karti' last='Calvert'] is a physical and strong frontcourt player for head coach Kyle Johnsen, and has several guys that can drain three point shots consistently. Catholic Memorial has not been to Madison since they had Mr. Basketball, TJ Bray walking through their hallways, but will be a tough out in March.   Sectional 4 Prediction: Waterford over Whitefish Bay.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">State Tournament Prediction</h2>   #1 Slinger over #4 Waterford   #3 Tosa West over Onalaska   Slinger over Tosa West to win the division two state championship.

The Division 2 field is arguably the most competitive across the five divisions in Wisconsin. There are some teams with substantial star power in division two, but truly it is anyone's tournament to win. Let's get to my division two forecast for the division two field!