February Forecast: Pick's Picks for Division 5 State Tournament

The last article in the series of five predicting the state tournament which is about a month away. Division Five is up for the taking and truly wide open for the taking. Let's get to our division five predictions!   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sectional 1</h2>   The Favorites   Loyal 18-1   Notable Wins:Turtle Lake, Spencer, McDonell Central, Neilsville   Notable Players: [player_tooltip player_id='2500036' first='Bryce' last='Deegan'] (6-3 Sr.) 19.5ppg, 7.5rpg, [player_tooltip player_id='2622838' first='Cain' last='Toufar'] (6-4 Sr.) 13.0ppg, 3.0rpg   Notes: Brandon DeSmet has been the leader for the Greyhounds for the past six seasons and has one of the best teams he has coached since beginning at the school. Loyal's overall strength has caused several teams to resort to 2-3 zone recently. The Greyhounds are extremely athletic and physical on the interior and should create problems for teams in the regionals.    Prentice 14-2   Notable Wins: Rib Lake (2), Athens   Notable Players: [player_tooltip player_id='2412829' first='Evan' last='Lord'] (6-2 Sr.) 17.8ppg, 6.6rpg, 3.5apg, [player_tooltip player_id='2629213' first='Aidan' last='Hause'] (6-4 Sr.) 17.5ppg, 6.5rpg, 3.3apg, [player_tooltip player_id='3021816' first='Hardy' last='Hueckman'] (5-10 Jr.) 12.5ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.9apg   Notes: The Buccaneers have not made the tournament since 1999, and have a great shot to do it with their experience and scoring attack. Prentice is led by leading scorer [player_tooltip player_id='2412829' first='Evan' last='Lord'] who is very effective scoring at all three levels. Lord uses a sweet mid post fadeaway that often goes in for the Buccaneers. Adam Blomberg's squad could find themselves playing in the sectional game if they can continue their winning streak that started after their December 12th loss to Marathon.    Columbus Catholic 15-4   Notable Wins:Neillsville (2), Spencer   Notable Players: [player_tooltip player_id='2500034' first='Mac' last='Konieczny'] (5-11 Sr.) 17.3ppg, 43% 3, [player_tooltip player_id='2509448' first='Ben' last='Weiland'] (5-11 Jr.) 15.4ppg, 47.9% 3, [player_tooltip player_id='2509449' first='Carter' last='Sommer'] (6-7 Jr.) 10.5ppg, 4.0rpg   Notes: Long time coach Joe Konieczny who surpassed 400 wins at the school earlier this year, returned five starters headed into this season. The Dons shoot over 40 percent from 3 as a team and are deadly from that range. Columbus Catholic moves the ball exceptionally well in transition and in the half court allowing for that high efficiency in their three point percentage. In addition to their outside threats, [player_tooltip player_id='2509449' first='Carter' last='Sommer'] has great footwork in the post and provides a formidable interior post presence for the Dons. Look for Catholic to make a deep run in the postseason.   Sleeper: Turtle Lake 14-4    Notable Wins: Webster, Shell Lake   Notable Players: [player_tooltip player_id='2406762' first='Brandon' last='Wagner'] (6-6 Sr., committed to Mankato for Football) 17.3ppg, 14.8rpg, [player_tooltip player_id='3022619' first='Brody' last='Tarman'] (5-11 Jr.) 16.3ppg, 5.5rpg, 3.8apg, [player_tooltip player_id='3022613' first='Cam' last='Davis'] (6-3 Sr.) 12.6ppg, 7.4rpg, 3.3apg   Notes: Turtle Lake will look to repeat their appearance in Madison, after qualifying for the first time in school history last year under head coach Angie Wagner. The Lakers have four starters that average double digits making their scoring attack very balanced. Turtle Lake is led by Coach Wagner's son, Brandon, who is a terrific outside shooting front court player. Wagner is headed to Minnesota- Mankato for football next school year. The Lakers take and make a ton of threes making them a team to watch in this sectional, especially with their recent postseason success.    Sectional 1 Prediction: Columbus Catholic over Turtle Lake.