Lakeland West Preview

2023-24 Final Standings 1. Unity 18-0 (25-2); 2. Turtle Lake 13-5 (16-9); 3. Shell Lake 12-6 (15-11); 3. Webster 12-6 (15-10); 5. Grantsburg 11-7 (12-12); 6. Siren 7-11 (12-15); 6. Clear Lake 7-11 (11-14); 8. Northwood 5-13 (9-16); 9. Luck 3-15 (8-19); 10. Frederic 2-16 (3-22). 2024-25 Picks 1. Unity -- Jaxon Tilton helped Unity to a 25-2 record a year ago by averaging 19.9 points and 4.4 rebounds. He completed his stellar prep career as the school's all-time leading scorer with 1,497 points. Tilton helped the Eagles to a 37-game winning streak within league play entering the upcoming season. With Tilton and the four other regulars from a year ago moving on, coach Shaun Fisher will count on some improved play from a strong junior class that includes [player_tooltip player_id='2628753' first='Isaiah' last='Fugate'] (6-2, 3.7 ppg, 3.6 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2628754' first='Kasyn' last='Fisher'] (5-11, 3.0 ppg), Izaac WIlliams (6-4) and Beckett Schmidt (6-3). Seniors Sam Majeske (6-0), Payton Merrida (5-10) and Connor Koethe (5-9) also could factor into Unity's playing rotation. 2. Grantsburg -- Fans of Pirates basketball will want to make sure they arrive for the opening tip because at any given time in any given game, senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='2432845' first='Jayden' last='Brown'] (6-5, 18.4 ppg, 4.7 rpg) can electrify a crowd with his impressive ability to soar to the basket for a dunk. The returning first-team all-Lakeland West performer can shoot it from deep, get to the basket and finish with impressive slams in transition. Brown recently committed to NCAA Division III St. Scholastica. Also back for coach Michael Myers are juniors Brock Matheny (6-3, 2.8 ppg, 3.7 rpg) and [player_tooltip player_id='2641954' first='Caden' last='Matheny'] (6-6, 6.0 ppg, 5.1 rpg), along with sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2524556' first='Caleb' last='Rombach'] (6-2, 9.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg). 3. Turtle Lake -- Angela Wagner takes over the coaching duties at Turtle Lake from Tadd Peterson and has two starters back off last year's 16-9 squad in junior [player_tooltip player_id='2406762' first='Brandon' last='Wagner'] (6-6, 15.2 ppg, 7.6 rpg) and sophomore Brody Tarman (6-0, 8.6 ppg, 4.5 rpg). Both players rank among the elite in the 10-team conference and should help the Lakers remain near the top in standings. Senior Brody Jobe (5-10, 3.8 ppg, 2.4 rpg) and junior Cam Davis (6-2) should also play key roles at Turtle Lake. 4. Clear Lake -- Guard play is a big plus for Clear Lake as coach Jason Sargent has five returning starters who all can play in the backcourt. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2628737' first='Jordan' last='Blanchard'] (5-10, 9.0 ppg, 4.9 rpg) and Will Brantner (5-9, 8.8 ppg, 2.7 rpg) along with juniors Lane Prusak (5-9, 5.0 ppg, 2.5 rpg) and Kasey Becker (6-0, 4.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg) are returning regulars along with talented sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2429609' first='Caleb' last='Arcand'] (5-10, 12.9 ppg, 4.2 rpg). Also back for Clear Lake are seniors Landon Arcand (5-9, 3.2 ppg) and Cameron Tibbetts (5-8, 3.7 ppg) along with sophomore Max Everts (6-1, 7.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg). Holding their own on the glass and defending the post are areas of concern for the Warriors. 5. Luck -- With one of the state's best producers in its lineup every night, Luck figures to improve upon an 8-19 record under fourth-year coach Josh Bazey. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='2447836' first='Ty' last='Roehm'] (6-3, 21.6 ppg, 14.2 rpg) puts up numbers most can only dream about and the returning first-team all-Lakeland West forward starts his fourth year of varsity basketball with 1,174 career points. Roehm will get plenty of help from senior [player_tooltip player_id='2628761' first='Zak' last='Walters'] (5-10, 14.4 ppg, 2.7 rpg) and sophomore Blake Mellen (6-2, 3.4 ppg, 4.2 rpg). Developing depth might be the key to a successful campaign for the Cardinals. 