Badger Large Preview 2026-27

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025-26 Final Standings</strong><br><br>1. (tie) Beaver Dam 10-4 (19-7); 1. (tie) Waunakee 10-4 (19-7); 3. (tie) Monona Grove 9-5 (15-10); 3. (tie) Oregon 9-5 (14-11); 5. (tie) DeForest 7-7 (12-14); 5. (tie) Milton 7-7 (14-11); 7. (tie) Baraboo 2-12 (8-17); 7. Watertown 2-12 (5-20).<br><br><strong>2026-27 Picks </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1. <a href="https://prephoops.com/team/wi/monona-grove/" data-type="link" data-id="prephoops.com/team/wi/monona-grove/">Monona Grove</a> -- Few teams in Wisconsin can match the depth and size of Monona Grove. Depth comes in the form of four starters from a year ago and another regular from 2024-25 who missed last year with an injury. COach Dan Zweifel also brings back seven additional players from a year ago not to mention newcomers from a JV1 team that finished 19-5. Size comes from the fact Monona Grove has four players 6-foot-6 or taller on his roster in sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2369939' first='Jayden' last='Jackson'] (6-8), junior [player_tooltip player_id='2369936' first='Mason' last='Wallace'] (6-8), senior [player_tooltip player_id='2140876' first='Austin' last='Luchetti'] (6-7) and senior [player_tooltip player_id='3125009' first='Logan' last='Hanson'] (6-6). [player_tooltip player_id='2140876' first='Austin' last='Luchetti'], who missed last season with an injury, committed to NCAA Division I Northern Illinois in the summer and teams with his younger brother, junior Evan Luchettie (6-3), to give the Silver Eagles a solid scoring duo. Austin averaged 15.5 ppg two years ago while Evan popped in 16.6 ppg last winter. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2415931' first='Alex' last='Dean'] (5-10) and Luke Cynoweth (5-10) are proven backcourt performers while senior [player_tooltip player_id='2415934' first='Colten' last='Jenkins'] (6-3) provides some versatility and strong defense to the Monona Grove lineup. [player_tooltip player_id='2369939' first='Jayden' last='Jackson'] is receiving recruiting interest from both Marquette and Wisconsin, among others, while [player_tooltip player_id='2369936' first='Mason' last='Wallace'] also is a solid collegiate prospect. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='2415933' first='Henry' last='Thome'] (6-4) came off the bench to average 9.2 ppg and 4.9 rpg for a 15-10 squad last winter while junior [player_tooltip player_id='2390011' first='Carson' last='Schoenherr'] (6-1) also earned plenty of playing time. Getting all the pieces to mesh will be a challenge to start the season, but there is talent galore at MG and the Silver Eagles are looking for a big 2026-27 campaign.<br><br>2. <a href="https://prephoops.com/team/wi/waunakee/" data-type="link" data-id="prephoops.com/team/wi/waunakee/">Waunakee</a> -- The dominant program of the Badger Large over the last two decades or so, Waunakee will be in the thirck of another league-title chase in 2026-27 as coach Tyler Selk brings back three starters from a team that went 19-7. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2140989' first='Wes' last='DuCharme'] (6-4) and [player_tooltip player_id='2642394' first='Mac' last='Johnson'] (6-6) along with junior [player_tooltip player_id='2433111' first='Jacob' last='Muniz'] (5-11) were instrumental pieces on the Warriors' title-winning squad of a year ago. DuCharme led the team in scoring (16.3 ppg) while Johnson topped the team in rebounding (5.8 rpg). Muniz proves plenty of quickness and a sharp shooting eye from the perimeter. Depth, always a strength for Waunakee, comes in the form of seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2989253' first='Keagan' last='Ballard'] (6-0), [player_tooltip player_id='2989256' first='Sam' last='Follen'] (6-2), [player_tooltip player_id='2415932' first='Owen' last='Gillingham'] (6-1), [player_tooltip player_id='2989255' first='Ryan' last='Lutz'] (6-3), [player_tooltip player_id='2989250' first='Gavin' last='Selk'] (6-3) and [player_tooltip player_id='2989254' first='Quinn' last='Stein'] (5-8). Junior [player_tooltip player_id='2620941' first='Charlie' last='Elliott'] (6-2) also figures into the mix for Waunakee, which has won the past four league crowns.<br><br>3. <a href="https://prephoops.com/team/wi/beaver-dam/" data-type="link" data-id="prephoops.com/team/wi/beaver-dam/">Beaver Dam</a> -- A couple of double-figure scorers from a year ago -- EJ Salettel (19.5 ppg) and Parker Blank (15.7 ppg) -- will need to be replaced, but the Beavers do have three veterans who all possess grit, talent and versatility. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2371701' first='Isaiah' last='Yuenger'] (6-4) and [player_tooltip player_id='2140933' first='Jaxon' last='Ladron'] (6-1) along with NCAA Division I prospect [player_tooltip player_id='2508468' first='Ben' last='Wittnebel'] (6-6) are returning starters from a club that won 19 games. Yunger and Wittnebel figure to improve on their roughly 12.0 ppg averages of a year ago while Ladron ranks as one of the top defenders in the Badger Large. Coach Tim Ladron starts his 19th year at Beaver Dam looking for seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2808038' first='Max' last='Moritz'] (6-5) and [player_tooltip player_id='2381447' first='Jaeden' last='Born'] (6-3) along with juniors [player_tooltip player_id='2390077' first='Abe' last='Wilke'] (5-10), [player_tooltip player_id='2444210' first='Landon' last='Leisses'] (5-11) and [player_tooltip player_id='3786346' first='Lukas' last='Longseth'] (6-8) to battle for significant playing time. <br><br>4. <a href="https://prephoops.com/team/wi/deforest/" data-type="link" data-id="prephoops.com/team/wi/deforest/">DeForest</a> -- The Norskies might have the best backcourt in the Badger Large with the return of slick junior [player_tooltip player_id='2445276' first='Jayden' last='Doedens'] (6-0) and tough-minded sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2402423' first='Ben' last='Pritzl'] (6-2). Doedens' speed and skill are huge assets and helped him average 15.9 ppg as a sophomore while Pritzl's versatility, physicality and confidence resulted in an average of 11.5 ppg as a freshman in a very good conference. Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='2508475' first='Liam' last='Schloemer'] (6-7) joined Doedens and Pritzl in the starting lineup last winter and averaged 7.6 ppg and 6.2 rpg. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='3019683' first='[player_tooltip player_id='2400591' first='Phillip' last='']' last='Thornsen'] (5-11) and [player_tooltip player_id='3019684' first='Cooper' last='Brown'] (6-1) along with juniors [player_tooltip player_id='3103023' first='Michael' last='Allen'] (6-4) and [player_tooltip player_id='3786351' first='Jonah' last='Rouse'] (6-2) will contend for playing time along with skileld sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='2392980' first='Brady' last='Uelmen'] (6-1). The Norskies lack a great deal of size, but coach Eric Stewart's guards are outstanding. <br><br>5. <a href="https://prephoops.com/team/wi/oregon/" data-type="link" data-id="prephoops.com/team/wi/oregon/">Oregon</a> -- All five starters graduated last spring, leaving some gaping holes int he Panthers' lineup. Still, upbeat coach Chris Siebert believes his club will be more competitive than others might believe thanks to strong shooting, passing and court vision of the players in the program. Seven players do return, led by improving junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='2917944' first='Koby' last='Diaz'] (6-4), who averaged 4.8 ppg as a sophomore but turned in a strong off season on the club and prep circuits. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='3021626' first='Dillon' last='McCarthy'] (6-0) and [player_tooltip player_id='3139207' first='Sam' last='Tsai'] (6-3) also return after being key reserves last winter. Others who figure to contend for playing time include [player_tooltip player_id='3139208' first='Danny' last='Neis'] (6-2), [player_tooltip player_id='3139201' first='Will' last='Carstensen'] (6-4), [player_tooltip player_id='3139194' first='Blake' last='Gaschke'] (6-0) and [player_tooltip player_id='3764582' first='Braden' last='Wollangk'] (6-1).<br><br>6. <a href="https://prephoops.com/team/wi/milton/" data-type="link" data-id="prephoops.com/team/wi/milton/">Milton</a> -- The Red Hawks are always a tough opponent for the teams in the Badger Large as coach Ian Kirst's squad competes with toughness and all-out hustle. Four starters are back, although Milton did lose its top scorer and rebounder in Collin Brach (23.5 ppg, 8.0 rpg) to graduation. Double-figure scorers [player_tooltip player_id='3021045' first='Max' last='Grady'] (5-10) and [player_tooltip player_id='2970297' first='Ryan' last='Delorimier'] (5-11) averaged 11.0 ppg and 11.9 ppg, respectively, and form a strong backcourt along with senior [player_tooltip player_id='3021047' first='Sam' last='Smith'] (6-0). Senior [player_tooltip player_id='2875872' first='Ike' last='Udy'] (6-4) gives the Red Hawks some much-needed size while also being able to score as he looks to better last year's 6.2 ppg average. The Red Hawks' strong senior class also includes returning backups [player_tooltip player_id='3456290' first='Blake' last='Sisson'] (6-1), [player_tooltip player_id='3456307' first='Noah' last='Olson'] (6-2), [player_tooltip player_id='3456295' first='Lucas' last='Jushka'] (6-4), [player_tooltip player_id='2854759' first='DJ' last='Nicholson'] (6-0) and Cooper Homberg (6-0). The Red Hawks look to utilize their quickness, perimeter shooting and up-tempo pace to help offset a lack of size. <br><br>7. <a href="https://prephoops.com/team/wi/baraboo/" data-type="link" data-id="prephoops.com/team/wi/baraboo/">Baraboo</a> -- Baraboo's first year in the Badger Large was a learning experience as the Thunderbirds won just two of 14 league outings. Three starters from that squad return for coach Tyler Fish, giving Baraboo a solid nucleus and proven experience. Baraboo's top player is senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2508484' first='Carter' last='Rivas'], a physical and skilled 6-foot-0 scoring point guard who is the top returning scorer in the league after averaging 20.3 ppg as a junior. Joining Rivas in the