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sectional 2</h2>   The Favorites   Reedsville 17-1   Notable Wins:Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah (2) , Howards Grove, Saint Mary Catholic, Kickapoo    Notable Players: [player_tooltip player_id='1561897' first='Ben' last='Prochnow'] (5-10 Sr.) 21.1ppg, 4.9rpg, 10.6apg, [player_tooltip player_id='2617712' first='Arden' last='Strenn'] (6-3 Sr.) 17.5ppg, 7.5rpg, [player_tooltip player_id='2920534' first='Jack' last='Schwahn'] (6-0 Sr.) 12.0ppg, 4.1rpg    Notes: Reedsville's best chance to get to the state tournament since 1946 is this year. The Panthers who are coached by Ron Prochnow, are extremely effective in employing full court pressure on teams this year. Reedsville uses run and jump principles to turn opponents over in the full court and half court, making it extremely difficult to score on them. The Panthers have nearly a 30 point differential in their contests this season. Reedsville should be without a doubt be the #1 seed in their sectional subgrouping. The Panthers are led by senior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1561897' first='Ben' last='Prochnow'] who is averaging an incredible 10.6apg per game. I like the Panthers to advance deep in March.    Tigerton 17-0   Notable Wins:Green Bay NEW Lutheran   Notable Players: [player_tooltip player_id='2382317' first='James' last='Brady'] (6-10 Jr., #50 in 2027 class) 24.1ppg, 11.3rpg, 2.7bpg, [player_tooltip player_id='2947704' first='Sam' last='Anheuser'] (5-10 Sr.) 17.1ppg, 6.8apg    Notes: Tigerton will most likely run the table in the regular season. The Tigers have dominated the CWC- East all season largely because of their dynamic 1-2 punch of [player_tooltip player_id='2382317' first='James' last='Brady'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2947704' first='Sam' last='Anheuser'] who are both averaging video game numbers this season. Not too many times will you find a dominant big guy like [player_tooltip player_id='2382317' first='James' last='Brady'] in Division 5. Brady is physical and a true rim protector for Tigerton. The 6-10 Jr. is ranked in the top 50 of the 2027 rankings and for a good reason with his skill set. Tigerton has only played three teams over .500 this season and have not had a game within 12 points since the first game of the season. The Tigers have been dominant, but having experience in close games does matter come playoff time. Regardless, I believe Tigerton is a sectional final caliber team in this year's postseason with their 1-2 punch and ability to limit teams with their 3-2 zone.    Elkhart Lake- Glenbeulah 12-6   Notable Wins: Saint Ambrose   Notable Players: [player_tooltip player_id='2613973' first='Brayden' last='Smith'] (6-1 So.) 21.4ppg, 4.6rpg, [player_tooltip player_id='3019867' first='Ethan' last='Fromm'] (6-4 Sr.) 18.6ppg, 7.1rpg, 4.1apg, [player_tooltip player_id='3019870' first='Dakota' last='Koehler'] (5-10 Sr.) 11.9ppg, 5.7rpg, 4.5apg    Notes: Mike Koehler's squad competes in a difficult Big East North that features four teams that could legitimately get deep in the playoffs in Manty Lutheran, Reedsville, Howards Grove, and St. Mary Catholic. Elkhart Lake- Glenbeulah is not afraid to mix things up defensively running a 3-2 zone that limits opponents to 57 per game. The Resorters do have some scoring punch in talented sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2613973' first='Brayden' last='Smith'] who averages over 20 a game and is shooting above 40 percent this season. The Resorters do not have a lot of depth on their team, but shooting can be the great equalizer in the postseason. Elkhart Lake- Glenbeulah averages 10 makes per game beyond the arc, and this could create some issues for their opponents later in the season and in the playoffs.   Sleeper: Wabeno/Laona 14-3   Notable Wins: Three Lakes   Notable Players: [player_tooltip player_id='2634236' first='Canton' last='Chrisman'] 19.5ppg, 4.2rpg, [player_tooltip player_id='2634239' first='Cooper' last='Albrecht'] 14.3ppg, 6.6rpg, 3.3apg, [player_tooltip player_id='2634237' first='Walker' last='Winkelman'] 14.3ppg, 5.8rpg   Notes: The Rebels have never made it to state as a co-op, but Kendrick Allen's group is very capable of getting deep in the tournament this season. The Rebels run modern concepts in their offensive system. Wabeno/Laona utilizes pistol and get actions to get their backcourt players clean looks from the perimeter. [player_tooltip player_id='2634236' first='Canton' last='Chrisman'] is a smooth left-handed back court player for the Rebels and is one of the better players in this sectional. If the Rebels can get hot from perimeter in a playoff game, they can beat anyone.    Sectional 2 Prediction: Reedsville over Tigerton.