6. Northwood -- First-year coach Jackson Terry is excited to help Evergreens better last year's 9-16 record, and he'll have plenty of experience and firepower on his side in his efforts to move up in the league standings. Four starters are back, led by high-scoring senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2547396' first='Jared' last='Schultz'] (5-11, 25.6 ppg, 7.8 rpg). Schultz is one of three returning first-team all-league performers along with Brown and Roehm. Also back for Northwood are senior Cole Neva (6-0, 4.2 ppg, 5.6 rpg) and juniors Ian Woodhull (6-0, 6.7 ppg, 3.9 rpg) and Jaxson Link (6-0, 1.8 ppg, 2.3 rpg). 7. Webster -- The Tigers were hit hard by graduation, losing all-league guard Ian McFadden (6-0, 20.8 ppg, 2.0 rpg, now playing at Northland) and three other starters. The lone returning regular for coach Greg Widiker is junior guard Quaid Belland (5-7, 7.6 ppg, 2.6 rpg). A few key reserves from last year's 15-10 squad also are back and include seniors Eli Campion (6-2, 2.6 ppg, 2.0 rpg) and Cody McDowell (5-11, 2.5 ppg) along with junior [player_tooltip player_id='2750092' first='Quinn' last='Widiker'] (6-4, 6.1 ppg, 6.8 rpg). 8. Shell Lake -- A couple of double-figure scorers are back for an otherwise green Shell Lake squad. Coach Ben Graese starts his fourth season at the school and will rely on seniors Isaac Crosby (10.9 ppg) and [player_tooltip player_id='2628756' first='Conner' last='Schrankel'] (13.1 ppg) to help keep the Lakers competitive in a deep conference. Also back is junior Adam Fritz (2.5 ppg). 9. Siren -- The Dragons have a rookie coach in Jessie Gilbertson and lots of holes to fill in their lineup as a deep senior class graduated last spring. The returning with the most experience include the senior trio of Gannon Reynolds (6-2), Jacob Patterson (6-1) and Jerome McGeshick (5-9). 10. Frederic -- Coach Joe Draxler starts his second campaign with three experienced players on his roster in senior Micah Rosenow (6-0, 5.2 ppg, 2.3 rpg) and juniors Leif Lahti (5-10, 7.2 ppg, 2.5 rpg) and Brett Bartlett (6-3, 6.1 ppg, 4.7 rpg). Also back from a team that finished 3-22 are senior Lucas Reuter (5-11, 2.2 ppg), junior Carson Anderson (6-2, 3.5 ppg, 4.2 rpg) and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2399162' first='Royce' last='Anderson'] (6-1, 4.6 ppg, 2.6 rpg). Draxler likes the experience and coachability of his players, but is concerned about rebounding, developing a winning mindset and scoring. Top Returning Scorers [player_tooltip player_id='2547396' first='Jared' last='Schultz'], Northwood (25.6 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2447836' first='Ty' last='Roehm'], Luck (21.6 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2432845' first='Jayden' last='Brown'], Grantsburg (18.4 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2406762' first='Brandon' last='Wagner'], Turtle Lake (15.2 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2628761' first='Zak' last='Walters'], Luck (14.4 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2628756' first='Conner' last='Schrankel'], Shell Lake (13.1 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2429609' first='Caleb' last='Arcand'], Clear Lake (12.9 ppg) Isaac Crosby, Shell Lake (10.9 ppg) Projected All-Conference Teams First Team [player_tooltip player_id='2432845' first='Jayden' last='Brown'], 6-5, Sr., Grantsburg [player_tooltip player_id='2447836' first='Ty' last='Roehm'], 6-3, Sr., Luck [player_tooltip player_id='2547396' first='Jared' last='Schultz'], 5-11, Sr., Northwood [player_tooltip player_id='2406762' first='Brandon' last='Wagner'], 6-6, Jr., Turtle Lake [player_tooltip player_id='2628753' first='Isaiah' last='Fugate'], 6-2, Jr., Unity Second Team [player_tooltip player_id='2429609' first='Caleb' last='Arcand'], 5-10, Soph., Clear Lake [player_tooltip player_id='2628737' first='Jordan' last='Blanchard'], 5-10, Sr., Clear Lake [player_tooltip player_id='2628761' first='Zak' last='Walters'], 5-10, Sr., Luck [player_tooltip player_id='2628756' first='Conner' last='Schrankel'], Sr., Shell Lake [player_tooltip player_id='2628754' first='Kasyn' last='Fisher'], 5-11, Jr., Unity The Big Five Best Shooter: [player_tooltip player_id='2547396' first='Jared' last='Schultz'], Northwood Best Defender: [player_tooltip player_id='2406762' first='Brandon' last='Wagner'], Turtle Lake Best Rebounder: [player_tooltip player_id='2447836' first='Ty' last='Roehm'], Luck Best Collegiate Prospect: [player_tooltip player_id='2432845' first='Jayden' last='Brown'], Grantsburg Most Improved Player: [player_tooltip player_id='2628753' first='Isaiah' last='Fugate'], Unity

