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<p>For the past two weeks I have been presenting the top 200 players in the Driftless Region of Wisconsin, based on their collegiate potential. With this post, we move into the top 50. </p>
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<p>I selected the following conferences to be representative of the Driftless Region: Big Rivers, Cloverbelt-West, Coulee, Dairyland, Dunn-St. Croix, Lakeland-West, Middle Border, Mississippi Valley, Ridge & Valley, Scenic Bluffs, Six Rivers-West, South Central, Southwest Wisconsin and Southwest Wisconsin Activities League. These conferences encapsulate 107 schools and roughly 1300 varsity basketball players. </p>
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<p>As you review, understand that Prep Hoops rankings prioritize a player's potential to succeed at the next level, focusing on athleticism, size, position-specific skills, game IQ, effort, toughness, and intangibles like body language. Scouts may weigh each factor slightly differently, but size and athleticism are critical. While high school performance and statistics certainly factor in, they alone don't determine a player's ranking; instead, we assess skillset alongside athletic ability and body type that could translate to college competition. We also scout and evaluate many of these players on the Prep Hoops AAU Circuit. You can read more on how we rank, <a href="https://prephoops.com/how-we-rank/">here</a>.</p>
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<p>Players who have breakout seasons or continue to develop will see their positions rise in the Prep Hoops rankings. Some players may not have had extended playing time last season due to the presence of now-graduated standout players, giving them a prime opportunity to step up this year. Some underclassmen demonstrated their potential for a high ceiling through high school play last season or summer leagues and tournaments. Seniors are generally more proven but can also still have a breakout season. While high school stats are shared in these evaluations because they're the most consistent and accessible, performances in AAU and summer leagues also factor significantly. In addition, as we near the top of the Driftless 200 the Prep Hoops class rankings carry considerable weight. </p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2140896' first='Calvin' last='Bahr'] | 2027 | 6'3 | Aquinas | MVC</strong></p>
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<li>This sophomore is a reliable shooter with high field goal percentage, showing efficiency on the offensive end. At 6'3", he uses his length and athleticism to drive to the basket and convert in traffic. On defense, Bahr will get after it and is willing to battle inside, making him a versatile two-way player who is likely to see an increase in minutes this coming season.</li>
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<p><br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2499891' first='Tyler' last='Barrows'] | 2026 | 5'10 | Eau Claire North | Big Rivers</strong></p>
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<li>Barrows brings a well-rounded skill set to the court, averaging 10.1 points per game. At 5'10", he's a consistent double-digit scorer and an efficient shooter from all areas, particularly dangerous from beyond the arc with a 49.2% three-point shooting percentage. His ability to put the ball in the cylinder makes him a key offensive threat for the Huskies.</li>
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<p><br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2499886' first='Ian' last='Bauer'] | 2026 | 6'2 | Eau Claire Memorial | Big Rivers</strong></p>
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<li>At 6'2", this junior is a dependable, high-percentage shooter who excels from long range, hitting 40.3% of his three-point attempts. Averaging 6.2 points per game during his sophomore campaign, Bauer showed the ability to make efficient use of his scoring chances. His ability to connect from deep adds valuable spacing and versatility to the Old Abes' offense.</li>
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<p><br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1561933' first='Alex' last='Berget'] | 2026 | 5'9 | Holmen | MVC</strong></p>
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<li>With a smooth shooting stroke, Berget is a consistent double-digit scorer, especially effective from deep with an impressive 45.8% three-point rate. He will also take the ball to the hoop, making him a versatile offensive weapon who can keep the defense off-balance. Adding 1.9 assists per game, he contributes as a playmaker, setting up his teammates effectively, and his high motor is an asset to the Vikings on the defensive end.</li>
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<p><br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2610572' first='Elliott' last='Bessen'] | 2025 | 6'2 | Eau Claire North | Big Rivers</strong></p>
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<li>This 6'2" senior is a solid scorer, averaging 13.4 points per game with an assertive offensive approach. Bessen can also make things happen on the defensive end of the court and posted good shot-blocking numbers last season. He also contributed 1.5 assists per game, showing a willingness to get his teammates involved in the scoring action.</li>
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<p><br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2389934' first='Brendan' last='Chenault'] | 2027 | 6'0 | Onalaska | MVC</strong></p>
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<li>Chenault is looking to build on a solid summer in AAU, where he showed strong potential both offensively and defensively. Although playing limited minutes on a stout Onalaska team last season, he made the most of his opportunity to suit up for varsity as a freshman. He is poised to earn more minutes this season as an emerging talent in the 2027 class.</li>
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<p><br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1874982' first='Kane' last='Donnelly'] | 2025 | 6'3 | Somerset | Middle Border</strong></p>