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sectional 3</h2>   The Favorites   Kickapoo 18-1   Notable Wins: Hillsboro, Royall, North Crawford, De Soto   Notable Players: [player_tooltip player_id='2501110' first='Arlon' last='Walter'] (6-8 Sr.) 17.0ppg, 11.0rpg, [player_tooltip player_id='2634917' first='Malachi' last='McCauley'] (6-2 Sr.) 14.4ppg, 4.5rpg , [player_tooltip player_id='2914619' first='Breken' last='Miller'] (5-10 Sr.) 9.2ppg, 5.7rpg   Notes: The Panthers have a three headed scoring attack with [player_tooltip player_id='2501110' first='Arlon' last='Walter'], [player_tooltip player_id='2634917' first='Malachi' last='McCauley'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2914619' first='Breken' last='Miller'] who can all score in multiple ways for the Panthers. Walter is massive for the division 5 level and can score effectively with his good footwork and lengthy frame. The 6-8 Sr. is averaging a double double. The Panthers also have a good shooter in [player_tooltip player_id='2634917' first='Malachi' last='McCauley'] who has hit 48 threes so far this season. Kickapoo does not have a ton of outside shooting outside of that, but have the experience, athleticism and depth to go on a lengthy run in the postseason. Kickapoo is searching for its first state tournament appearance since 1997.    Royall 15-2   Notable Wins: Mauston, HIllsboro, Westby   Notable Players: [player_tooltip player_id='2635635' first='Trey' last='Wildes'] (6-2 Sr.) 15.1ppg, 6.6rpg [player_tooltip player_id='2779169' first='Braxton' last='Board'] (6-2 So.) 13.2ppg, 8.1rpg, Dylan Velazquez (5-11 Sr.) 11.8ppg, 3.6rpg   Notes: Royall graduated all five starters that was 28-0 before falling to Cochrane Fountain City last year in the post season. Longtime coach Scott Uppena has the Panthers playing great basketball again this season. Royall is riding a nine game winning streak after canning 13 threes against a very solid Hillsboro team last Thursday in a 74-52 victory. Royall utilizes a ton of UCLA screens and flex screens to get clean looks from the perimeter. In total the Panthers have taken over 400 threes this season and can get red hot on any given night. Good coaching matters in the playoffs, and this is why Coach Uppena's Panthers will advance far in the postseason.    North Crawford 14-4   Notable Wins: River Ridge, Hillsboro, De Soto, Southwestern   Notable Players: [player_tooltip player_id='2424246' first='Cullen' last='Jacobus'] (5-9 Sr.) 20.9ppg, 6.7rpg, 4.9apg , [player_tooltip player_id='2915082' first='Landry' last='Stluka'] (6-1 So.) 16.9ppg, 7.4rpg, [player_tooltip player_id='2914986' first='Zack' last='Bender'] (6-3 Jr.) 13.1ppg, 7.9rpg, [player_tooltip player_id='3021469' first='Sawyer' last='Stluka'] (5-10 Jr.) 11.6ppg, 5.0rpg   Notes: The Trojans are seeking their first state appearance since 1999, and have the offensive firepower to do so. North Crawford nearly has five starters that average double digits for the Trojans, making them a tough out and scout. Senior lead guard [player_tooltip player_id='2424246' first='Cullen' last='Jacobus'] is lightning quick getting downhill for North Crawford. Jacobus is shifty and under control at all times, and is crafty enough when he does not finish to get to the line frequently. North Crawford is a bit undersized, but much mentioned before shooting is the great equalizer late in the season. The Trojans are more than capable of knocking off anyone this March.    Sleeper: Belmont 16-2   Notable Wins: River Ridge, Potosi/Cassville   Notable Players:[player_tooltip player_id='3041815' first='Thomas' last='Freeman'] (6-6 So.) 17.1ppg, 7.4rpg,  [player_tooltip player_id='3041808' first='Wyatt' last='Temperly'] (6-2 So.) 15.6ppg, 7.3rpg, 4.0apg [player_tooltip player_id='2798060' first='Boone' last='Havens'] (5-11 So.)14.0ppg, 4.2apg   Notes: Belmont has one of the better frontcourt players in [player_tooltip player_id='3041815' first='Thomas' last='Freeman']. The 6'6 sophomore was second team all conference last year and is putting together a massive season this year for the Braves. Freeman is physical and extremely tough to contain when he catches around the rim. The Braves are rounded scoring wise out by [player_tooltip player_id='3041808' first='Wyatt' last='Temperly'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2798060' first='Boone' last='Havens']. Belmont is young, but becoming more experienced as their sophomore class will continue to improve as the season progresses. Head Coach Beau Buchs is hoping to get the Braves for the first time in school history. You can not count the Braves this season and headed in the future in division five.    Sectional 3 Prediction: Kickapoo over Royall.