Looking ahead to the 2024-25 season, NY2LA Sports breaks down the race in the Wisconsin Valley Conference…
PROJECTED STANDINGS
1. Marshfield
2. Wausau East
3. Stevens Point
4. D.C. Everest
5. Wisconsin Rapids
6. Wausau West
7. Merrill
THE FAVORITE – Marshfield
The Tigers rolled through the Wisconsin Valley Conference last season and definitely have the horses to go undefeated in league play again. Marshfield has its top four scorers back from 2023-24, including the 1-2 punch of Brooks Hinson (16.8 ppg) and Chris Pohl (14.6 ppg). Don’t sleep on senior guard Landon Lee (11.9 ppg), who is a nice x-factor with 3-and-D capability.
DARK HORSE – Wausau East
The Lumberjacks were 8-4 in Wisconsin Valley play last season and quietly won 19 games and reached the sectional semifinals in 2023-24. The league’s leading returning scorer, Jesse Napgezek (18.7 ppg) is also back, as is double-double threat Charlie Cayley (13.3 ppg) which could make the Lumberjacks a sleeper pick in Division 1.
PRESEASON ALL-CONFERENCE
FIRST TEAM
G Brooks Hinson – Sr. – Marshfield
G Grant Chandonais – Sr. – Stevens Point
G Jesse Napgezek – Sr. – Wausau East
G Cohen Priebe – Sr. – D.C. Everst
F Chris Pohl – Jr. – Marshfield
SECOND TEAM
G Landon Lee – Sr. – Marshfield
G Brody Gilbertson – Jr. – Wisconsin Rapids
G Charlie Cayley – Sr. Wausau East
G Griffin Lange – Sr. – Wausau West
F Casey Stuedemann – Sr. – D.C. Everest
PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Brooks Hinson
Hinson is a safe bet to repeat as conference POY. The senior guard was second in the league last season in scoring (16.8 ppg). Hinson shot 52 percent from the field and also grabbed four rebounds while dishing out three assists per game.