With the 2024-25 season on the horizon, NY2LA Sports releases our preseason top five in Division 1…
1. De Pere
2023-24 Record: 26-2
WIAA Playoff Finish: Lost to Arrowhead in the Sectional Finals
Key Losses: Will Hornesth (16.6 ppg), Ben Willihnganz (6.6 ppg)
The Redbirds were denied back-to-back state titles, getting upset by Arrowhead in the sectional finals. De Pere will have to cope without Hornseth, now at Northern Iowa, but there’s still plenty in the cupboard. Wisconsin commit Zach Kinziger (19.9 ppg) leads a formidable group capable of winning the gold ball for the second time in three seasons. Kinziger has plenty of help as Northern Michigan commit Pryce Gregoire (10.4 ppg) and Roan Demovksy (7.0 ppg) are capable of taking a lot off his plate.
2. Eau Claire Memorial
2023-24 Record: 18-7
WIAA Playoff Finish: Lost to Appleton East in Regional Finals
Key Losses: N/A
Could this be the 2024-25 version of Marquette? Like the Hilltoppers last season, Memorial returns just about everything and will have as good of a senior class as anyone in the state. An injury to leading scorer Cooper Jesperson (20.3 ppg) derailed last season’s potential run. However, the Old Abes were still able to win the Big Rivers Conference. ECM is loaded with college talent, including Wesley Mboga (13.8 ppg), Julius Clark (13.0 ppg), and Bryce Hedtke (7.8 ppg). This core all runs together in the AAU circuit as well, giving the Old Abes chemistry that can’t be replicated.
3. Homestead
2023-24 Record: 20-7
WIAA Playoff Finish: Lost to De Pere in the Sectional Semifinals
Key Losses: Tim Franks (27.6 ppg), Tommy O’Hagan (8.3 ppg)
While Franks, now at St. Thomas, is gone, this might be Homestead’s best shot to reach the state tournament and finally get over that hump in a loaded sectional. The Highlanders were one play away from upsetting De Pere in the sectional semifinals. Banking on the growth of Trevor Polite (13.2 ppg) and Michael Rogers Jr. (6.5 ppg) to take big steps forward.
4. Marshfield
2023-24 Record: 25-3
WIAA Playoff Finish: Lost to Neenah in the sectional finals
Key Losses: N/A
Another team that has a chip on its shoulder, Marshfield was poised to reach Madison until falling to Cinderella story, Neenah, in the sectional finals. Just about everything is back for the Tigers, including guard Brooks Hinson (16.8 ppg) who runs a team arguably as well as anyone in the state. Chris Pohl (14.6 ppg) and Landon Lee (11.9) make up a dynamic and well-rounded trio for Marshfield, who went unscathed in Wisconsin Valley Conference play last season.
5. Oshkosh North
2023-24 Record: 20-6
WIAA Playoff Finish: Lost to Germantown in the Regional Finals
Key Losses: Stevie Clark (22.4 ppg)
The reigning Fox Valley Association champs will build around Iowa State commit Xzavion Mitchell (25.7 ppg) this winter. While Clark, now at Colgate, will be one of the most difficult players to replace, the emergence of forward Bryce Ott (10.7 ppg) gives the Spartans a chance to break through and advance to the Kohl Center in March. However, depth will once again be an issue for North.