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sectional 4</h2>   The Favorites   Sheboygan Lutheran 15-3   Notable Wins: Kohler (2) , University School, Cedar Grove-Belgium   Notable Players: [player_tooltip player_id='2224503' first='Brennen' last='Hackbarth'] (6-5 Sr.) 23.6ppg, 8.0rpg, Mccoy Michael (5-10 So.) 15.4ppg, 4.1apg,  [player_tooltip player_id='2509476' first='Oliver' last='Leibham'] (5-11 Jr.) 11.2ppg, 5.9apg   Notes: Following the departure of [player_tooltip player_id='2382133' first='Marion' last='Boyland'] to MAS/prep school, the Crusaders are putting together a great season in Sheboygan. Lutheran lost to Cochrane- Fountain City last season in the state final and are looking to put together an extended postseason run once again. Highly successful coach Nick Verhagen has been to state three times in his 14 years as the head coach at Lutheran. The high powered offensive attack for the Crusaders is led by 6-5 Sr. [player_tooltip player_id='2224503' first='Brennen' last='Hackbarth'] that imposes his will inside. Hackbarth uses his frame and strength extremely well, and when he does not finish, he is converting from the free throw line. Lutheran plays a very difficult schedule compared to the rest of sectional four, and will be more than ready to make another run in March.     Oakfield 14-3   Notable Wins: Horicon   Notable Players: [player_tooltip player_id='2836864' first='Broede' last='Collien'] (6-3 Sr.) 14.8ppg 3.7rpg, [player_tooltip player_id='2447325' first='Brayden' last='Glugla'] (6-3 Sr.) 13.4ppg, 4.9rpg, [player_tooltip player_id='2447322' first='Bo' last='Bijl'] (6-8 Sr.) 11.3ppg, `12.8rpg   Notes: Oakfield has had some extended runs in the postseason in recent years, and will look to break through to Madison for the first time since 1995. The Oaks are balanced in scoring with [player_tooltip player_id='2836864' first='Broede' last='Collien'], [player_tooltip player_id='2447325' first='Brayden' last='Glugla'] and Bo Bijil who brings a ton of size to the frontcourt for Oakfield.  [player_tooltip player_id='2836864' first='Broede' last='Collien'] is a tremendous perimeter shooter for the Oaks, while Bijl is patient, yet effective around the basket finishing through contact. Don't be surprised if the Oaks get into the late stages of the tournament.    Saint Ambrose 15-4   Notable Wins: Johnson Creek, Abundant Life    Notable Players: [player_tooltip player_id='2957672' first='Nathan' last='Pietrzykowski'] (6-3 Sr.) 12.3ppg, 10.7rpg, 4.9apg, Issac Moreland (5-11 So.) 12.0ppg, 4.4rpg, [player_tooltip player_id='2957667' first='Damien' last='Hebert'] (6-2 Jr.) 10.4ppg, 8.8rpg,    Notes: Chris Zwettler, who was the longtime coach at Madison Edgewood, has been building the Saint Ambrose program up the past few seasons. In the first two years of the program, the Guardians won just ten games, but have won 15 this season playing an entirely independent schedule in year three. Zwettler may be coaching in a different gym, but some things stay the same for Coach Z, he runs the current Badger offense (Euro Ball Screen) much like he did at Edgewood when the Badgers were running the Swing. The Guardians have a balanced scoring attack and are disciplined defensively. It may come down to a rematch with Abundant Life later in the playoffs and I expect the Guardians to extend their season with a couple of playoff victories.    Sleeper: Abundant Life 13-5   Notable Wins: Johnson Creek, Parkview, Pardeeville   Notable Players: [player_tooltip player_id='2399579' first='Nick' last='Thies'] (6-5 Jr.) 16.6ppg, 8.0rpg  [player_tooltip player_id='3018797' first='Anthony' last='Ellingson'] (6-3 Sr.) 11.7ppg, 5.2rpg Mo Aeschlimann (5-10 Jr.) 9.9ppg, 5.0apg    Notes: Hard to say a team is a sleeper, when they are seeded #1 in the midseason rankings, and are seeking to reach their third straight state tournament, but the Challengers lost all five starters to graduation this offseason. Head Coach Michael Thies secured his 100th win this season and has the Challengers playing their best basketball. Heading into Monday, Abundant Life has won 7 out of their last 8 games. The Challengers have played stifling defense this season limiting opponents to just 47 points per contest. Based on their recent success after disbanding their Co-Op with Saint Ambrose, I like the Challengers to get back to a sectional final in March.    Sectional 4 Prediction: Sheboygan Lutheran over Abundant Life.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">State Tournament Prediction</h2>   #1 Reedsville over Columbus Catholic   #3 Sheboygan Lutheran over #2 Kickapoo   #1 Reedsville over #3 Sheboygan Lutheran.

The last article in the series of five predicting the state tournament which is about a month away. Division Five is up for the taking and truly wide open for the taking. Let's get to our division five predictions!