2023-24 Final Standings

1. Unity 18-0 (25-2); 2. Turtle Lake 13-5 (16-9); 3. Shell Lake 12-6 (15-11); 3. Webster 12-6 (15-10); 5. Grantsburg 11-7 (12-12); 6. Siren 7-11 (12-15); 6. Clear Lake 7-11 (11-14); 8. Northwood 5-13 (9-16); 9. Luck 3-15 (8-19); 10. Frederic 2-16 (3-22).

2024-25 Picks

1. Unity -- Jaxon Tilton helped Unity to a 25-2 record a year ago by averaging 19.9 points and 4.4 rebounds. He completed his stellar prep career as the school's all-time leading scorer with 1,497 points. Tilton helped the Eagles to a 37-game winning streak within league play entering the upcoming season. With Tilton and the four other regulars from a year ago moving on, coach Shaun Fisher will count on some improved play from a strong junior class that includes Isaiah Fugate Isaiah Fugate 6'2" | SF Unity | 2026 WI (6-2, 3.7 ppg, 3.6 rpg), Kasyn Fisher Kasyn Fisher 5'11" | CG Unity | 2026 WI (5-11, 3.0 ppg), Izaac WIlliams (6-4) and Beckett Schmidt (6-3). Seniors Sam Majeske (6-0), Payton Merrida (5-10) and Connor Koethe (5-9) also could factor into Unity's playing rotation.

2. Grantsburg -- Fans of Pirates basketball will want to make sure they arrive for the opening tip because at any given time in any given game, senior wing Jayden Brown Jayden Brown 6'6" | SG/CG Grantsburg | 2025 State WI (6-5, 18.4 ppg, 4.7 rpg) can electrify a crowd with his impressive ability to soar to the basket for a dunk. The returning first-team all-Lakeland West performer can shoot it from deep, get to the basket and finish with impressive slams in transition. Brown recently committed to NCAA Division III St. Scholastica. Also back for coach Michael Myers are juniors Brock Matheny (6-3, 2.8 ppg, 3.7 rpg) and Caden Matheny Caden Matheny 6'6" | PF Grantsburg | 2026 State WI (6-6, 6.0 ppg, 5.1 rpg), along with sophomore Caleb Rombach Caleb Rombach 6'3" | CG/PG Grantsburg | 2027 State WI (6-2, 9.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg).