starting rotation last winter were senior [player_tooltip player_id='2830604' first='Claytin' last='DuCharme'] (6-7) and junior [player_tooltip player_id='3020742' first='Brady' last='Bauer'] (6-3). DuCharme's length should help defensively in the lane while Bauer ranked among the team leaders in rebounding (4.3 rpg). Seniors Jack Binder (6-0) and [player_tooltip player_id='3685208' first='Cole' last='Gumz'] (5-10) also return as Baraboo looks to improve on its league finish of a year ago. <br><br>8. <a href="https://prephoops.com/team/wi/watertown/" data-type="link" data-id="prephoops.com/team/wi/watertown/">Watertown</a> -- Coach Chad Hayes and his son, senior Macallister Hayes, moved to Florida over the summer. Replacing the 16.2 ppg Macallister provided a year ago and the stability of coach Hayes and his staff will be hurdles to overcome, but optimism is high in Watertown as the Goslings tabbed former Delafield St. John's Northwestern and Kettle Moraine coach Brian Richert to replace Chad Hayes on the sidelines. Richert brings lots of experience and knowledge to the game as he owns a career coaching mark of 181-55. And Richert will get to work with a veteran roster led by senior sharpshooter [player_tooltip player_id='2381446' first='Landon' last='Washetas'] (6-3), who averaged 12.0 ppg and 6.3 rpg as a junior. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2381449' first='Calvin' last='Timmel'] (6-3), [player_tooltip player_id='2443946' first='Alex' last='David'] (6-0) and [player_tooltip player_id='2852728' first='Rowan' last='Loontjer'] (6-1) also return for Watertown, which could prove to be a surprise in a league loaded with good teams. <br><br><strong>Top Returning Scorers</strong><br><br>[player_tooltip player_id='2508484' first='Carter' last='Rivas'], Baraboo (20.3 ppg)<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2423093' first='Evan' last='Luchetti'], Monona Grove (16.6 ppg)<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2140989' first='Wes' last='DuCharme'], Waunakee (16.3 ppg)<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2445276' first='Jayden' last='Doedens'], DeForest (15.9 ppg)<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2140876' first='Austin' last='Luchetti'], Monona Grove (15.5 ppg) *<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2371701' first='Isaiah' last='Yuenger'], Beaver Dam (12.7 ppg)<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2508468' first='Ben' last='Wittnebel'], Beaver Dam (12.6 ppg)<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2433111' first='Jacob' last='Muniz'], Waunakee (12.4 ppg)<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2381446' first='Landon' last='Washetas'], Watertown (12.0 ppg)<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2970297' first='Ryan' last='Delorimier'], Milton (11.9 ppg)<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2402423' first='Ben' last='Pritzl'], DeForest (11.5 ppg)<br>[player_tooltip player_id='3021045' first='Max' last='Grady'], Milton (11.0 ppg)<br><br>* [player_tooltip player_id='2140876' first='Austin' last='Luchetti'] missed the 2025-26 season. His stats are from 2024-25.<br><br><strong>Projected All-Conference Teams<br>First Team</strong><br>[player_tooltip player_id='2140876' first='Austin' last='Luchetti'], 6-7, Sr., Monona Grove<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2508468' first='Ben' last='Wittnebel'], 6-6, Jr., Beaver Dam<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2445276' first='Jayden' last='Doedens'], 6-0, Jr., DeForest<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2508484' first='Carter' last='Rivas'], 6-0, Sr., Baraboo<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2140989' first='Wes' last='DuCharme'], 6-4, Sr., Waunakee<br><br><strong>Second Team</strong><br>[player_tooltip player_id='2381446' first='Landon' last='Washetas'], 6-3, Sr., Watertown<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2371701' first='Isaiah' last='Yuenger'], 6-4, Sr., Beaver Dam<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2402423' first='Ben' last='Pritzl'], 6-2, Soph., DeForest<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2970297' first='Ryan' last='Delorimier'], 5-11, Sr., Milton<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2369939' first='Jayden' last='Jackson'], 6-8, Soph., Monona Grove<br><br><strong>The Big Five</strong><br><strong>Best Shooter:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='2433111' first='Jacob' last='Muniz'], Waunakee<br><strong>Best Rebounder:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='2508468' first='Ben' last='Wittnebel'], Beaver Dam<br><strong>Best Defender:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='2140933' first='Jaxon' last='Ladron'], Beaver Dam<br><strong>Best Collegiate Prospects:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='2369939' first='Jayden' last='Jackson'], Monona Grove &amp; [player_tooltip player_id='2508468' first='Ben' last='Wittnebel'], Beaver Dam<br><strong>Most Improved Player:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='2917944' first='Koby' last='Diaz'], Oregon</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->