Looking ahead to the 2024-25 season, NY2LA Sports breaks down the race in the Mississippi Valley Conference…
Projected Standings
1. Holmen
2. Aquinas
3. Tomah
4. Onalaska
5. La Crosse Central
6. La Crosse Logan
7. Sparta
THE FAVORITE – Holmen
This is a very tough race to project. Central and Onalaska have dominated this league for as long as anyone can remember. In fact, you’d have to go back to 2010-2011 when one them didn’t win it. Holmen was third in the Mississippi Valley last season, posting an 8-4 record. Featuring a balanced lineup that’s tough to defend, the Vikings have three double figure scorers returning from last season.
DARK HORSE – Aquinas
The last team to de-throne Onalaska and Central? Aquinas, thanks to a guy named Bronson Koenig. Junior guard Logan Becker (15.8 ppg) quietly had a very good sophomore season and is one of the better players in the state that few are talking about.
PRESEASON All-Conference
G Logan Becker – Jr. – Aquinas
G Alex Berget – Jr. – Holmen
G Quinn Gerke – So. – Tomah
G Gabe Servais – So. – La Crosse Central
F Jacob Hackbarth – Sr. – La Crosse Logan
F Gavin Rhead – Sr. – Sparta
PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Logan Becker
Becker averaged just shy of 16 points per game as a sophomore, next to a very good player in Walter Berns, who has since departed. The 6-foot-2 junior also grabbed four rebounds and dished out two assists per game while shooting 48 percent from the field.
BREAKOUT PLAYER – Gabe Servais
The Riverhawks are also in rebuild mode after losing their top three scorers from last season. Look for Servais to take the reins of this historic program. As a freshman, Servais averaged over seven points per game.
SURPRISE PLAYER – Ian Kowal
Kowal can contribute in a variety of ways and do a little bit of everything on the floor. He was an excellent role player for the Hilltoppers last season, contributing seven points, four rebounds, and two assists per game. Onalaska completely reloads this winter, which will give Kowal the keys to the car.