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<li>This 6'3" senior is a well-rounded player who influences every aspect of the game. Donnelly executes with a high shooting percentage from the field and effectiveness beyond the arc, which led to 18.4 points per game last season. His impact extends to strong assist numbers, solid rebounding at 5.3 per game, and a defensive presence that generates steals.</li>
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<p><br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2021394' first='Isaac' last='Ellison'] | 2025 | 6'4 | Menomonie | Big Rivers</strong></p>
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<li>Another high-impact player with exceptional versatility, Ellison brings impressive scoring with 18.4 points per game and accuracy as a high-percentage shooter. He will seek out his teammates and drop an ample number of assists, while his defense stands out with strong steal numbers and skilled shot-blocking. He also dominates the boards and averaged 9.6 rebounds per game last season.</li>
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<p><br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2610597' first='Lucas' last='Glaus'] | 2025 | 6'0 | Plum City/Elmwood | Dunn-St. Croix</strong></p>
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<li>A senior standout with a strong all-around game, Glaus excels at controlling the boards and consistently out-rebounds opponents. He is exceptional on the defensive end, racking up steals and bringing shot-blocking skills that challenge opposing offenses. Adding to his impact, he averaged an impressive 20.6 points per game during his junior season for the Wolves.</li>
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<p><br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2410538' first='Brody' last='Graetz'] | 2026 | 6'0 | River Falls | Big Rivers</strong></p>
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<li>Graetz brings a balanced skillset to the hardwood, contributing in a variety of ways on both ends of the floor. With a field goal percentage of 46.8% and an effective touch from beyond the arc, he's a reliable shooting threat. As a sophomore he showed the ability to contribute as a playmaker with 1.6 assists per game and, defensively, he has shown a knack for turning over the opposition.</li>
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<p><br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2485487' first='Lucas' last='Herman'] | 2027 | 6'3 | GET | Coulee</strong></p>
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<li>This strong and athletic sophomore stood out during the AAU season, playing with a high motor and demonstrating good scoring ability. G-E-T had a deep roster of upperclassmen and one of the top scorers in the state last season, which limited his varsity opportunity. Looking to this season, he is poised to contribute at that level as an emerging talent in the 2027 class.</li>
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<p><br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2492796' first='SaVont' last='Johnson'] | 2025 | 6'3 | Adams-Friendship | South Central</strong></p>
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<li>Standing at 6'3, Johnson is a high-impact all-around player who excels as a solid shooter from both the field and three-point range. Aggressive on the glass, he will secure rebounds and will also contribute strong assist numbers as a facilitator. This is all in addition to averaging an outstanding 21.8 points and 2.8 steals per game during his junior campaign. </li>
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<p><br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2508299' first='Owen' last='Laudon'] | 2027 | 5'10 | Tomah | MVC</strong></p>
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<li>Laudon is a promising sophomore who demonstrated a well-rounded skillset, consistently contributing as a double-digit scorer with 11.8 points per game last season. A 37.7% shooter from beyond the arc, he is a highly effective threat on the perimeter. He also contributes on the defensive and despite his size, his ability as a good shot blocker adds a valuable defensive dimension to his game.</li>
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<p><br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1544741' first='Tyler' last='Lessard'] | 2025 | 6'3 | Hudson | Big Rivers</strong></p>
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<li>A high-impact all-around player, Lessard average an impressive 21.8 points per game while maintaining solid shooting from the field and from three. He is a beast on the boards and shares the wealth offensively, delivering strong assist numbers. To add to his versatility, he excels on the defensive end with 2.8 steals per game, consistently disrupting opposing offenses.</li>
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<p><br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2390176' first='Lucas' last='Ludlum'] | 2025 | 6'3 | Platteville | SWC</strong></p>
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<li>With the ability to impact all facets of the game, Ludlum delivered 15.3 points per game on high-percentage shooting in his junior campaign with the Hillmen. His productivity on the boards and strong assist numbers highlight a balanced game that also included 2.4 steals per game last season. Simply put, he gets it done wherever he is on the hardwood.</li>
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<p><br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2434284' first='Drew' last='McConkey'] | 2027 | 6'2 | West Salem | Coulee</strong></p>
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<li>This 6'2" sophomore made the most of his varsity minutes last season, demonstrating confidence and growth as an underclassman. With a 40.5% field goal percentage and a 33.3% success rate from three, he showed promise as a shooter. McConkey is an emerging talent in the 2027 class and his development will be interesting to watch as he sees more action this season.</li>