3. Turtle Lake -- Angela Wagner takes over the coaching duties at Turtle Lake from Tadd Peterson and has two starters back off last year's 16-9 squad in junior Brandon Wagner Brandon Wagner 6'6" | PF/C Turtle Lake | 2026 State WI (6-6, 15.2 ppg, 7.6 rpg) and sophomore Brody Tarman (6-0, 8.6 ppg, 4.5 rpg). Both players rank among the elite in the 10-team conference and should help the Lakers remain near the top in standings. Senior Brody Jobe (5-10, 3.8 ppg, 2.4 rpg) and junior Cam Davis (6-2) should also play key roles at Turtle Lake.

4. Clear Lake -- Guard play is a big plus for Clear Lake as coach Jason Sargent has five returning starters who all can play in the backcourt. Seniors Jordan Blanchard Jordan Blanchard 5'10" | CG Clear Lake | 2025 WI (5-10, 9.0 ppg, 4.9 rpg) and Will Brantner (5-9, 8.8 ppg, 2.7 rpg) along with juniors Lane Prusak (5-9, 5.0 ppg, 2.5 rpg) and Kasey Becker (6-0, 4.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg) are returning regulars along with talented sophomore Caleb Arcand Caleb Arcand 6'0" | SG Clear Lake | 2027 State WI (5-10, 12.9 ppg, 4.2 rpg). Also back for Clear Lake are seniors Landon Arcand (5-9, 3.2 ppg) and Cameron Tibbetts (5-8, 3.7 ppg) along with sophomore Max Everts (6-1, 7.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg). Holding their own on the glass and defending the post are areas of concern for the Warriors.

5. Luck -- With one of the state's best producers in its lineup every night, Luck figures to improve upon an 8-19 record under fourth-year coach Josh Bazey. Senior Ty Roehm Ty Roehm 6'4" | PF Luck | 2025 State WI (6-3, 21.6 ppg, 14.2 rpg) puts up numbers most can only dream about and the returning first-team all-Lakeland West forward starts his fourth year of varsity basketball with 1,174 career points. Roehm will get plenty of help from senior Zak Walters Zak Walters 5'10" | PG/SG Luck | 2025 WI (5-10, 14.4 ppg, 2.7 rpg) and sophomore Blake Mellen (6-2, 3.4 ppg, 4.2 rpg). Developing depth might be the key to a successful campaign for the Cardinals.

6. Northwood -- First-year coach Jackson Terry is excited to help Evergreens better last year's 9-16 record, and he'll have plenty of experience and firepower on his side in his efforts to move up in the league standings. Four starters are back, led by high-scoring senior guard Jared Schultz Jared Schultz 6'0" | CG Northwood | 2025 State WI (5-11, 25.6 ppg, 7.8 rpg). Schultz is one of three returning first-team all-league performers along with Brown and Roehm. Also back for Northwood are senior Cole Neva (6-0, 4.2 ppg, 5.6 rpg) and juniors Ian Woodhull (6-0, 6.7 ppg, 3.9 rpg) and Jaxson Link (6-0, 1.8 ppg, 2.3 rpg).

7. Webster -- The Tigers were hit hard by graduation, losing all-league guard Ian McFadden (6-0, 20.8 ppg, 2.0 rpg, now playing at Northland) and three other starters. The lone returning regular for coach Greg Widiker is junior guard Quaid Belland (5-7, 7.6 ppg, 2.6 rpg). A few key reserves from last year's 15-10 squad also are back and include seniors Eli Campion (6-2, 2.6 ppg, 2.0 rpg) and Cody McDowell (5-11, 2.5 ppg) along with junior Quinn Widiker Quinn Widiker 6'6" | PF Webster | 2026 State WI (6-4, 6.1 ppg, 6.8 rpg).

8. Shell Lake -- A couple of double-figure scorers are back for an otherwise green Shell Lake squad. Coach Ben Graese starts his fourth season at the school and will rely on seniors Isaac Crosby (10.9 ppg) and Conner Schrankel Conner Schrankel 6'0" | CG Shell Lake | 2025 WI (13.1 ppg) to help keep the Lakers competitive in a deep conference. Also back is junior Adam Fritz (2.5 ppg).

