Top Five Surprise Teams

<p>Every season, programs manage to defy roster turnover or middling expectations and put themselves atop their conference. These five programs have taken a path similar to this, putting themselves in position for 15-20 win seasons despite entering the year off the radar.</p> <p>Martin Luther - Roster turnover doesn’t begin to cover the damage Martin Luther took this offseason. Five of their top six scorers graduated, three of them being top 15 prospects in their class. A rebuilding year was expected, but they've started the year off winning 11 of their first 14 games, turning heads in the process.</p> <p>As for the new faces, most of them were scraping up after the starters last season. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/joey-immekus/">Joey Immekus</a>, the only starter returning from last year, has taken the reins as a 16.8 points per game scorer. Ryan Scholfield and Garrett Moore have stepped in as complementary players, while Tre Burris has transitioned from JV to varsity seamlessly, averaging 11.6 points a game as their third-leading scorer.</p> <p>Waunakee - The Badger conferences have a handful of uber-talented, State-caliber teams. No one embodies that more than Waunakee. After finishing last season .500 in the conference and losing three of their top four scorers, they’ve managed to change the narrative, as they currently boast a 12-4 record and only one conference loss.</p> <p>For them, balance on the offensive end has been key. Sophomore <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/andrew-keller/">Andrew Keller</a> is leading them in the scoring column, but Caden Nelson, Jaxon Zibell, and Caden Hough each provide skills that have meshed well this season.</p> <p>Wauwatosa West - There’s not much room for surprises in the Greater Metro Conference, which makes Wauwatosa West’s ascension into the top-five in the standings that much more shocking. They have 10 wins on the year, the same amount they had all of last season, and have a steady three-game win streak going into February.</p> <p>Most of their success is a product of <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/justin-steinike/">Justin Steinike</a>, Khristian Green and <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jaylyn-kelley/">Jaylyn Kelley</a>. The trio accounts for nearly 40 points a night, each of them able to contribute as playmakers with a sense for scoring.</p> <p>Oostburg - Division five teams don’t get much of a spotlight, so last year, Oostburg's 18-6 record was easily swept under the rug. This season, though, they’ve taken the step record-wise to warrant increased attention.</p> <p>A key win over Sheboygan Lutheran is the climax of their 13-1 record, but scoring outbursts from Cam Jaeger deserve a mention also. The senior guard is averaging 18.8 points per game, mostly due to a deadly accurate three-point jumper.</p> <p>Oconomowoc - Oconomowoc is already one win away from tying last year’s win total (11 wins). The primary reason for their newfound success comes from the synergy formed by Caleb Flaten-Moore and Drew Fischer. The two average 34.7 points a night combined, and are focal points in the rebounding and passing game.</p> <p>They’ll have to uphold their standing this February, but a few key wins could complete their breakout season.</p>