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<p><br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2492765' first='Andrew' last='Munson'] | 2025 | 6'1 | North Crawford | Ridge & Valley</strong></p>
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<li>Averaging 15.4 points per game and 3.3 assists, Munson is a reliable offensive contributor who can score effectively off the dribble or from distance. His defensive intensity stands out with exceptional steal numbers and impressive shot-blocking ability. As a high-impact, all-around player, he also adds value for the Trojans as a strong rebounder.</li>
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<p><br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2417746' first='Trevor' last='Robert'] | 2027 | 6'6 | Menomonie | Big Rivers</strong></p>
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<li>Still growing into his tall frame, Robert has significant potential for development on both ends of the floor. At 6'6", he is a high-percentage shooter, converting 60% of his attempts from the field and his height and timing make him an effective shot blocker, adding a defensive edge to his game. He could be a dominating presence as his game matures over the next few years. </li>
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<p><br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2447836' first='Ty' last='Roehm'] | 2025 | 6'3 | Luck | Lakeland-West</strong></p>
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<li>Roehm is a high-impact, all-around player, who averaged an impressive 21.6 points and 14.2 rebounds per game as a junior. Pairing that output with a defensive ability to create turnovers and block shots makes him a dominant presence on the court. He shoots it at a high-percentage and will also use outstanding court vision to drop dimes as he puts his 6'3" frame to work for the Cardinals.</li>
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<p><br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2432823' first='Kobe' last='Russell'] | 2026 | 6'1 | Prescott | Middle Border</strong></p>
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<li>A 6'1" guard, Russell is a strong rebounder who uses his athleticism to get up on the glass. He is a facilitator and averaged 1.6 assists per game last season, showcasing an ability to find his teammates with creative and crisp passes. He will also adjust his game and take the ball to the rim if the opportunity is there, posting a 42.6% shooting percentage, which demonstrates his is effectiveness in converting scoring opportunities.</li>
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<p><br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2226077' first='Gabe' last='Servais'] | 2027 | 5'11 | La Crosse Central | MVC</strong></p>
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<li>Servais was a regular on the hardwood last season and showed the ability to excel in shooting, passing and defense. He posted 2 assists and 2 steals per game in his freshman campaign and could get hot from three, making him a shooting threat with the ball in his hands as well. He demonstrates a team-oriented style and will play a key role in both offensive and defensive sets for the Riverhawks this season.</li>
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<p><br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2409155' first='Aaron' last='Siler'] | 2027 | 6'0 | Saint Croix Central | Middle Border</strong></p>
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<li>A solidly built athlete with a strong ability to hit deep shots at a high clip, Siler is a player defenses need to be aware of on the perimeter. He isn't afraid to attack the rim either, displaying confidence in taking the ball to the hole. As an emerging talent in the 2027 class, he shows great promise as player who could develop into a game-changer.</li>
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<p><br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2426884' first='Carter' last='Uppena'] | 2025 | 6'2 | Royall | Scenic Bluffs</strong></p>
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<li>As a junior Upenna averaged 15.7 points and 3.2 assists per game making him an unpredictable threat with the ball in his hands. He is a difference maker on the glass and a high-impact player in other facets as well, contributing significantly on both ends of the court. He registered a high shooting percentage and excelled as a strong defensive presence with exceptional steal and shot-blocking numbers last season.</li>
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<p><br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2406762' first='Brandon' last='Wagner'] | 2026 | 6'6 | Turtle Lake | Lakeland-West</strong></p>
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<li>At 6'6", Wagner is a fierce rebounder, pulling down 7.6 boards per game, dominating the glass on both ends. His size, strength and game feel also contribute to his elite defensive skills, including shot-blocking and jumping passing lanes for steals. With a strong all-around game, he adds 15.2 points per game, showcasing his ability to impact the game wherever his is on the court.</li>
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<p><br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2417898' first='Owen' last='Weisenberger'] | 2025 | 5'11 | Regis | Cloverbelt-West</strong></p>
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<li>Wiesenberger goes into this season with a strong and balanced game, having averaged 16.7 points and 3.2 assists per game in his junior campaign. He is a solid shooter from the field and effective from beyond the arc, making him a consistent offensive threat. He doesn't let up on the defensive end either, excelling as an on-ball defender who will also pick off passes to post solid steal numbers.</li>
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For the past two weeks I have been presenting the top 200 players in the Driftless Region of Wisconsin, based on their collegiate potential. With this post, we move into the top 50.
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