9. Siren -- The Dragons have a rookie coach in Jessie Gilbertson and lots of holes to fill in their lineup as a deep senior class graduated last spring. The returning with the most experience include the senior trio of Gannon Reynolds (6-2), Jacob Patterson (6-1) and Jerome McGeshick (5-9).

10. Frederic -- Coach Joe Draxler starts his second campaign with three experienced players on his roster in senior Micah Rosenow (6-0, 5.2 ppg, 2.3 rpg) and juniors Leif Lahti (5-10, 7.2 ppg, 2.5 rpg) and Brett Bartlett (6-3, 6.1 ppg, 4.7 rpg). Also back from a team that finished 3-22 are senior Lucas Reuter (5-11, 2.2 ppg), junior Carson Anderson (6-2, 3.5 ppg, 4.2 rpg) and sophomore Royce Anderson Royce Anderson 6'1" | CG Frederic | 2027 WI (6-1, 4.6 ppg, 2.6 rpg). Draxler likes the experience and coachability of his players, but is concerned about rebounding, developing a winning mindset and scoring.

Top Returning Scorers

Jared Schultz Jared Schultz 6'0" | CG Northwood | 2025 State WI , Northwood (25.6 ppg)
Ty Roehm Ty Roehm 6'4" | PF Luck | 2025 State WI , Luck (21.6 ppg)
Jayden Brown Jayden Brown 6'6" | SG/CG Grantsburg | 2025 State WI , Grantsburg (18.4 ppg)
Brandon Wagner Brandon Wagner 6'6" | PF/C Turtle Lake | 2026 State WI , Turtle Lake (15.2 ppg)
Zak Walters Zak Walters 5'10" | PG/SG Luck | 2025 WI , Luck (14.4 ppg)
Conner Schrankel Conner Schrankel 6'0" | CG Shell Lake | 2025 WI , Shell Lake (13.1 ppg)
Caleb Arcand Caleb Arcand 6'0" | SG Clear Lake | 2027 State WI , Clear Lake (12.9 ppg)
Isaac Crosby, Shell Lake (10.9 ppg)

Projected All-Conference Teams
First Team
Jayden Brown Jayden Brown 6'6" | SG/CG Grantsburg | 2025 State WI , 6-5, Sr., Grantsburg
Ty Roehm Ty Roehm 6'4" | PF Luck | 2025 State WI , 6-3, Sr., Luck
Jared Schultz Jared Schultz 6'0" | CG Northwood | 2025 State WI , 5-11, Sr., Northwood
Brandon Wagner Brandon Wagner 6'6" | PF/C Turtle Lake | 2026 State WI , 6-6, Jr., Turtle Lake
Isaiah Fugate Isaiah Fugate 6'2" | SF Unity | 2026 WI , 6-2, Jr., Unity

Second Team
Caleb Arcand Caleb Arcand 6'0" | SG Clear Lake | 2027 State WI , 5-10, Soph., Clear Lake
Jordan Blanchard Jordan Blanchard 5'10" | CG Clear Lake | 2025 WI , 5-10, Sr., Clear Lake
Zak Walters Zak Walters 5'10" | PG/SG Luck | 2025 WI , 5-10, Sr., Luck
Conner Schrankel Conner Schrankel 6'0" | CG Shell Lake | 2025 WI , Sr., Shell Lake
Kasyn Fisher Kasyn Fisher 5'11" | CG Unity | 2026 WI , 5-11, Jr., Unity

The Big Five

Best Shooter: Jared Schultz Jared Schultz 6'0" | CG Northwood | 2025 State WI , Northwood
Best Defender: Brandon Wagner Brandon Wagner 6'6" | PF/C Turtle Lake | 2026 State WI , Turtle Lake
Best Rebounder: Ty Roehm Ty Roehm 6'4" | PF Luck | 2025 State WI , Luck
Best Collegiate Prospect: Jayden Brown Jayden Brown 6'6" | SG/CG Grantsburg | 2025 State WI , Grantsburg
Most Improved Player: Isaiah Fugate Isaiah Fugate 6'2" | SF Unity | 2026 WI , Unity